Children at daycare

372 Child Daycare & Preschools in San Diego, California

Browse all 372 child daycare & preschools in San Diego, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in San Diego

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

    4754 Sea Tern Court, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 14 children

    Montessori Child Development LLC receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and effective Montessori curriculum. Parents report significant improvements in their children's confidence, independence, academic skills, and social development. The school is highlighted for its welcoming environment, strong communication with families, and dedicated leadership.

    Caring and attentive staffeffective Montessori curriculumhe
  2. 2
    Little Angels Academy
    4.8 score
    5(20)

    3078 L Street, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 72 children

    Little Angels Academy receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the caring and attentive staff, smooth transitions for children of all ages, educational activities, and communication through their parent app. Children show strong development and look forward to attending.

    Loving and nurturing staffbilingual teachers availablesmooth transitions for infants and toddlerseducational activities (art
  3. 3

    4895 Saratoga Avenue, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 137 children

    Sacred Heart Academy Preschool in San Diego receives universally positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, dedicated staff and comprehensive curriculum that balances play-based learning with kindergarten readiness skills. Parents consistently highlight the school's effectiveness with potty training, social-emotional development, and strong teacher-parent communication through the Brightwheel app.

    Caring and dedicated teachersstrong kindergarten preparationplay-based learning approachpotty training success
  4. 4

    12285 B World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 49 children

    Manna's Martial Arts is a highly-rated martial arts studio in San Diego with consistent 5/5 star reviews. Parents praise the quality instruction, strong emphasis on discipline and life skills, and community atmosphere that extends beyond martial arts training. Multiple families report long-term enrollment (8-13 years) and significant positive impacts on their children's confidence, self-defense abilities, and character development.

    Excellent instruction qualityemphasis on safety and respectpersonal attention to studentsflexible class scheduling with unlimited monthly classes
  5. 5

    3743 Front Street, San Diego, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 95 children

    Parents consistently praise Fleur de Lis as an exceptional preschool that fosters individual growth, confidence, and a love of learning through a dedicated, play-based curriculum. Staff members are described as caring, professional, and genuinely invested in each child's cognitive, emotional, and physical development. The beautiful natural setting, diverse and welcoming community, and strong preparation for kindergarten are frequently highlighted.

    Individualized attention to each childwarm and caring staffdedicated curriculumbeautiful canyon setting with playgrounds
  6. 6

    1752 Via Las Cumbres, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    Manchester Family Child Development Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise its caring, professional staff, safe and welcoming environment, and focus on child development and learning through play. Parents highlight excellent communication through daily apps and photos, strong parent community engagement, and successful preparation for kindergarten and school transitions. The center has a long-standing positive reputation in the San Diego community.

  7. 7

    9855 Erma Road Ste. 128, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children

    Parents consistently praise Scripps Exploring Academy for exceptional childcare with attentive, caring staff who genuinely bond with children. Families report their children are happy, well-prepared for kindergarten, and experience smooth transitions. The facility is described as clean, welcoming, and homey with strong parent communication.

    Caring and attentive teachershappy childrensmooth transition to kindergartenacademic preparation (reading and writing)
  8. 8

    5075 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 90 children

    Chinese Bilingual Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its bilingual Mandarin-English curriculum, caring and patient teachers, and strong sense of community. Parents highlight the school's commitment to child development, flexible scheduling, and on-site prepared meals. Children show advanced academic preparation and develop lasting friendships.

    Bilingual Mandarin-English immersioncaring and patient teacherson-site fresh meals (breakfastlunch
  9. 9
    Wee Wisdom Preschool
    4.72 score
    5(13)

    8999 Activity Road, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children

    Wee Wisdom Preschool receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, knowledgeable staff, clean facility, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Parents highlight strong teacher-child relationships, innovative teaching methods including yoga and meditation, and children's enthusiasm for attending school.

    Caring and knowledgeable staffclean and well-organized facilityindividualized attention to each childdevelopmentally appropriate activities
  10. 10
    Al-Rribat Academy
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    7183-A Saranac Street, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 23 children

    AL-RRIBAT Academy appears to be an Islamic center (masjid) rather than a daycare facility. Reviews praise it as a welcoming community space with clean facilities, active programming including classes and events, and knowledgeable religious leadership. Parents describe feeling a strong sense of belonging and community support.

