Children at daycare

45 Child Daycare & Preschools in Santa Barbara, California

Browse all 45 child daycare & preschools in Santa Barbara, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Santa Barbara

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

    605 W. Junipero St., Santa Barbara, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

    The Oaks Parent Child Workshop is a highly-rated cooperative preschool in Santa Barbara with a 5/5 rating across all reviews. Parents consistently praise its play-based, nature-focused curriculum, strong community atmosphere, and the co-op model that involves parents in their children's education. The school is noted as affordable compared to other preschools and has a 75+ year history of serving Santa Barbara families.

    Play-based and nature-based curriculummixed-age learningexcellent teacher-to-child ratioparental involvement and community building
  2. 2

    4519 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    Discoveries Learning Center receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating the facility 5/5 stars. Parents consistently praise the caring and experienced teaching staff, strong child development outcomes, and engaging learning environment. Leadership is noted as responsive and collaborative.

    Passionate and loving teachersstrong language and academic developmentcreative activities and learning through playcaring and family-like environment
  3. 3

    400a Puente Dr., Santa Barbara, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

    San Marcos Parent Child Workshop is a highly-regarded cooperative preschool in Santa Barbara with perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the exceptional teachers, strong community bonds, and focus on social-emotional development alongside academics. The cooperative model is highlighted as a significant advantage, allowing parents to be involved and participate in their children's education.

    Exceptionalcaring teachersstrong communit
  4. 4

    1525 1/2 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 49 children

    Starr King Parent Child Workshop is a highly-regarded parent-child cooperative preschool in Santa Barbara with consistent 5-star ratings. Parents praise its play-based learning approach, beautiful campus, experienced staff, and strong community focus, though enrollment requires significant parental involvement including 4 hours of weekly volunteering and attendance at child development classes.

    play-based learningextensive outdoor facilities (sandboxziplineplay
  5. 5

    4973 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 237 children

    Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara receives consistently high ratings with parents praising the structured, safe, and welcoming environment. Staff members are frequently highlighted as friendly, helpful, and supportive, with daughters showing enthusiasm for classes and programs. The facility itself is noted as clean, bright, and well-maintained.

    Structured environmentsafe facilityfriendly and helpful staffclean and bright rooms
  6. 6

    385 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children

    Note: The reviews provided are for the Montecito Family YMCA fitness center, not a daycare facility. Reviews consistently praise the welcoming staff, community atmosphere, and quality facilities including pools, outdoor workout areas, and fitness classes. One review mentions a child care room with kind staff.

    Warm and welcoming staffstrong sense of communitywell-maintained facilitiesheated outdoor pool
  7. 7

    591 Santa Rosa Ln, Santa Barbara, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children

    Note: The reviews provided are for the Montecito Family YMCA fitness facility, not specifically for the Montecito Branch Preschool daycare program. Reviews consistently praise the welcoming staff, community atmosphere, and quality facilities, with mentions of a child care room available on-site.

    Friendly and welcoming staffwarm community atmospherequality facilitiesheated outdoor pool
  8. 8
    Congregation B'Nai B'Rith
    4.43 score
    4.6(13)

    1000 San Antonio Creek, Santa Barbara, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 77 children

    Congregation B'Nai B'Rith receives consistently positive feedback from community members who praise its welcoming atmosphere and engaged staff. Reviewers highlight the caring clergy, friendly congregation, and quality religious programming, particularly noting the strength of the choir and music program.

    Warm and welcoming communitycaring clergy and staffbeautiful facilityexcellent choir and music program
  9. 9
    St. Andrew'S Preschool
    4.37 score
    4.6(8)

    4575 Auhay Drive, Santa Barbara, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

    Reviews focus on the church community rather than daycare services. Parents praise the welcoming atmosphere, sincere leadership, and commitment to social justice and community service. One reviewer noted the facility is 'acceptable.'

    Welcoming and accepting communitysincere minister/pastorintellectual and faith-focused environmentcommitment to social justice and community service
  10. 10
    St. Mark Preschool
    4.31 score
    4.4(18)

    3942 La Colina Road, Santa Barbara, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 70 children

    St. Mark Preschool in Santa Barbara receives consistently high praise from parents, with all 10 reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the warm, nurturing environment, caring and skilled teachers, strong sense of community, and developmentally-appropriate curriculum that balances academics with social-emotional learning. Families report their children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically while forming lasting friendships and connections.

    Warm and nurturing teachers and staffstrong sense of community and family friendshipsexcellent director (Ana) leadershipinclusive environment for minority families

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Santa Barbara based on parent reviews

Oaks Parent Child Workshop

5(20)

605 W. Junipero St., Santa Barbara, CA

The Oaks Parent Child Workshop is a highly-rated cooperative preschool in Santa Barbara with a 5/5 rating across all reviews. Parents consistently praise its play-based, nature-focused curriculum, strong community atmosphere, and the co-op model that involves parents in their children's education. The school is noted as affordable compared to other preschools and has a 75+ year history of serving Santa Barbara families.

