How do I choose the right daycare in Irvine?

When choosing a daycare in Irvine, 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 Irvine?

Irvine offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 76 facilities Church Daycare — 2 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 7 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 Irvine, California (76 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 Irvine for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Irvine

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.

Jenny Hart Early Education Center

4.77 score

5(17)

4445 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 97 children

Jenny Hart Early Education Center in Irvine receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a caring, community-focused preschool with loving and patient teachers. Parents highlight strong child development across academics, social skills, and self-care, along with engaging activities and events. Multiple reviews mention children being reluctant to leave school and showing significant improvement compared to previous programs.

Warmcaringpatient teachers; strong sense of community among families; balanced curriculum covering faithacademics

Leport Montessori School

4.71 score

5(12)

3983 Portola Parkway, Irvine, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 98 children

LePort Montessori School in Irvine receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the school's strong academics, particularly in literacy and math, combined with a nurturing Montessori approach. Parents consistently highlight dedicated and caring teachers, a warm community environment, and impressive social-emotional development and life skills instruction for children as young as 2 years old.

Strong academic foundation and early literacy/math skillsdedi

Learning Lab Preschool

4.65 score

4.9(13)

5000 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

Parents consistently praise Learning Lab Preschool for its caring, nurturing teachers and Christ-centered curriculum that balances academics, creativity, and social-emotional development. Families highlight the school's modern facilities, engaging activities, regular photo/video updates via Brightwheel, and exceptional support for both children and parents. Children show measurable growth in confidence, academic skills, and emotional development.

Loving and caring teachersChrist-centered environmentSTEAM-based interactive learningmodern and clean facilities

Chai Tots

4.59 score

4.8(14)

5010 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children

The reviews appear to be for a Chabad synagogue and Hebrew school, not a daycare center. All 10 reviews are overwhelmingly positive (5/5 stars) and praise the rabbi, community atmosphere, and Shabbat services. There is a significant mismatch between the daycare listing and the actual reviews provided.

Welcoming communityknowledgeable rabbispacious facilityquality Shabbat services and food

Iusd Early Childhood Learning Center

4.58 score

4.8(13)

One Smoketree, Irvine, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 200 children

Parents consistently praise IUSD Early Childhood Learning Center for its caring, professional staff and engaging curriculum. Children reportedly enjoyed attending and learned important academic and social skills in a well-organized, structured environment.

Warm and caring teachersengaging activitiesstructured curriculumprofessional staff

Shining Stars Christian Preschool

4.55 score

4.7(19)

10 Goodyear, Irvine, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 85 children

Parents consistently praise Shining Stars Christian Preschool for its nurturing, safe environment and qualified staff who support both academic and emotional development. Children reportedly advance academically, develop strong social skills, and leave well-prepared for elementary school. The Christian values, engaging activities, and responsive leadership are frequently highlighted as standout features.

Warm and nurturing environmentqualified and caring teachersstrong academic preparationemotional and social development focus

Irvine Community Nursery School

4.49 score

4.7(12)

14341 Yale Avenue, Irvine, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 24 children

Irvine Community Nursery School is a highly-rated cooperative preschool where parents actively participate in classroom activities. Parents consistently praise the play-based learning approach, exceptional teachers (especially Ms. Donna and Ms. Bushra), nature-focused outdoor environment, and strong sense of community. Children reportedly show significant social, emotional, and developmental growth.

play-based learningexperienced and caring teachersoutdoor/nature

Leport School

4.45 score

4.7(9)

3935 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 148 children

Parents overwhelmingly praise LePort School's Mandarin immersion program combined with Montessori methodology, highlighting exceptional teacher quality, strong language acquisition results, and a supportive community atmosphere. Multiple families report significant academic and social-emotional development in their children, with particular appreciation for the school's responsive communication and cultural engagement. One negative review mentions observing a child crying and

Tutor Time Child Care/Learning Center

4.4 score

4.5(20)

12860 Central Park Avenue, Irvine, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 172 children

Parents consistently praise Tutor Time Irvine for its caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment across all age groups from infants through preschool. Children are reported to be happy, engaged, and well-cared for, with strong communication between teachers and parents. The facility is described as clean, safe, and organized with enriching activities and special programs throughout the year.

Warm and caring teachersattentive and patient staffclean and safe environmentchildren enjoy attending daily

Irvine United Church Early Childhood Center

4.37 score

4.5(14)

4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 50 children

Parents consistently praise IUCC Early Childhood Center for its warm, family-like atmosphere where children feel genuinely cared for and loved by staff. The facility is noted for dedicated teachers, clean environments, nutritious meals, and a curriculum focused on individual child development and emotional support. Children reportedly enjoy attending daily and thrive both academically and emotionally.

Warm and caring staffdedicated teachers with long tenuresmall

Child Daycare & Preschools in Irvine, California

There are 76 child daycare & preschools in Irvine, California, making up 89% of the 85 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 Irvine, 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 76 child daycare & preschools daycares in Irvine, California, out of 85 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 Irvine, 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

Irvine offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 76 facilities
Church Daycare — 2 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 7 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 Irvine for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Irvine 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.

76 Child Daycare & Preschools in Irvine, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Irvine

Top Rated

Jenny Hart Early Education Center

Learning Lab Preschool

Chai Tots

Iusd Early Childhood Learning Center

Shining Stars Christian Preschool

Light Of Christ Lutheran Preschool

Map

Daycare types in Irvine

Browse by type in Irvine