Children at daycare

28 Child Daycare & Preschools in La Mesa, California

Browse all 28 child daycare & preschools in La Mesa, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in La Mesa

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

    10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 34 children

    ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff and family-like atmosphere. Parents consistently report their children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically while feeling safe and loved by dedicated teachers and directors who are actively involved.

    Experiencedcaringand dedicated teachers; warm family atmosphere; strong director involvement and communication; outdoor play space; reasonable pricing; individualized attention; diverse learning activities; safe environment; welcoming staff; app-based communication with parents
  2. 2

    10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 87 children

    ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal praise from parents for its warm, family-like atmosphere and dedicated, long-tenured staff. Parents consistently highlight the caring teachers, safe environment, quality outdoor facilities, and positive developmental impact on their children. Leadership is described as professional, communicative, and deeply involved in the community.

    caring and dedicated teachersfamily atmosphereexperienced staff (20+ years)involved and approachable directors
  3. 3

    4690 Palm Ave, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 35 children

    Parents consistently praise LA MESA UNITED METHODIST CHILDRENS CTR for its caring, communicative staff and supportive learning environment. Children reportedly enjoy attending, show improvements in behavior and social skills, and families appreciate the community connection and convenient downtown location.

    Caring and kind teachersgood communication from staffsupportive of child development and learningfun community events
  4. 4

    4990 Williams Avenue, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children

    Parent Care Family Recovery Center is a specialized facility that combines childcare with addiction recovery and parenting support services. Parents consistently praise the compassionate staff, therapeutic counseling, and comprehensive programs that have helped them achieve sobriety and reunify with their children. Reviewers highlight the non-judgmental, welcoming environment that has transformed their lives.

    Compassionate and supportive staffeffective addiction recovery programsparenting skills trainingpersonal development and self-esteem building
  5. 5

    3605 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 48 children

    Parents consistently praise Little Sprouts Academy (also referenced as Learning Jungle) for its caring and attentive staff, clean and well-maintained facilities, and strong communication through daily updates and photos. Multiple reviews highlight the director's professionalism and individual teachers' patience and dedication to child development. Parents report their children show significant growth and development while feeling safe and loved at the center.

    Caring and attentive staffClean and well-maintained facilitiesLarge outdoor play space with shadeAmple parking
  6. 6

    3605 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 72 children

    Parents consistently praise Little Sprouts Academy (also known as Learning Jungle) for its clean, well-maintained facilities, caring and attentive staff, and strong communication through daily updates and photos. The center receives high marks for child development, welcoming atmosphere, and responsive leadership, with multiple parents noting significant positive changes in their children's behavior and learning.

    clean and recently renovated facilitieslarge outdoor
  7. 7

    7484 University Ave. Ste. 100, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children

    Learning Jungle School-La Mesa Campus receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring staff, strong communication, and child development outcomes. However, one parent reported dissatisfaction with illness management, refund policies, and perceived lack of empathy during their brief enrollment.

    Caring and attentive staffstrong child development and learning outcomesexcellent director (Alexa) leadershipconvenient location
  8. 8

    5921 Jackson Dr, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 75 children

    Charley Brown Children's Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring staff, strong communication, and quality programming. One parent reported their child was dismissed after struggling on their first day, citing insufficient support during adjustment. The center maintains high staff retention and focuses on developmental learning with outdoor play and nutritious meals.

    Caring and passionate staff with high retentionexcellent c

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in La Mesa based on parent reviews

Abc Barn Children'S Place-Extended Day

5(7)

10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA

ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff and family-like atmosphere. Parents consistently report their children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically while feeling safe and loved by dedicated teachers and directors who are actively involved.