Play-based and nature-based curriculummixed-age learningexcellent teacher-to-child ratio

Discoveries Learning Center

5(13)

4519 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA

Discoveries Learning Center receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating the facility 5/5 stars. Parents consistently praise the caring and experienced teaching staff, strong child development outcomes, and engaging learning environment. Leadership is noted as responsive and collaborative.

Passionate and loving teachersstrong language and academic developmentcreative activities and learning through play

San Marcos Parent Child Workshop

5(11)

400a Puente Dr., Santa Barbara, CA

San Marcos Parent Child Workshop is a highly-regarded cooperative preschool in Santa Barbara with perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the exceptional teachers, strong community bonds, and focus on social-emotional development alongside academics. The cooperative model is highlighted as a significant advantage, allowing parents to be involved and participate in their children's education.

Exceptionalcaring teachersstrong communit

Starr King Parent Child Workshop

5(11)

1525 1/2 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA

Starr King Parent Child Workshop is a highly-regarded parent-child cooperative preschool in Santa Barbara with consistent 5-star ratings. Parents praise its play-based learning approach, beautiful campus, experienced staff, and strong community focus, though enrollment requires significant parental involvement including 4 hours of weekly volunteering and attendance at child development classes.

play-based learningextensive outdoor facilities (sandboxzipline

Girls INC. Of Greater Santa Barbara

4.9(8)

4973 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA

Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara receives consistently high ratings with parents praising the structured, safe, and welcoming environment. Staff members are frequently highlighted as friendly, helpful, and supportive, with daughters showing enthusiasm for classes and programs. The facility itself is noted as clean, bright, and well-maintained.

Structured environmentsafe facilityfriendly and helpful staff

Montecito Branch-Channel Islands Ymca

4.6(20)

385 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara, CA

Note: The reviews provided are for the Montecito Family YMCA fitness center, not a daycare facility. Reviews consistently praise the welcoming staff, community atmosphere, and quality facilities including pools, outdoor workout areas, and fitness classes. One review mentions a child care room with kind staff.

Warm and welcoming staffstrong sense of communitywell-maintained facilities

Map

Browse by type in Santa Barbara

Child Daycare & Preschools in Santa Barbara, California

There are 45 child daycare & preschools in Santa Barbara, California, making up 85% of the 53 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 Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara

Showing 45 results

Little Angels Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
909 N. La Cumbre, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 563-0884
Bright Start The Early Years
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1617 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 963-2024
Child'S Play
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1415 San Andres, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 966-6767
Bright Start Early Years
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1621 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 963-2024
Discoveries Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Discoveries Learning Center receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating the facility 5/5 stars. Parents consistently praise the caring and experienced teaching staff, strong child development outcomes, and engaging learning environment. Leadership is noted as responsive and collaborative.

Passionate and loving teachersstrong language and academic developmentcreative activities and learning through play
Address
4519 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 683-3001
Here We Grow Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
487 North Turnpike Road, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 448-3730
Oaks Parent Child Workshop
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

The Oaks Parent Child Workshop is a highly-rated cooperative preschool in Santa Barbara with a 5/5 rating across all reviews. Parents consistently praise its play-based, nature-focused curriculum, strong community atmosphere, and the co-op model that involves parents in their children's education. The school is noted as affordable compared to other preschools and has a 75+ year history of serving Santa Barbara families.

Play-based and nature-based curriculummixed-age learningexcellent teacher-to-child ratio
Address
605 W. Junipero St., Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 682-7609
San Marcos Parent Child Workshop
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

San Marcos Parent Child Workshop is a highly-regarded cooperative preschool in Santa Barbara with perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the exceptional teachers, strong community bonds, and focus on social-emotional development alongside academics. The cooperative model is highlighted as a significant advantage, allowing parents to be involved and participate in their children's education.

Exceptionalcaring teachersstrong communit
Address
400a Puente Dr., Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 964-8994
Starr King Parent Child Workshop
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Starr King Parent Child Workshop is a highly-regarded parent-child cooperative preschool in Santa Barbara with consistent 5-star ratings. Parents praise its play-based learning approach, beautiful campus, experienced staff, and strong community focus, though enrollment requires significant parental involvement including 4 hours of weekly volunteering and attendance at child development classes.

play-based learningextensive outdoor facilities (sandboxzipline
Address
1525 1/2 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 966-1325
Girls INC. Of Greater Santa Barbara
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara receives consistently high ratings with parents praising the structured, safe, and welcoming environment. Staff members are frequently highlighted as friendly, helpful, and supportive, with daughters showing enthusiasm for classes and programs. The facility itself is noted as clean, bright, and well-maintained.

