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52 Child Daycare & Preschools in El Cajon, California

Browse all 52 child daycare & preschools in El Cajon, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in El Cajon

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

    1150 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children

    Parents consistently praise Children's Choice (formerly Dayspring Christian Learning Center) for exceptional staff care, cleanliness, and a nurturing environment where children thrive. The facility features enriching activities, a well-maintained garden with animals, renovated classrooms, and strong parent communication through daily updates. Multiple reviews highlight specific teachers by name, noting their warmth, patience, and genuine investment in child development.

    Caring and compassionate staffclean facilitynutritious and delicious mealsdaily communication and updates with parents
  2. 2

    1150 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 64 children

    Parents consistently praise Children's Choice (formerly Dayspring Christian Learning Center) for exceptional staff care, cleanliness, and educational activities. Multiple reviews highlight specific teachers by name for their warmth, patience, and genuine love for the children. The facility features hands-on learning opportunities, good communication with parents, and a welcoming environment where children are eager to attend.

    Compassionate and caring staffclean fac
  3. 3

    315 West Bradley Avenue, El Cajon, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 58 children

    Note: The reviews provided are for Foothills Church, not the preschool program. Reviews praise the church's welcoming community, biblical teaching, and youth programs. Parents appreciate the supportive atmosphere and community involvement.

    Welcoming staffstrong sense of communityBible-centered teachingyouth programs and events
  4. 4

    2100 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 94 children

    These reviews do not pertain to the daycare's services. All reviews discuss Shadow Mountain Community Church's worship services, Pastor David Jeremiah's preaching, and church hospitality rather than the preschool program itself.

    No relevant daycare feedback provided
  5. 5

    2330 Center Place, El Cajon, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children

    Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the warm, caring staff and director Robin's exceptional leadership. Parents report their children thrive academically and emotionally in a bright, well-organized facility with strong community and family support.

    Warm and caring staffexcellent director communicationbright and spacious facilitystructured learning program (phonics
  6. 6

    455 Church Way, El Cajon, CA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 78 children

    Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church Pre-School in El Cajon receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, caring staff and director Robin's leadership. Parents highlight the bright, spacious facility, strong academics, and supportive community environment that has served multiple generations of families.

    Warm and caring staffexcellent director (Robin)bright and spacious facilitystrong academics (phonics
  7. 7

    455 Church Way, El Cajon, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children

    Parents consistently praise Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool as an exceptional facility with warm, caring staff and strong leadership. Multiple families report significant positive experiences across multiple children, with appreciation for the structured learning environment, safe facilities, and sense of community.

    Warm and caring staffexceptional director (Robin)bright and spacious facilitiesstructured curriculum (phonics
  8. 8
    Children'S Choice-Infant
    4.48 score
    4.6(20)

    1465 E. Madison Avenue, El Cajon, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 19 children

    Parents consistently praise Children's Choice for providing a loving, safe, and nurturing environment where children thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Multiple reviews highlight specific teachers who go above and beyond, form strong connections with children, and communicate effectively with parents. Parents express high trust in the facility and staff, with many having children attend for multiple years across different classroom levels.

    Caring and patient teachersstrong teacher-child relationshipsindividualized attention to each child's needs and personalityfocus on independence and manners
  9. 9

    1465 E. Madison Avenue, El Cajon, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children

    Parents consistently praise Children's Choice for exceptional teacher care and emotional support. Multiple teachers are highlighted for going above and beyond, creating safe and loving environments where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Parents emphasize they trust the staff completely with their children's development.

    Caring and patient teachersstrong teacher-child connectionsindividualized attention to each child's needssupportive com
  10. 10
    Children'S Choice
    4.48 score
    4.6(20)

    1465 E. Madison Avenue, El Cajon, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 82 children

    Parents consistently praise Children's Choice for providing loving, patient, and attentive care. Multiple reviews highlight specific teachers who go above and beyond, making children feel safe, valued, and supported in their development. The facility focuses on independence, manners, and emotional growth while maintaining strong communication with parents.

