Children at daycare

17 Daycare Centers in Santee, California

Browse all 17 daycare centers in Santee, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Santee

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1
    Children'S Choice
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    8824 Cottonwood Ave, Santee, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 43 children

    Parents consistently praise Children's Choice for its warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children thrive academically and emotionally. The staff, led by director Ms. Vanessa, is highlighted as exceptional, compassionate, and dedicated to each child's individual growth and happiness. Multiple parents report their children look forward to attending daily and have developed genuine love of learning.

    Warm and safe environmentengaging activitiesexceptional an
  2. 2

    9310 Dalehurst Road, Santee, CA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 48 children

    Guardian Angels Catholic Church Preschool is consistently praised for its welcoming and compassionate community atmosphere. Parents appreciate the friendly parish members, family-oriented programming, and engagement activities. The facility is noted as a safe, caring environment that makes families feel like part of a larger faith community.

    welcoming atmospherekind and compassionate stafffamily-friendly programs (family massfestivals)
  3. 3

    11316 Woodside Avenue N., Santee, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    Parents consistently praise Giggles & Smiles for exceptional care, attentive staff, and strong communication. The facility is noted for cleanliness, a comprehensive curriculum, and going above-and-beyond with amenities like provided meals and diapers. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children over many years, indicating high satisfaction and retention.

    Caring and professional staffowner involvement and communicationclean facilityprovided meals and diapers
  4. 4

    11316 Woodside Avenue N., Santee, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children

    Giggles & Smiles receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the caring owners (Piper and Brooke) and dedicated teaching staff. Parents highlight strong communication, comprehensive curriculum including academics and Spanish, and practical benefits like provided meals and diapers. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children over many years, indicating high satisfaction and trust.

    Caring and communicative owners and staffclean facilityst
  5. 5

    8964 North Magnolia Avenue, Santee, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 34 children

    Door to the Future Preschool receives mostly positive feedback from parents, with high praise for staff attentiveness, communication, and child engagement. However, one parent raised concerns about excessive outdoor noise levels disturbing the residential neighborhood.

    Caring and generous staffstrong parent communication with photo updatesinclusive eventsoutdoor activities and projects

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Santee based on parent reviews

Children'S Choice

4.9(20)

8824 Cottonwood Ave, Santee, CA

Parents consistently praise Children's Choice for its warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children thrive academically and emotionally. The staff, led by director Ms. Vanessa, is highlighted as exceptional, compassionate, and dedicated to each child's individual growth and happiness. Multiple parents report their children look forward to attending daily and have developed genuine love of learning.

Warm and safe environmentengaging activitiesexceptional an

Guardian Angels Catholic Church Preschool

4.7(20)

9310 Dalehurst Road, Santee, CA

Guardian Angels Catholic Church Preschool is consistently praised for its welcoming and compassionate community atmosphere. Parents appreciate the friendly parish members, family-oriented programming, and engagement activities. The facility is noted as a safe, caring environment that makes families feel like part of a larger faith community.

welcoming atmospherekind and compassionate stafffamily-friendly programs (family mass

Giggles & Smiles Child Care Center LLC

4.6(13)

11316 Woodside Avenue N., Santee, CA

Parents consistently praise Giggles & Smiles for exceptional care, attentive staff, and strong communication. The facility is noted for cleanliness, a comprehensive curriculum, and going above-and-beyond with amenities like provided meals and diapers. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children over many years, indicating high satisfaction and retention.

Caring and professional staffowner involvement and communicationclean facility

Giggles & Smiles Child Care Center LLC-Infant

4.6(13)

11316 Woodside Avenue N., Santee, CA

Giggles & Smiles receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the caring owners (Piper and Brooke) and dedicated teaching staff. Parents highlight strong communication, comprehensive curriculum including academics and Spanish, and practical benefits like provided meals and diapers. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children over many years, indicating high satisfaction and trust.