Experiencedcaringand dedicated teachers; warm family atmosphere; strong director involvement and communication; outdoor play space; reasonable pricing; individualized attention; diverse learning activities; safe environment; welcoming staff; app-based communication with parents

Abc Barn Children'S Place

5(7)

10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA

ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal praise from parents for its warm, family-like atmosphere and dedicated, long-tenured staff. Parents consistently highlight the caring teachers, safe environment, quality outdoor facilities, and positive developmental impact on their children. Leadership is described as professional, communicative, and deeply involved in the community.

caring and dedicated teachersfamily atmosphereexperienced staff (20+ years)

La Mesa United Methodist Childrens Ctr. School Age

5(6)

4690 Palm Ave, La Mesa, CA

Parents consistently praise LA MESA UNITED METHODIST CHILDRENS CTR for its caring, communicative staff and supportive learning environment. Children reportedly enjoy attending, show improvements in behavior and social skills, and families appreciate the community connection and convenient downtown location.

Caring and kind teachersgood communication from staffsupportive of child development and learning

Parent Care Family Recovery Center

5(5)

4990 Williams Avenue, La Mesa, CA

Parent Care Family Recovery Center is a specialized facility that combines childcare with addiction recovery and parenting support services. Parents consistently praise the compassionate staff, therapeutic counseling, and comprehensive programs that have helped them achieve sobriety and reunify with their children. Reviewers highlight the non-judgmental, welcoming environment that has transformed their lives.

Compassionate and supportive staffeffective addiction recovery programsparenting skills training

The Grey Rabbit Preschool

5(4)

4542-4532 Palm Avenue, La Mesa, CA

Little Sprouts Academy - Infant

4.5(20)

3605 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA

Parents consistently praise Little Sprouts Academy (also referenced as Learning Jungle) for its caring and attentive staff, clean and well-maintained facilities, and strong communication through daily updates and photos. Multiple reviews highlight the director's professionalism and individual teachers' patience and dedication to child development. Parents report their children show significant growth and development while feeling safe and loved at the center.

Caring and attentive staffClean and well-maintained facilitiesLarge outdoor play space with shade

Map

Child Daycare & Preschools in La Mesa, California

There are 28 child daycare & preschools in La Mesa, California, making up 88% of the 32 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 La Mesa, 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 La Mesa

Showing 28 results

Bunnybears Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
5358 Jackson Drive, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(310) 913-0466
Center For Young Imaginations
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
4885 Harbinson Avenue, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 461-5408
Foothills Faith Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
4031 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 670-4024
Lisa'S Lil' Tikes Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
8475 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 460-0393
Parent Care Family Recovery Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parent Care Family Recovery Center is a specialized facility that combines childcare with addiction recovery and parenting support services. Parents consistently praise the compassionate staff, therapeutic counseling, and comprehensive programs that have helped them achieve sobriety and reunify with their children. Reviewers highlight the non-judgmental, welcoming environment that has transformed their lives.

Compassionate and supportive staffeffective addiction recovery programsparenting skills training
Address
4990 Williams Avenue, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 668-4210
Abc Barn Children'S Place-Extended Day
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff and family-like atmosphere. Parents consistently report their children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically while feeling safe and loved by dedicated teachers and directors who are actively involved.

Experiencedcaringand dedicated teachers; warm family atmosphere; strong director involvement and communication; outdoor play space; reasonable pricing; individualized attention; diverse learning activities; safe environment; welcoming staff; app-based communication with parents
Address
10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 670-3898
La Mesa United Methodist Childrens Ctr. School Age
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents consistently praise LA MESA UNITED METHODIST CHILDRENS CTR for its caring, communicative staff and supportive learning environment. Children reportedly enjoy attending, show improvements in behavior and social skills, and families appreciate the community connection and convenient downtown location.