    Clean facilitieswelcoming and friendly communityactive programming (classeslectures

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in San Diego based on parent reviews

Montessori Child Development LLC

5(20)

4754 Sea Tern Court, San Diego, CA

Montessori Child Development LLC receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and effective Montessori curriculum. Parents report significant improvements in their children's confidence, independence, academic skills, and social development. The school is highlighted for its welcoming environment, strong communication with families, and dedicated leadership.

Caring and attentive staffeffective Montessori curriculumhe

Little Angels Academy

5(20)

3078 L Street, San Diego, CA

Little Angels Academy receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the caring and attentive staff, smooth transitions for children of all ages, educational activities, and communication through their parent app. Children show strong development and look forward to attending.

Loving and nurturing staffbilingual teachers availablesmooth transitions for infants and toddlers

Sacred Heart Academy Preschool

5(20)

4895 Saratoga Avenue, San Diego, CA

Sacred Heart Academy Preschool in San Diego receives universally positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, dedicated staff and comprehensive curriculum that balances play-based learning with kindergarten readiness skills. Parents consistently highlight the school's effectiveness with potty training, social-emotional development, and strong teacher-parent communication through the Brightwheel app.

Caring and dedicated teachersstrong kindergarten preparationplay-based learning approach

Manna'S Martial Arts INC.

5(20)

12285 B World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA

Manna's Martial Arts is a highly-rated martial arts studio in San Diego with consistent 5/5 star reviews. Parents praise the quality instruction, strong emphasis on discipline and life skills, and community atmosphere that extends beyond martial arts training. Multiple families report long-term enrollment (8-13 years) and significant positive impacts on their children's confidence, self-defense abilities, and character development.

Excellent instruction qualityemphasis on safety and respectpersonal attention to students

Manchester Family Child Development Center

5(16)

1752 Via Las Cumbres, San Diego, CA

Manchester Family Child Development Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise its caring, professional staff, safe and welcoming environment, and focus on child development and learning through play. Parents highlight excellent communication through daily apps and photos, strong parent community engagement, and successful preparation for kindergarten and school transitions. The center has a long-standing positive reputation in the San Diego community.

Scripps Exploring Academy-Infant

5(14)

9855 Erma Road Ste. 128, San Diego, CA

Parents consistently praise Scripps Exploring Academy for exceptional childcare with attentive, caring staff who genuinely bond with children. Families report their children are happy, well-prepared for kindergarten, and experience smooth transitions. The facility is described as clean, welcoming, and homey with strong parent communication.

Caring and attentive teachershappy childrensmooth transition to kindergarten

Map

Child Daycare & Preschools in San Diego, California

There are 372 child daycare & preschools in San Diego, California, making up 88% of the 425 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego

Showing 372 results

International Pre-School
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

International Pre-School in San Diego receives overwhelmingly positive reviews (6 five-star ratings) praising the caring staff, strong academic preparation, and performing arts curriculum. However, one parent reported their child with behavioral and emotional regulation issues was unenrolled without proper accommodations or evaluation, alleging the school failed to follow California disability law.

Caring and seasoned teaching staffstrong academic curriculumchild
Address
5940 Winchester Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 479-2410
Kids' Care Club
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Kids' Care Club receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the caring, experienced staff and strong focus on child development across social, emotional, and academic areas. Parents repeatedly mention positive transitions, excellent communication, and a warm, nurturing environment with engaging activities including STEAM curriculum and special community experiences. Children show notable growth in confidence, social skills, and school readiness.

Caring and patient staffexperienced teachers with long tenurestrong communication with families
Address
9995 Carmel Mountain Rd, Ste B8, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 538-5437
Lifetime Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents consistently praise Lifetime Montessori for its authentic implementation of Montessori philosophy, strong leadership under Director Kristin, and nurturing teachers who foster academic growth alongside personal development. Families report their children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically, with long-term enrollment common due to satisfaction with the program's approach and staff commitment.

Authentic Montessori methodologyexperienced and passionate teachersstrong leadership and administration
Address
14727 Camino De La Luna, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 759-0631
Ridge City Preschool And Daycare
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Ridge City Preschool and Daycare in San Diego receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with nine 5-star reviews praising the loving, caring staff and clean facilities. One 3-star review noted the daycare lacks modern communication technology and raised concerns about how staff handled certain behavioral situations.