    Dedicated and caring teachersstrong teacher-child relationshipspatient approach to behavioral challengesfocus on independence and social-emotional development

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in El Cajon based on parent reviews

Dayspring Christian Learning Center - Infant

4.9(20)

1150 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA

Parents consistently praise Children's Choice (formerly Dayspring Christian Learning Center) for exceptional staff care, cleanliness, and a nurturing environment where children thrive. The facility features enriching activities, a well-maintained garden with animals, renovated classrooms, and strong parent communication through daily updates. Multiple reviews highlight specific teachers by name, noting their warmth, patience, and genuine investment in child development.

Caring and compassionate staffclean facilitynutritious and delicious meals

Dayspring Christian Learning Center

4.9(20)

1150 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA

Parents consistently praise Children's Choice (formerly Dayspring Christian Learning Center) for exceptional staff care, cleanliness, and educational activities. Multiple reviews highlight specific teachers by name for their warmth, patience, and genuine love for the children. The facility features hands-on learning opportunities, good communication with parents, and a welcoming environment where children are eager to attend.

Compassionate and caring staffclean fac

Foothills Christian Preschool

4.7(20)

315 West Bradley Avenue, El Cajon, CA

Note: The reviews provided are for Foothills Church, not the preschool program. Reviews praise the church's welcoming community, biblical teaching, and youth programs. Parents appreciate the supportive atmosphere and community involvement.

Welcoming staffstrong sense of communityBible-centered teaching

Shadow Mountain Community Preschool

4.7(20)

2100 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA

These reviews do not pertain to the daycare's services. All reviews discuss Shadow Mountain Community Church's worship services, Pastor David Jeremiah's preaching, and church hospitality rather than the preschool program itself.

No relevant daycare feedback provided

Lmsvsd - Fletcher Hills Preschool

5(5)

2330 Center Place, El Cajon, CA

Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the warm, caring staff and director Robin's exceptional leadership. Parents report their children thrive academically and emotionally in a bright, well-organized facility with strong community and family support.

Warm and caring staffexcellent director communicationbright and spacious facility

Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool-School Age

5(5)

455 Church Way, El Cajon, CA

Parents consistently praise Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool as an exceptional facility with warm, caring staff and strong leadership. Multiple families report significant positive experiences across multiple children, with appreciation for the structured learning environment, safe facilities, and sense of community.

Warm and caring staffexceptional director (Robin)bright and spacious facilities

Map

Child Daycare & Preschools in El Cajon, California

There are 52 child daycare & preschools in El Cajon, California, making up 91% of the 57 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

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

All Child Daycare & Preschools in El Cajon

Showing 52 results

Lmsvsd - Fletcher Hills Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the warm, caring staff and director Robin's exceptional leadership. Parents report their children thrive academically and emotionally in a bright, well-organized facility with strong community and family support.

Warm and caring staffexcellent director communicationbright and spacious facility
Address
2330 Center Place, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 688-5820
Taproot Montessori Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1431 E. Broadway, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 444-0131
Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool-School Age
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents consistently praise Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool as an exceptional facility with warm, caring staff and strong leadership. Multiple families report significant positive experiences across multiple children, with appreciation for the structured learning environment, safe facilities, and sense of community.

Warm and caring staffexceptional director (Robin)bright and spacious facilities
Address
455 Church Way, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 466-3326
Wisdomworks Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
450 N Pierce Street, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 440-1044
Dayspring Christian Learning Center - Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents consistently praise Children's Choice (formerly Dayspring Christian Learning Center) for exceptional staff care, cleanliness, and a nurturing environment where children thrive. The facility features enriching activities, a well-maintained garden with animals, renovated classrooms, and strong parent communication through daily updates. Multiple reviews highlight specific teachers by name, noting their warmth, patience, and genuine investment in child development.

Caring and compassionate staffclean facilitynutritious and delicious meals
Address
1150 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 442-2895
Dayspring Christian Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents consistently praise Children's Choice (formerly Dayspring Christian Learning Center) for exceptional staff care, cleanliness, and educational activities. Multiple reviews highlight specific teachers by name for their warmth, patience, and genuine love for the children. The facility features hands-on learning opportunities, good communication with parents, and a welcoming environment where children are eager to attend.

