Children at daycare

52 Child Daycare & Preschools in Pasadena, California

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

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Pasadena

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

    789 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

    Altadena Nursery School is a highly-regarded co-op preschool where parents consistently praise the warm, experienced teachers and play-based learning approach. Parents highlight the strong sense of community among families and staff, with children showing enthusiasm for attending and developing confidence and social-emotional skills.

    Experienced and caring teachersplay-based curriculumstrong parent community and involvementchild-led learning approach
  2. 2
    Ability First
    4.69 score
    5(11)

    201 South Kinneloa Avenue, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 47 children

    Ability First in Pasadena receives consistently positive feedback from parents and community members. Reviewers praise the caring and respectful staff, inclusive environment, and quality programming for children, teens, and adults. The director is credited with creating memorable experiences and special events.

    Caring and trustworthy staffinclusive and welcoming environmentquality after-school programsphysical activity focus
  3. 3

    1434 N. Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 55 children

    B'Nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool in Pasadena receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as a nurturing, play-based learning environment with strong community values. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, extensive outdoor space, Hebrew language instruction, and Jewish cultural education as standout features.

    Caring and loving teachersplay-based learning approachextensive outdoor spaceJewish education and Hebrew language instr
  4. 4
    Happy Sunshine Kids
    4.58 score
    4.8(13)

    169 North Halstead Street, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 87 children

    Parents consistently praise Happy Sunshine Kids (also known as Kiddie Academy of Pasadena) for its caring, attentive staff and strong educational curriculum. The center is noted for accepting infants as young as 3.5 months, implementing Montessori and play-based learning approaches, and providing daily communication with parents through updates and photos.

    Caring and attentive staffstrong early childhood education with Montessori principlesaccepts infants from 3.
  5. 5

    169 West Arlington Drive, Pasadena, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 40 children

    Parents consistently praise Cottage Nursery School for its play-based, social-emotional learning approach and caring community atmosphere. Multiple families report their children thriving and feeling safe, with long-term enrollment spanning years. Teachers are highlighted as exceptional professionals who treat children with respect and intentionality.

    Play-based learning approachsocial-emotional development focuscaring and engaged teacherssafe environment
  6. 6

    980 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 63 children

    Parents consistently praise Mothers Club Family Learning Center with perfect 5-star ratings. They highlight excellent teacher care, particularly teacher Susanna, and note that their children love attending. Parents express gratitude for the supportive environment and beautiful facility.

    Excellent teacherscaring staffbeautiful facilitychildren enjoy attending
  7. 7

    3740 E Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 65 children

    Hastings Ranch Nursery School is a play-based, co-op preschool in Pasadena that parents consistently praise for its warm, engaged teaching staff, strong community atmosphere, and excellent outdoor facilities. All reviewers highlight the school's child-centered approach, meaningful parent involvement through required volunteer hours, and supportive environment that helps children develop socially and emotionally. Parents emphasize the affordability of the co-op model and the lasting friendships formed within the school community.

    Warm and patient teachersplay-based learning approachlarge and well-designed outdoor play areasstrong sense of community
  8. 8

    700 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

    Sundance Childcare Center receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, affordable tuition, and nutritious in-house meals. Parents highlight the integrated Korean language education and cultural programming as major strengths, with children showing strong social, emotional, and academic development.

    Caring and competent teachersaffordable tuitionhealthy in-house mealsengaging activities and cultural celebrations
  9. 9
    Chalk Of Pasadena LLC
    4.44 score
    4.6(14)

    700 E Green St, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 74 children

    Parents consistently praise The Academy at Bright Horizons for its warm, nurturing environment and caring staff led by Director Kara. Children reportedly enjoy daily activities including learning, arts, crafts, and play, with strong parent-teacher communication and transparent updates. The facility maintained safety protocols throughout the pandemic and parents report their children thrived academically and emotionally before kindergarten.

    Loving and knowledgeable teachersfun-based learning curriculumwarm and nurturing atmospherestrong parent-teacher communication
  10. 10

    444 S Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 90 children

    Enchanted Castle San Marino Montessori School receives unanimous 5-star praise from parents who report their children are happy, engaged, and thriving academically and socially. Parents consistently highlight exceptional, caring teachers, effective Montessori instruction, language immersion programs (Mandarin and Spanish), and strong parent-teacher communication.

    Caring and attentive teacherschild-centered Montessori approachlanguage immersion programs (Mandarin

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Pasadena based on parent reviews

Altadena Nursery School INC.

5(20)

789 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA

Altadena Nursery School is a highly-regarded co-op preschool where parents consistently praise the warm, experienced teachers and play-based learning approach. Parents highlight the strong sense of community among families and staff, with children showing enthusiasm for attending and developing confidence and social-emotional skills.

Experienced and caring teachersplay-based curriculumstrong parent community and involvement

Ability First

5(11)

201 South Kinneloa Avenue, Pasadena, CA

Ability First in Pasadena receives consistently positive feedback from parents and community members. Reviewers praise the caring and respectful staff, inclusive environment, and quality programming for children, teens, and adults. The director is credited with creating memorable experiences and special events.