Caring and loving staffclean facilitiesstructured curriculum
Address
6866 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 277-1442
Hillcrest Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Hillcrest Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced teachers, nurturing environment, and strong educational curriculum. Parents highlight the small, intimate community feel, affordable pricing, convenient hours, and new facilities as major strengths. The leadership and staff are consistently described as genuinely invested in children's development and family partnerships.

Caring and experienced teacherssmall community feel where staff know all children and familiesnurturing and safe environment
Address
3900 Cleveland Ave, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 295-4147
St. Andrew'S Lutheran Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Unable to provide accurate daycare review summary. The reviews provided are for St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, not the preschool program. All 10 reviews focus on church services and community rather than childcare quality, curriculum, or preschool operations.

None relevant to daycare operations
Address
8350 Lake Murray Boulevard, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 469-3531
Congregation Beth Israel/Sid Rubin Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Congregation Beth Israel/Sid Rubin Infant Center is highly regarded as a welcoming Jewish community with exceptional staff and clergy. Parents praise the warm, inclusive atmosphere, quality programming including music and Torah study, and professional child development services. The facility serves as both a spiritual center and preschool with strong community engagement.

Welcoming and inclusive communityexceptional rabbis and staffprofessional child development
Address
9001 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 900-2530
Kids Care Club-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents consistently praise Kids Care Club for its caring, experienced staff, strong communication, and nurturing environment that supports children's social, emotional, and academic growth. The facility is clean and well-maintained with engaging activities, outdoor play, and structured curriculum. Multiple families report their children thrived at the center and were well-prepared for elementary school.

Experienced and caring staff with low turnoverexcellent parent communicationindividualized attention to each child's needs
Address
9995 Carmel Mountain Road, #B8, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 538-5437
Northminster Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Northminster Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its warm, nurturing environment and exceptional staff who genuinely care for each child. Parents highlight the school's small class sizes, personalized attention, strong arts programs, and successful transitions to kindergarten. Multiple families report significant growth in their children's confidence, social skills, and academic readiness.

Caring and patient teacherssmall class sizes with l
Address
4324 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 270-3760
Saint Michael Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Saint Michael Preschool receives predominantly positive reviews (7 five-star ratings) praising the dedicated staff, family-like environment, and STEM-focused Catholic curriculum. One negative review criticized the director's unprofessional conduct during a tour and harsh enrollment policies.

Dedicated and well-trained stafffamily-oriented environmentSTEM-focused curriculum
Address
2637 Homedale Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 472-5437
The Children'S Paradise
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5
Address
6038 Cumberland St, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 475-0683
Children Of The Rainbow INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Children of the Rainbow Inc has mostly positive reviews praising staff quality, individualized attention, developmental progress, and safety improvements. However, one detailed 1-star review documents a serious 2019 incident where a 2-year-old child left the facility unnoticed through an unarmed door for approximately 5 minutes, with delayed parent notification and concerns about inadequate follow-up corrective actions.

Attentive and caring teachersspecialized supp
Address
690 Beardsley St., #101, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 578-2974
Childrens Creative & Performing Arts Acad. Of Sd
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Parents consistently praise CHILDRENS CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS ACAD. OF SD for combining strong academics with exceptional performing arts programs in a supportive, inclusive environment. Teachers are described as passionate, caring mentors who know students personally and foster confidence and self-expression. The school creates a tight-knit community where children feel valued and eager to learn.

Rigorous academics with supportive teachingoutstanding performing
Address
3051 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 584-2454
Cda - Finney Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5
Address
3950 Byrd Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 690-0147
Mesa College Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5
Address
7250 Mesa College Dr, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 388-2812
Toby Wells Ymca Developmental Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Toby Wells YMCA is highly praised for its comprehensive facilities, quality instruction, and friendly staff. Parents highlight excellent preschool programming with intentional activities, strong teacher-student relationships, and included amenities like swimming and gymnastics. The facility is clean, well-maintained, and offers diverse programs for children and families year-round.

Quality instruction and teacher-student relationshipsincluded swimming and gymnastics classesnice facilities (indoor pool
Address
5105 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 496-9622
Grace Lutheran Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Reviews appear to be for Grace Lutheran Church's worship services rather than the preschool program itself. Most reviewers praise the liturgical experience, theology, community, and worship environment. One reviewer reported a negative interaction with leadership.