Compassionate and caring staffclean fac
Address
1150 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 442-2895
Foothills Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Note: The reviews provided are for Foothills Church, not the preschool program. Reviews praise the church's welcoming community, biblical teaching, and youth programs. Parents appreciate the supportive atmosphere and community involvement.

Welcoming staffstrong sense of communityBible-centered teaching
Address
315 West Bradley Avenue, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 442-7728
Shadow Mountain Community Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

These reviews do not pertain to the daycare's services. All reviews discuss Shadow Mountain Community Church's worship services, Pastor David Jeremiah's preaching, and church hospitality rather than the preschool program itself.

No relevant daycare feedback provided
Address
2100 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 590-1712
Children'S Choice-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents consistently praise Children's Choice for providing a loving, safe, and nurturing environment where children thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Multiple reviews highlight specific teachers who go above and beyond, form strong connections with children, and communicate effectively with parents. Parents express high trust in the facility and staff, with many having children attend for multiple years across different classroom levels.

Caring and patient teachersstrong teacher-child relationshipsindividualized attention to each child's needs and personality
Address
1465 E. Madison Avenue, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 442-4014
Children'S Choice-School-Age
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents consistently praise Children's Choice for exceptional teacher care and emotional support. Multiple teachers are highlighted for going above and beyond, creating safe and loving environments where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Parents emphasize they trust the staff completely with their children's development.

Caring and patient teachersstrong teacher-child connectionsindividualized attention to each child's needs
Address
1465 E. Madison Avenue, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 442-4014
Children'S Choice
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents consistently praise Children's Choice for providing loving, patient, and attentive care. Multiple reviews highlight specific teachers who go above and beyond, making children feel safe, valued, and supported in their development. The facility focuses on independence, manners, and emotional growth while maintaining strong communication with parents.

Dedicated and caring teachersstrong teacher-child relationshipspatient approach to behavioral challenges
Address
1465 E. Madison Avenue, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 442-4014
Ready Set Grow School Age
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Ready Set Grow School Age receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all 10 reviews rating the center 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring, attentive staff, strong parent communication, clean and safe environment, and balanced approach to academics and social-emotional development. Children are reported to be happy, excited to attend, and making measurable progress.

Warm and caring staffexcellent parent communication with daily updates and photosclean and well-organized facility
Address
728 Pepper Drive, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 448-4585
Oak Tree Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Oak Tree Academy receives mostly positive reviews praising personalized curriculum, caring staff, and reasonable pricing for infant and preschool care. However, two negative reviews cite serious concerns about owner conduct, including alleged verbal abuse, discrimination against families receiving county subsidies, and dismissive attitudes toward parents.

Personalized curriculumcaring and attentive staffreasonable pricing compared to corporate daycares
Address
1375 East Washington Avenue, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 749-9310
Ready Set Grow Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Ready Set Grow Preschool in El Cajon receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the warm, caring staff, strong communication, and nurturing environment. Parents consistently report their children are happy, engaged, and thriving academically and socially. The center is noted for its cleanliness, organized structure, convenient amenities, and healthy meal programs.

Warm and caring staffexcellent parent communication with daily updates and photosclea
Address
728 Pepper Drive, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 448-4585
Ready Set Grow Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Ready Set Grow Infant receives consistently excellent reviews with all 5-star ratings. Parents praise the warm, caring staff, strong communication, clean facility, and child development outcomes. Children reportedly enjoy attending and form genuine attachments to teachers and the center.

Caring and attentive staffexcellent parent communication with daily updates and photosclean and safe facility
Address
728 Pepper Drive, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 448-4585
Oak Tree Academy-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Oak Tree Academy-Infant receives mostly positive reviews praising personalized curriculum, caring staff, and reasonable pricing for infant and preschool care. However, two recent reviews describe serious concerns about the owner's unprofessional conduct, including verbal abuse and discriminatory treatment toward families receiving county childcare subsidies.