Caring and trustworthy staffinclusive and welcoming environmentquality after-school programs

B'Nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool

5(10)

1434 N. Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA

B'Nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool in Pasadena receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as a nurturing, play-based learning environment with strong community values. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, extensive outdoor space, Hebrew language instruction, and Jewish cultural education as standout features.

Caring and loving teachersplay-based learning approachextensive outdoor space

Happy Sunshine Kids

4.8(13)

169 North Halstead Street, Pasadena, CA

Parents consistently praise Happy Sunshine Kids (also known as Kiddie Academy of Pasadena) for its caring, attentive staff and strong educational curriculum. The center is noted for accepting infants as young as 3.5 months, implementing Montessori and play-based learning approaches, and providing daily communication with parents through updates and photos.

Caring and attentive staffstrong early childhood education with Montessori principlesaccepts infants from 3.

Mothers Club Family Learning Center

4.9(7)

980 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA

Parents consistently praise Mothers Club Family Learning Center with perfect 5-star ratings. They highlight excellent teacher care, particularly teacher Susanna, and note that their children love attending. Parents express gratitude for the supportive environment and beautiful facility.

Excellent teacherscaring staffbeautiful facility

Sundance Childcare Center

5(5)

700 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, CA

Sundance Childcare Center receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, affordable tuition, and nutritious in-house meals. Parents highlight the integrated Korean language education and cultural programming as major strengths, with children showing strong social, emotional, and academic development.

Caring and competent teachersaffordable tuitionhealthy in-house meals

Map

Browse by type in Pasadena

Child Daycare & Preschools in Pasadena, California

There are 52 child daycare & preschools in Pasadena, California, making up 76% of the 68 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 Pasadena, 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 Pasadena

Showing 52 results

Children'S Center At Caltech
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1200 E. California Blvd, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 395-6860
Child Educational Ctr. Co-Operative Ps At Caltech
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
250-56 South Michigan Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(818) 354-3418
Mentor Avenue Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
308 North Mentor Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 396-7008
Altadena Nursery School INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Altadena Nursery School is a highly-regarded co-op preschool where parents consistently praise the warm, experienced teachers and play-based learning approach. Parents highlight the strong sense of community among families and staff, with children showing enthusiasm for attending and developing confidence and social-emotional skills.

Experienced and caring teachersplay-based curriculumstrong parent community and involvement
Address
789 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 296-1231
B'Nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

B'Nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool in Pasadena receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as a nurturing, play-based learning environment with strong community values. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, extensive outdoor space, Hebrew language instruction, and Jewish cultural education as standout features.

Caring and loving teachersplay-based learning approachextensive outdoor space
Address
1434 N. Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 765-9831
Living Way Day Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
835 Hastings Ranch Dr., Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 791-4864
L.& H. Tavlian Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1694 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 398-8199
Scott United Methodist Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
444 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 793-0543
Sundance Childcare Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Sundance Childcare Center receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, affordable tuition, and nutritious in-house meals. Parents highlight the integrated Korean language education and cultural programming as major strengths, with children showing strong social, emotional, and academic development.

Caring and competent teachersaffordable tuitionhealthy in-house meals
Address
700 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, CA
Phone
(818) 665-9548
Ability First
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Ability First in Pasadena receives consistently positive feedback from parents and community members. Reviewers praise the caring and respectful staff, inclusive environment, and quality programming for children, teens, and adults. The director is credited with creating memorable experiences and special events.

Caring and trustworthy staffinclusive and welcoming environmentquality after-school programs
Address
201 South Kinneloa Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 449-5661
Child Educational Center-Caltech/Jpl Community
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
250-56 S. Michigan, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(818) 354-3418
Mothers Club Family Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents consistently praise Mothers Club Family Learning Center with perfect 5-star ratings. They highlight excellent teacher care, particularly teacher Susanna, and note that their children love attending. Parents express gratitude for the supportive environment and beautiful facility.

Excellent teacherscaring staffbeautiful facility
Address
980 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 792-2687
Happy Sunshine Kids
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Parents consistently praise Happy Sunshine Kids (also known as Kiddie Academy of Pasadena) for its caring, attentive staff and strong educational curriculum. The center is noted for accepting infants as young as 3.5 months, implementing Montessori and play-based learning approaches, and providing daily communication with parents through updates and photos.

Caring and attentive staffstrong early childhood education with Montessori principlesaccepts infants from 3.
Address
169 North Halstead Street, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 744-9111
Chalk Of Pasadena LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents consistently praise The Academy at Bright Horizons for its warm, nurturing environment and caring staff led by Director Kara. Children reportedly enjoy daily activities including learning, arts, crafts, and play, with strong parent-teacher communication and transparent updates. The facility maintained safety protocols throughout the pandemic and parents report their children thrived academically and emotionally before kindergarten.