Beautiful worship space and architecturereverent liturgical servicesquality music and hymns
Address
3967 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 299-2890
Kid Ventures
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Kid Ventures receives consistently excellent reviews with all 5-star ratings. Parents praise the warm, caring staff, engaging curriculum that balances learning and play, and strong communication with families. Children reportedly transition easily, show excitement about attending, and make significant developmental progress.

Warm and caring staffexperienced and qualified teachersplay-based learning environment
Address
10760 Thornmint Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 207-6088
Sorrento Valley Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Sorrento Valley Children's Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the warm, family-like environment, attentive teachers, small class sizes, and effective educational approach. However, one parent reported serious safety concerns including injuries from furniture, inadequate supervision relative to advertised ratios, and unaddressed hazards.

Kind and attentive teacherssafe and clean environmentengaging play area with diverse
Address
4050-A Sorrento Valley Blvd, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 457-3301
Grace Lutheran Child Development Center-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

These reviews appear to be about Grace Lutheran Church's worship services rather than the child development center itself. Reviews overwhelmingly praise the liturgical experience, theology, and community atmosphere, though one reviewer reported a negative interaction with a pastor.

Beautiful worship spacereverent liturgyinsightful sermons
Address
3967 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 987-0181
Baldwin Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Parents universally praise Baldwin Academy for its caring, professional staff and welcoming environment. Families report smooth transitions, strong communication, structured curriculum with outdoor play, and a sense of community. Multiple parents describe the daycare as feeling like a second home and highly recommend it.

Compassionate and genuine teachersexcellent communication and daily updatessmooth transition support
Address
1752 Hornblend Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 270-5995
Children Of The Rainbow INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3
Address
4890 Logan Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 615-0652
Baldwin Academy-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Baldwin Academy Infant in San Diego receives consistently excellent ratings from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and welcoming environment. Parents highlight strong communication, structured curriculum with outdoor activities, and successful transitions to kindergarten. Multiple families have attended for several years, indicating high satisfaction and loyalty.

Caring and loving staffwelcoming atmosphereexcellent communication via app and daily
Address
1772 Hornblend Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 270-5995
Baldwin Academy-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Baldwin Academy-Infant receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the staff's warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for children. Parents highlight strong communication, structured curriculum with educational activities, and a family-like community atmosphere. Many families have enrolled multiple children and remained for several years, indicating high satisfaction and trust.

Welcoming and supportive staffdetailed daily communication via app and at pickupsmooth transition process for new students
Address
1760 Hornblend Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 270-5995
Early Learners Children'S Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

Early Learners Children's Academy receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring staff, clean facilities, and quality educational programs. One parent reported a negative experience with front desk staff professionalism during their initial inquiry and visit.

caring and loving staffclean facilitysecure environment
Address
4050 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 291-5200
Jeff & Deni Jacobs Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2
Address
2360 E. Jewett Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 278-2571
Say-Doyle Extended Day Program
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

SAY-DOYLE Extended Day Program is a center-based facility in San Diego with extensive outdoor and indoor recreational amenities. Parents praise the spacious grounds, multiple sports facilities, and overall cleanliness. However, reviews focus primarily on park and gym facilities rather than daycare services.

Large outdoor spacebasketball courtsoccer fields
Address
8175 Regents Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 458-1882
Alexa'S Playc
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1
Address
3685 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 966-8555
Barrio Logan Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

Barrio Logan Child Development Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and empathetic staff, strong parent-teacher communication, and nurturing environment. However, one critical review raises serious safety concerns about pickup procedures and staff management issues.

Caring and attentive staffstrong communication with parentschildren excited to attend
Address
2138 Logan Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 233-3460
Magic Hours Childrens' Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

Magic Hours Children's Center receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the warm, caring staff and strong academic preparation. However, some parents report high costs, inconsistent waitlist communication, and occasional staff attitude issues.

Caring and nurturing staffstrong academic support (writingmath
Address
8330 Westmore Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 271-8383

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Frequently asked questions

There are 372 child daycare & preschools daycares in San Diego, California, out of 425 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 San Diego, 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
San Diego offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 372 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 29 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 7 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 17 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 San Diego for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in San Diego 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.