Personalized curriculumcaring and attentive staffreasonable pricing compared to corporate daycares
Address
1375 East Washington Avenue, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 749-9310
Cuyamaca Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

The reviews provided are for Cuyamaca College, a community college, not for Cuyamaca Child Development Center, a daycare. No actual daycare reviews are present in the data submitted.

Unable to assess - reviews are for a collegenot a childcare facility
Address
900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 660-4660
Cajon Valley State Funded Preschool Program
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Parents consistently praise the Cajon Valley Union School District's state-funded preschool program for its respectful, friendly staff and clean facilities. Reviewers highlight strong STEAM curriculum integration, excellent special education services, diverse learning opportunities, and robust parent communication tools. The program is described as well-organized and helpful.

Friendly and respectful staffclean facilitiesSTEAM curriculum and career-building opportunities
Address
1609 East Madison, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 588-3146
Pepper Valley Learning Center - School Age
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Pepper Valley Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with staff consistently praised for being caring, patient, and dedicated to child development. Parents report their children are happy, safe, and making strong academic and social progress. One parent raised concerns about supervision and staff defensiveness when issues were raised.

Caring and dedicated teacherssafe and nurturing environmentstrong academic progress
Address
1358 Pepper Drive, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 444-7770
Pepper Valley Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Pepper Valley Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with 9 out of 10 recent reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently praise the caring, patient, and dedicated staff, strong curriculum, and nurturing environment where children feel safe and excited to learn. One parent raised concerns about supervision adequacy and staff defensiveness when the issue was addressed.

Caring and patient teacherschild safety and happinessacade
Address
1358 Pepper Drive, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 444-7770
Holy Trinity Early Childhood Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

Holy Trinity Early Childhood Development Center in El Cajon receives mostly positive reviews praising the caring staff and welcoming environment, though one parent reported a negative experience with teacher professionalism regarding behavior management. Most reviewers highlight Director Debbie's leadership, clean facilities, secure outdoor play areas, and faith-based curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten.

caring and loving staffwelcoming community atmosphereDirector Debbie's leadership
Address
523 Ballard Street, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 444-1052
Aunty Lynn'S Daycare Centers INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
1107 E. Washington Avenue, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 440-0240
First Lutheran Preschool Of El Cajon
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
867 South Lincoln, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 444-0559
Aunty Lynn'S School Age Program
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
1107 E. Washington, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 440-0240
Guhsd Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

Parents consistently praise Grossmont High School's supporting and caring teachers and staff, with multiple mentions of exceptional customer service. The facility offers good academic opportunities, activities, and sports programs with convenient access and parking. However, some parents note that a few staff members can be rude and facilities like bathrooms and drinking fountains need improvement.

Caring and supportive teacherswelcoming and professional staffgood academic opportunities
Address
1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 668-6099
Grossmont College Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3
Address
8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 644-7715
Meridian Elementary State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
651 S. Third Street, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 401-6380
Next Generation Educational Center - School Age
Child Daycare & Preschools

NEXT GENERATION EDUCATIONAL CENTER receives mixed reviews with stark contrasts. Positive reviews praise the childcare experience and specific staff members. However, negative reviews from former staff and observers cite toxic work environment, micromanagement by owner, inadequate curriculum and materials, high staff turnover, and concerning teacher conduct toward children.

Praised childcare experiencepositive mentions of staff members (Ms. SarahMs. Maryam)
Address
1471 Granite Hills Drive, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 441-8800
Next Generation Educational Center - Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools

NEXT GENERATION EDUCATIONAL CENTER receives mixed reviews with stark contrasts. While some parents praise the care and staff like Ms. Sarah, multiple reviews from former employees and observers describe serious concerns about management practices, staff treatment, and classroom conduct.

Quality care from dedicated staff memberspositive experiences in the 2's classroomcaring teachers
Address
1471 Granite Hills Drive, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 441-8800
Circle Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
500 Farragut Circle, El Cajon, CA
Phone
(619) 442-2044

Page 1 of 2· 52 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 52 child daycare & preschools daycares in El Cajon, California, out of 57 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
When choosing a daycare in El Cajon, 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
El Cajon offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 52 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 2 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 El Cajon for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in El Cajon 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.