How do I choose the right daycare in Encinitas?

When choosing a daycare in Encinitas, 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

What types of daycare are available in Encinitas?

Encinitas offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 21 facilities Church Daycare — 1 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 3 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Child Daycare & Preschools in Encinitas, California (21 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in California?

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 Encinitas for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Encinitas

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.

Encinitas Shining Stars

4.06 score

4.1(8)

511 Encinitas Blvd. Ste. 114, Encinitas, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 55 children

Encinitas Shining Stars receives predominantly positive reviews praising caring staff, developmental programs, and communication with parents. However, two recent negative reviews cite issues with new ownership, staff turnover, micromanagement, and deposit refund policies.

Caring and nurturing teachersstrong child development outcomesregular photo and activity updatesfield trips and engaging activities

Magdalena Ecke Family Ymca

3.84 score

3.8(20)

1690 Wandering Road, Encinitas, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children

Note: The reviews provided are for the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA gym and recreation facility, not a daycare center. Parents praise the clean facilities, excellent pool, affordable pricing, and family-friendly atmosphere. Some concerns include dated interior design, declining maintenance standards, and recent fee increases.

Clean facilitiesexcellent pool with lap lanesaffordable pricing compared to competitorsfriendly and helpful staff

Magdalena Ecke Ymca

3.84 score

3.8(20)

200 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 128 children

This facility is primarily reviewed as a YMCA fitness center, not as a daycare. While most reviewers praise the gym amenities, pool, and staff friendliness, some note concerns about pricing increases, dated facility design, and declining maintenance over time.

Clean facilitiesexcellent pool and aquatic amenitiesfriendly and helpful staffaffordable compared to other gyms

Magdalena Ecke Family Ymca-School Age (Farm Lab)

3.84 score

3.8(20)

441 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 101 children

These reviews are for the YMCA facility's gym and recreational amenities, not the school-age daycare program. The few mentions of youth programs (preschool, camps, after-school care) are positive, but there are insufficient reviews specifically about the daycare operations to provide an accurate assessment.

Clean facilitiesfriendly staffexcellent poolaffordable membership rates

Child Daycare & Preschools in Encinitas, California

There are 21 child daycare & preschools in Encinitas, California, making up 84% of the 25 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 Encinitas, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 21 child daycare & preschools daycares in Encinitas, California, out of 25 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 Encinitas, 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

Encinitas offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 21 facilities
Church Daycare — 1 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 3 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 Encinitas for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Encinitas 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.

21 Child Daycare & Preschools in Encinitas, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Encinitas

Top Rated

Lighthouse Christian Preschool

Kids By The Sea

Lingua Natal & Jardin International Preschool

Encinitas Shining Stars

Bethlehem Community Early Childhood Center

San Dieguito United Methodist Pre-School

Map

Daycare types in Encinitas

Browse by type in Encinitas