Children at daycare

24 Child Daycare & Preschools in Mission Viejo, California

Browse all 24 child daycare & preschools in Mission Viejo, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Mission Viejo

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

    23561 Alicia Parkway, #E91, Mission Viejo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

    Parents consistently praise LPPP for its play-based curriculum, compassionate teachers who provide excellent social-emotional support, and unique parent-participation model that builds community. Families highlight the school's developmentally appropriate approach, strong teacher-child relationships, and valuable parent education programs that support growth at home and school.

    Caring and nurturing teachersplay-based learning philosophysocial-emotional development focusparent education programs
  2. 2
    Mission Montessori
    4.55 score
    4.9(8)

    26763 Plaza Drive, Mission Viejo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 112 children

    Mission Montessori receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the attentive, caring staff, authentic Montessori approach, and strong academic preparation for elementary school. Parents consistently highlight the clean facilities, organized classrooms, engaging materials, and the staff's genuine investment in each child's development. One parent noted inconsistencies between classroom experiences, citing differences in academic variety and communication in their daughter's classroom compared to their son's.

    attentive and caring stafforganized and communicativebeautiful and bright facilitieshands-on Montessori materials and curriculum
  3. 3
    Appletree Montessori
    4.55 score
    5(6)

    25542 Jeronimo Rd, Mission Viejo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 83 children

    Appletree Montessori receives consistently high praise from parents who appreciate the Montessori approach, caring staff, and supportive environment. Parents report their children show notable growth, development, and enthusiasm for attending school. The center is described as family-like with strong staff-parent relationships.

    Caring and loving staffchild development and growthMontessori methodologystructured yet nurturing environment
  4. 4

    24000 Alicia Parkway, # 35, Mission Viejo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 99 children

    Happy Minds Kids Academy in Mission Viejo receives consistently high praise from parents. Parents highlight the dedicated staff, comprehensive curriculum using High/Scope and Montessori methods, strong leadership, and notable improvements in their children's development, particularly in speech and confidence. The facility is noted for cleanliness, security, organization, and family engagement through events and programs.

    Responsive and communicative leadershipcaring and loving teacherscomprehensive curriculum (artmusic
  5. 5

    26001 Muirlands Blvd., Mission Viejo, CA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 72 children

    Parents praise the preschool program at Shepherd of the Hills UMC for caring, friendly staff and teachers who genuinely care about children. The facility is noted as part of a welcoming, inclusive church community with strong fellowship and multiple opportunities for family involvement. Overall experience is described as positive with high-quality childcare.

    caring and friendly staffteachers who care about childrenwelcoming and inclusive environmentstrong sense of community
  6. 6

    26558 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 116 children

    Parents consistently praise Marguerite Christian School for its caring, nurturing environment with small class sizes and dedicated staff. The school offers a strong academic curriculum combined with creative play, extracurricular activities, and faith-based programming. Multiple families report their children thrived academically and socially, with smooth transitions to elementary school.

    Warm and caring teachers and staffsmall class sizes with two teachers per classroomstrong academics preparation for kindergarten and first gradecreative play and hands-on learning
  7. 7
    Robinhood Montessori
    4.4 score
    4.5(20)

    27500 Marguerite Parkway, #6, Mission Viejo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 47 children

    Parents consistently praise Robinhood Montessori for its authentic Montessori approach, clean and well-prepared environment, and genuinely caring staff who treat children as individuals. Families report their children are excited to attend, show significant developmental growth, and thrive in the mixed-age, hands-on learning environment. Multiple parents describe the school as a 'home away from home' with leadership that goes above and beyond expectations.

    Authentic Montessori philosophy and implementationspotless and organized environmentloving and attentive teachersmixed-age classrooms
  8. 8

    28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 100 children

    Parents consistently praise Saddleback College Children's Center for its play-based learning approach, extensive outdoor time, and high-quality staff. Teachers are described as caring and attentive, with strong communication and smooth transitions between classrooms. Families express strong satisfaction and emotional connection to the facility.

    Play-based learningextensive outdoor time and explorationcaring and nurturing teacherssmooth classroom transitions
  9. 9

    22900 Los Alisos Blvd., Mission Viejo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 76 children

    Village Montessori Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the loving staff, strong developmental outcomes, and engaged ownership. However, one negative review raises serious concerns about staff maturity and director conduct, specifically citing an incident of physical handling that distressed a child.