Caring and kind teachersgood communication from staffsupportive of child development and learning
Address
4690 Palm Ave, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 466-8407
The Grey Rabbit Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
4542-4532 Palm Avenue, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 697-1551
Taproot Montessori Preschool- La Mesa
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
5173 Guava Avenue, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 698-2903
St. Andrews Episcopal Parish Day School - Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
4816 Glen Street, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 469-5330
Abc Barn Children'S Place
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal praise from parents for its warm, family-like atmosphere and dedicated, long-tenured staff. Parents consistently highlight the caring teachers, safe environment, quality outdoor facilities, and positive developmental impact on their children. Leadership is described as professional, communicative, and deeply involved in the community.

caring and dedicated teachersfamily atmosphereexperienced staff (20+ years)
Address
10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 670-3898
Learning Jungle School-La Mesa Campus
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Learning Jungle School-La Mesa Campus receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring staff, strong communication, and child development outcomes. However, one parent reported dissatisfaction with illness management, refund policies, and perceived lack of empathy during their brief enrollment.

Caring and attentive staffstrong child development and learning outcomesexcellent director (Alexa) leadership
Address
7484 University Ave. Ste. 100, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 589-9196
Little Sprouts Academy - Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Parents consistently praise Little Sprouts Academy (also referenced as Learning Jungle) for its caring and attentive staff, clean and well-maintained facilities, and strong communication through daily updates and photos. Multiple reviews highlight the director's professionalism and individual teachers' patience and dedication to child development. Parents report their children show significant growth and development while feeling safe and loved at the center.

Caring and attentive staffClean and well-maintained facilitiesLarge outdoor play space with shade
Address
3605 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 569-7607
Little Sprouts Academy INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Parents consistently praise Little Sprouts Academy (also known as Learning Jungle) for its clean, well-maintained facilities, caring and attentive staff, and strong communication through daily updates and photos. The center receives high marks for child development, welcoming atmosphere, and responsive leadership, with multiple parents noting significant positive changes in their children's behavior and learning.

clean and recently renovated facilitieslarge outdoor
Address
3605 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 569-7607
Charley Brown Children'S Ctr
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Charley Brown Children's Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring staff, strong communication, and quality programming. One parent reported their child was dismissed after struggling on their first day, citing insufficient support during adjustment. The center maintains high staff retention and focuses on developmental learning with outdoor play and nutritious meals.

Caring and passionate staff with high retentionexcellent c
Address
5921 Jackson Dr, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 463-5126
Lisa'S Lil Tikes
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
4351 Parks Avenue, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 460-6432
Childtime Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

Childtime Children's Center in La Mesa receives consistently high praise from parents across all reviews (10/10 five-star ratings). Parents highlight exceptional staff care, strong safety measures, developmental learning activities, and a welcoming environment where children feel secure and thrive academically and socially.

Caring and attentive staffsecure facility with gated entrychild development focus
Address
5565 Lake Park Way, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 460-0310
Christ Lutheran Early Childhood Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
7915 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 462-6004
Open Minds Nua Sparrow
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4207 Spring Garden Road, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 665-1264
La Mesa Dale Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4370 Parks Avenue, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 668-5740
Lake Murray Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
5777 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 465-3916
Lmsvsd-Maryland Avenue Smart Steps
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
5400 Maryland Avenue, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 668-5744
Lisa'S Lil' Tikes Preschool-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
8475 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 460-0393
Kindercare Learning Center - Via Mercado
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise KinderCare Learning Center - Via Mercado for exceptional care, educational programming, and staff dedication. Children show strong developmental progress in academics and social skills, with parents appreciating the clean facility, good teacher-to-student ratios, and daily communication. The center is noted for compassionate support during transitions and difficult circumstances.

Caring and dedicated staffstrong academic learning (colorsnumbers
Address
3655 Via Mercado, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 670-9388
Lemon Grove School District-Vista La Mesa P.S.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3900 Violet Street, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 825-5720
Skyline Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
11330 Campo Road, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 415-5485
Foothills Faith Academy - Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4031 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 670-4024
St. Martin Early Childhood Development Ctr.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
7714 El Cajon Boulevard, La Mesa, CA
Phone
(619) 698-8462

Page 1 of 1· 28 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 28 child daycare & preschools daycares in La Mesa, California, out of 32 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 La Mesa, 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
La Mesa offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 28 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 2 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 La Mesa for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in La Mesa 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.