Loving and knowledgeable teachersfun-based learning curriculumwarm and nurturing atmosphere
Address
700 E Green St, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 578-7300
Options Cdc-Covenant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Reviews appear to be for a church facility rather than a daycare center. Parents praise the welcoming community and faith-based environment, though the reviews do not address childcare services, curriculum, or child development.

Welcoming communitystrong faith-based environmenthosts community events
Address
539 N. Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 204-8900
Tiny World Pre-School
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Tiny World Preschool receives predominantly positive reviews praising the caring and sweet teaching staff, academic growth, and Montessori-based curriculum. Parents report feeling comfortable with their children's care and recommend the school. However, one negative review raises concerns about a staff member named Linda.

caring and sweet teachersacademic growthMontessori curriculum
Address
1977 E. Villa Street, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 568-8469
Linda Vista Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Linda Vista Children's Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the warm, caring teachers and engaging curriculum. One parent reported a poor touring experience with unresponsive staff who seemed dismissive.

warm and caring teacherssupportive administrationcreative and age-appropriate activities
Address
1259 Linda Vista Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 449-0985
Pasadena Preschool Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Pasadena Preschool Academy receives overwhelmingly positive reviews praising caring teachers, clean facilities, enrichment activities (Spanish, music, dance, soccer), nutritious meals, and reasonable pricing. However, one detailed negative review raises serious concerns about teacher turnover, inadequate classroom materials, unprofessional conduct, and inadequate supervision of bullying incidents.

Caring and devoted teachersclean and updated facilitiesenrichment
Address
2631 Woodlyn, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 794-4614
Pasadena Preschool Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Pasadena Preschool Academy receives mostly positive reviews praising caring teachers, clean facilities, enrichment activities (Spanish, music, dance, soccer), nutritious meals, and reasonable tuition. However, one detailed negative review raises serious concerns about teacher turnover, inadequate classroom materials, unprofessional conduct, and inadequate supervision of child conflicts.

Caring and attentive teachersclean and updated facilitiesengaging enrichment
Address
2611 Woodlyn, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 794-4614
Options Cdc Westminster
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

The reviews provided do not appear to be for a daycare center, but rather for Westminster Presbyterian Church in Pasadena. The reviews praise the church's beautiful Gothic architecture, welcoming community, event hosting capabilities, and spiritual atmosphere. No actual daycare-specific feedback about childcare services, staff interaction with children, curriculum, or facilities is present.

Beautiful architecturecommunity events and programswelcoming staff
Address
1757 N. Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 791-1652
Pasadena City College Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Pasadena City College Child Development Center receives mostly positive feedback from parents praising the warm, caring staff, thoughtful curriculum, and learning-through-play approach. However, one parent raised serious concerns about outdoor supervision, child safety, staff engagement, and noise levels. The facility is NAEYC accredited and serves both PCC students and the community.

Warm and loving environmentthoughtful curriculum adjusted monthlyaffordable pricing
Address
1324 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 585-3180
Harambee Christian Family Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

Reviews are largely positive, with parents highlighting the center's community involvement and spiritual focus. However, most recent reviews appear to be off-topic or unclear, making it difficult to assess actual daycare quality and services.

Community development historyprayer and ministry focusvolunteer opportunities
Address
1599 Navarro Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 798-7431
Pasadena Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Current parents praise Pasadena Christian Preschool as a warm, loving, play-based environment with experienced, caring teachers and strong emphasis on social-emotional development and spiritual growth. The school offers diverse activities, good staff-to-student ratios, and preparation for kindergarten. Two negative reviews from the 1970s describe harsh discipline practices at the school's former name, though it is unclear if these reflect current operations.

Warm and loving environmentexperienced and caring teachershigh staff-to-student ratios
Address
1485 N. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 791-1277
International Montessori Academy - West Campus
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9
Address
355 Green St., Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 792-4505
Sunrise Pre-School
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7

Sunrise Pre-School receives highly positive feedback from parents about classroom teachers and educational quality, with children showing enthusiasm for learning and development. However, there are significant complaints about administrative practices, including enrollment policy miscommunication, unprofessional phone staff, and lack of organization.

Dedicated and caring teachers (Ms. WuMrs. StephanieMrs. Marie Rose
Address
3700 E Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 351-9899
Discovery Days Elc Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.3
Address
72 W. Bellevue Drive, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 510-6033
Discovery Days Elc Infant Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.3
Address
72 W. Bellevue Drive, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 510-6033
San Rafael Early Childhood Program
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1090 Nithsdale, Rm #5, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 793-4189
Pasadena Day Nursery For Child Development
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
450 North Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 449-6220
The Waverly School
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
67 W. Bellevue, Pasadena, CA
Phone
(626) 792-5940

Page 1 of 2· 52 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 52 child daycare & preschools daycares in Pasadena, California, out of 68 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 Pasadena, 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
Pasadena offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 52 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 3 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 1 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 12 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 Pasadena for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Pasadena 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.