    Attentive and loving teacherssmooth transitions between age groupsstrong academic and developmental progressexcellent parent communication
  10. 10

    26051 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 96 children

    Parents consistently praise Presbyterian Church of the Master Preschool for its nurturing, experienced teachers, welcoming community atmosphere, and play-based learning approach. Children reportedly thrive academically and socially, with families highlighting the school's excellent outdoor facilities, small size, and Christian curriculum. All five recent reviews are 5-star ratings with no complaints mentioned.

    Nurturing and caring teachersmany with 20+ years experienceexcellent outdoor play areaswelcoming and friendly community

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Mission Viejo based on parent reviews

Laguna Parent Participation Preschool

4.7(19)

23561 Alicia Parkway, #E91, Mission Viejo, CA

Parents consistently praise LPPP for its play-based curriculum, compassionate teachers who provide excellent social-emotional support, and unique parent-participation model that builds community. Families highlight the school's developmentally appropriate approach, strong teacher-child relationships, and valuable parent education programs that support growth at home and school.

Caring and nurturing teachersplay-based learning philosophysocial-emotional development focus

Mission Montessori

4.9(8)

26763 Plaza Drive, Mission Viejo, CA

Mission Montessori receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the attentive, caring staff, authentic Montessori approach, and strong academic preparation for elementary school. Parents consistently highlight the clean facilities, organized classrooms, engaging materials, and the staff's genuine investment in each child's development. One parent noted inconsistencies between classroom experiences, citing differences in academic variety and communication in their daughter's classroom compared to their son's.

attentive and caring stafforganized and communicativebeautiful and bright facilities

Appletree Montessori

5(6)

25542 Jeronimo Rd, Mission Viejo, CA

Appletree Montessori receives consistently high praise from parents who appreciate the Montessori approach, caring staff, and supportive environment. Parents report their children show notable growth, development, and enthusiasm for attending school. The center is described as family-like with strong staff-parent relationships.

Caring and loving staffchild development and growthMontessori methodology

Happy Minds Kids Academy

5(6)

24000 Alicia Parkway, # 35, Mission Viejo, CA

Happy Minds Kids Academy in Mission Viejo receives consistently high praise from parents. Parents highlight the dedicated staff, comprehensive curriculum using High/Scope and Montessori methods, strong leadership, and notable improvements in their children's development, particularly in speech and confidence. The facility is noted for cleanliness, security, organization, and family engagement through events and programs.

Responsive and communicative leadershipcaring and loving teacherscomprehensive curriculum (art

Robinhood Montessori

4.5(20)

27500 Marguerite Parkway, #6, Mission Viejo, CA

Parents consistently praise Robinhood Montessori for its authentic Montessori approach, clean and well-prepared environment, and genuinely caring staff who treat children as individuals. Families report their children are excited to attend, show significant developmental growth, and thrive in the mixed-age, hands-on learning environment. Multiple parents describe the school as a 'home away from home' with leadership that goes above and beyond expectations.

Authentic Montessori philosophy and implementationspotless and organized environmentloving and attentive teachers

Saddleback College Children'S Center

4.8(5)

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA

Parents consistently praise Saddleback College Children's Center for its play-based learning approach, extensive outdoor time, and high-quality staff. Teachers are described as caring and attentive, with strong communication and smooth transitions between classrooms. Families express strong satisfaction and emotional connection to the facility.

Play-based learningextensive outdoor time and explorationcaring and nurturing teachers

Map

Child Daycare & Preschools in Mission Viejo, California

There are 24 child daycare & preschools in Mission Viejo, California, making up 83% of the 29 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 Mission Viejo, 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 Mission Viejo

Showing 24 results

Mission Viejo Christian Kids Club
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
27192 Jeronimo Road, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 465-1954
Appletree Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Appletree Montessori receives consistently high praise from parents who appreciate the Montessori approach, caring staff, and supportive environment. Parents report their children show notable growth, development, and enthusiasm for attending school. The center is described as family-like with strong staff-parent relationships.

Caring and loving staffchild development and growthMontessori methodology
Address
25542 Jeronimo Rd, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 770-2707
Happy Minds Kids Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Happy Minds Kids Academy in Mission Viejo receives consistently high praise from parents. Parents highlight the dedicated staff, comprehensive curriculum using High/Scope and Montessori methods, strong leadership, and notable improvements in their children's development, particularly in speech and confidence. The facility is noted for cleanliness, security, organization, and family engagement through events and programs.