Caring and communicative owners and staffclean facilityst

Little Learners & Infant Care

4.7(4)

10154 N. Magnolia Avenue, Santee, CA

East County Christian Preschool

5(2)

10701 N. Magnolia Ave., Santee, CA

Map

Daycare Centers in Santee, California

There are 17 daycare centers in Santee, California. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Santee, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Daycare Centers in Santee

Showing 17 results

East County Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
10701 N. Magnolia Ave., Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 258-2029
Children'S Choice
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents consistently praise Children's Choice for its warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children thrive academically and emotionally. The staff, led by director Ms. Vanessa, is highlighted as exceptional, compassionate, and dedicated to each child's individual growth and happiness. Multiple parents report their children look forward to attending daily and have developed genuine love of learning.

Warm and safe environmentengaging activitiesexceptional an
Address
8824 Cottonwood Ave, Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 457-0381
Little Learners & Infant Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
10154 N. Magnolia Avenue, Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 562-9907
Guardian Angels Catholic Church Preschool
Church Daycare
4.7

Guardian Angels Catholic Church Preschool is consistently praised for its welcoming and compassionate community atmosphere. Parents appreciate the friendly parish members, family-oriented programming, and engagement activities. The facility is noted as a safe, caring environment that makes families feel like part of a larger faith community.

welcoming atmospherekind and compassionate stafffamily-friendly programs (family mass
Address
9310 Dalehurst Road, Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 596-3281
Giggles & Smiles Child Care Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents consistently praise Giggles & Smiles for exceptional care, attentive staff, and strong communication. The facility is noted for cleanliness, a comprehensive curriculum, and going above-and-beyond with amenities like provided meals and diapers. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children over many years, indicating high satisfaction and retention.

Caring and professional staffowner involvement and communicationclean facility
Address
11316 Woodside Avenue N., Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 258-5437
Giggles & Smiles Child Care Center LLC-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Giggles & Smiles receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the caring owners (Piper and Brooke) and dedicated teaching staff. Parents highlight strong communication, comprehensive curriculum including academics and Spanish, and practical benefits like provided meals and diapers. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children over many years, indicating high satisfaction and trust.

Caring and communicative owners and staffclean facilityst
Address
11316 Woodside Avenue N., Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 258-5437
Door To The Future Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

Door to the Future Preschool receives mostly positive feedback from parents, with high praise for staff attentiveness, communication, and child engagement. However, one parent raised concerns about excessive outdoor noise levels disturbing the residential neighborhood.

Caring and generous staffstrong parent communication with photo updatesinclusive events
Address
8964 North Magnolia Avenue, Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 258-5721
Faith Trolley Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
9971 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 596-0390
Tutor Time Child Care Learning Center-School Age
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
9440 Cuyamaca Street, Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 448-4445
Montessori Discovery School
Before or After School Daycare
Address
8559 Fanita Drive, Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 449-1187
Prospect Avenue State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
8655 Ellsworth Lane, Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 956-5257
Yale Preschool-Carlton Hills
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
9353 Pike St, Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 258-2369
Kindercare Cuyamaca Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise KinderCare Cuyamaca Infant for its caring, patient staff and nurturing environment. Children reportedly thrive academically and socially, with smooth transitions between age groups. Families appreciate the structured curriculum, activities, and responsive management.

Patient and caring staffsmooth adjustment for childrenstrong academic and social development
Address
9735 Cuyamaca Street, Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 562-3423
Kindercare Cuyamaca Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise KinderCare Cuyamaca Center for its caring, patient staff and nurturing environment where children thrive academically and socially. Multiple reviewers highlight successful transitions from home to preschool and positive developmental progress. The center is highly recommended as a reliable, safe facility where children are genuinely happy to attend.

Patient and kind staffsmooth transitions for new studentsstrong academic curriculum
Address
9735 Cuyamaca Street, Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 562-3423
Yale Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
10201 Settle Road, Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 258-2369
Tutor Time Child Care Learning Center-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
9440 Cuyamaca Street, Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 448-4445
Yale Preschool-Hill Creek
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
9665 Jeremy St., Santee, CA
Phone
(619) 258-2369

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Frequently asked questions

There are 17 all daycares in Santee, California. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
When choosing a daycare in Santee, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with California's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in California)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Santee offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 15 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 1 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 1 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in California typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Santee for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Santee must be licensed by California's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.