Responsive and communicative leadershipcaring and loving teacherscomprehensive curriculum (art
Address
24000 Alicia Parkway, # 35, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 455-1212
Robert H. Lange Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 837-2500
Mission Viejo Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
23581 Madero Suite, #108, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 770-1093
Mission Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Mission Montessori receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the attentive, caring staff, authentic Montessori approach, and strong academic preparation for elementary school. Parents consistently highlight the clean facilities, organized classrooms, engaging materials, and the staff's genuine investment in each child's development. One parent noted inconsistencies between classroom experiences, citing differences in academic variety and communication in their daughter's classroom compared to their son's.

attentive and caring stafforganized and communicativebeautiful and bright facilities
Address
26763 Plaza Drive, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 582-3956
Saddleback College Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Parents consistently praise Saddleback College Children's Center for its play-based learning approach, extensive outdoor time, and high-quality staff. Teachers are described as caring and attentive, with strong communication and smooth transitions between classrooms. Families express strong satisfaction and emotional connection to the facility.

Play-based learningextensive outdoor time and explorationcaring and nurturing teachers
Address
28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 582-4582
Laguna Parent Participation Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents consistently praise LPPP for its play-based curriculum, compassionate teachers who provide excellent social-emotional support, and unique parent-participation model that builds community. Families highlight the school's developmentally appropriate approach, strong teacher-child relationships, and valuable parent education programs that support growth at home and school.

Caring and nurturing teachersplay-based learning philosophysocial-emotional development focus
Address
23561 Alicia Parkway, #E91, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 583-1777
Village Montessori Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Village Montessori Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the loving staff, strong developmental outcomes, and engaged ownership. However, one negative review raises serious concerns about staff maturity and director conduct, specifically citing an incident of physical handling that distressed a child.

Attentive and loving teacherssmooth transitions between age groupsstrong academic and developmental progress
Address
22900 Los Alisos Blvd., Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 837-8518
Robinhood Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Parents consistently praise Robinhood Montessori for its authentic Montessori approach, clean and well-prepared environment, and genuinely caring staff who treat children as individuals. Families report their children are excited to attend, show significant developmental growth, and thrive in the mixed-age, hands-on learning environment. Multiple parents describe the school as a 'home away from home' with leadership that goes above and beyond expectations.

Authentic Montessori philosophy and implementationspotless and organized environmentloving and attentive teachers
Address
27500 Marguerite Parkway, #6, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 364-6342
The Learning Experience Early Education Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
23421 Madero, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 837-9004
Lakeside Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Lakeside Academy receives mostly positive reviews praising its nurturing environment, safety practices, Christian values, and quality staff. However, one parent reported serious concerns including poor communication about their child's adjustment issues, staff overwhelm, and dismissive management response to withdrawal.

Clean facilityvisually stimulating learning environmentstrong safety protocols with secured entry and ID verification
Address
27732 Vista Del Lago, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 297-8988
Pillars Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Pillars Academy receives consistently high praise from parents for its caring, professional staff and safe, supportive environment. Parents highlight the Islamic/religious focus, small class sizes, engaging activities, and strong parent communication as key strengths. Multiple parents express interest in the school expanding beyond its current pre-K and kindergarten programs.

Caring and professional staffsmall class sizesindividualized attention
Address
23581 Madero Dr, #104, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 951-0442
Saddleback Ymca- Bathgate Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
1
Address
27642 Napoli Way, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 363-7089
Saddleback Valley Ymca-Carl Hankey
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
27252 Nubles, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 364-5869
Saddleback Valley Ymca-Castille
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
24042 Via La Coruna, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 586-0215
Carl Hankey Elementry
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
27252 Nubles, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 234-5315
Castille Elementary
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
24042 Via La Coruna, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 234-5976
Kindercare Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

KinderCare Learning Center in Mission Viejo receives mixed reviews. Three parents praise the caring staff, personalized attention, and educational activities, noting staff stability and strong communication. Two parents report significant concerns including unresolved biting incidents and feeling their children are treated as numbers rather than individuals.

Caring and attentive staffexcellent teacher-parent communicationpersonalized daily updates
Address
26912 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 830-7660
Heritage Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
22081 Hidalgo, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 598-9166
Bathgate Elementary
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
27642 Napoli Way, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 348-0451
Saddleback Valley Ymca-Philip Reilly
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
24171 Pavion, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 587-1440
Stratford School - Mission Viejo
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
24741 Chrisanta Dr., Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(408) 973-7331
Sunflower Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
28251 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA
Phone
(949) 770-2708

Page 1 of 1· 24 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 24 child daycare & preschools daycares in Mission Viejo, California, out of 29 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 Mission Viejo, 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
Mission Viejo offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 24 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 2 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 Mission Viejo for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Mission Viejo 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.