Structured environmentsafe facilityfriendly and helpful staff
Address
4973 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 967-0319
Cac - Los Ninos Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
130 E. Cota, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 963-2955
St. Andrew'S Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Reviews focus on the church community rather than daycare services. Parents praise the welcoming atmosphere, sincere leadership, and commitment to social justice and community service. One reviewer noted the facility is 'acceptable.'

Welcoming and accepting communitysincere minister/pastorintellectual and faith-focused environment
Address
4575 Auhay Drive, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 964-6114
Montecito Branch-Channel Islands Ymca
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Note: The reviews provided are for the Montecito Family YMCA fitness center, not a daycare facility. Reviews consistently praise the welcoming staff, community atmosphere, and quality facilities including pools, outdoor workout areas, and fitness classes. One review mentions a child care room with kind staff.

Warm and welcoming staffstrong sense of communitywell-maintained facilities
Address
385 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 969-3249
Congregation B'Nai B'Rith
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Congregation B'Nai B'Rith receives consistently positive feedback from community members who praise its welcoming atmosphere and engaged staff. Reviewers highlight the caring clergy, friendly congregation, and quality religious programming, particularly noting the strength of the choir and music program.

Warm and welcoming communitycaring clergy and staffbeautiful facility
Address
1000 San Antonio Creek, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 967-6619
Montecito Branch - Montecito Ymca Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Note: The reviews provided are for the Montecito Family YMCA fitness facility, not specifically for the Montecito Branch Preschool daycare program. Reviews consistently praise the welcoming staff, community atmosphere, and quality facilities, with mentions of a child care room available on-site.

Friendly and welcoming staffwarm community atmospherequality facilities
Address
591 Santa Rosa Ln, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 969-3288
The Learningden Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

The Learning Den Preschool in Santa Barbara receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the quality of teachers, comprehensive curriculum, and strong communication. Most reviewers highlight excellent preparation for kindergarten and a nurturing, respectful environment. One parent reported an unfavorable experience at the lower campus without providing details.

Experienced and caring teacherswell-run facilitycomprehensive activities (STEAM
Address
4485 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 683-5801
St. Mark Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

St. Mark Preschool in Santa Barbara receives consistently high praise from parents, with all 10 reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the warm, nurturing environment, caring and skilled teachers, strong sense of community, and developmentally-appropriate curriculum that balances academics with social-emotional learning. Families report their children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically while forming lasting friendships and connections.

Warm and nurturing teachers and staffstrong sense of community and family friendshipsexcellent director (Ana) leadership
Address
3942 La Colina Road, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 705-8240
Girls Incorporated Of Greater S.B.-(S.B. Center)
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2
Address
531 East Ortega, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 963-4017
Santa Barbara Branch - Santa Barbara Ymca
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

Note: These reviews appear to be for the YMCA fitness facility, not the daycare center specifically. Reviews praise the clean facilities, modern equipment, friendly staff, and variety of programs including swim lessons and fitness classes.

Clean facilitiesnew and well-maintained equipmentfriendly and well-trained staff
Address
36 Hitchock, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 569-1103
Hope 4 Kids Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Hope 4 Kids Preschool receives predominantly positive reviews praising its outdoor-focused, play-based curriculum and caring staff. Most parents report their children thrive academically and socially, develop strong friendships, and benefit from nature-centered learning and healthy nutrition programs. A small number of parents expressed concerns about lack of structured guidance, teacher expertise in early childhood development, and specific support for language learners.

Address
560 N. La Cumbre Rd., Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 682-2300
Storyteller Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Storyteller Children's Center in Santa Barbara receives highly polarized reviews. Positive reviewers praise the friendly staff, safe environment, fun learning activities, and emotional support for children. Negative reviewers report serious concerns including staff rudeness, physical mishandling of children, and inadequate supervisor response to incidents.

friendly and helpful stafffun learning activitieschild safety focus
Address
2115 State St., Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 682-9585
Hope 4 Kids
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Hope 4 Kids is a nature-centered, play-based preschool in Santa Barbara that receives predominantly positive reviews praising its outdoor classroom curriculum, nutritious meals, and caring staff. However, a few parents report concerns about inconsistent teaching quality, lack of individualized instruction for children with special needs, and unprofessional handling of parent concerns.

Outdoor classroom and nature-based learningdevelopmentally appropriate curriculumwarm and caring staff
Address
560 N. La Cumbre Rd., Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 708-4673
Storyteller Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Storyteller Children's Center receives polarized reviews with sharp divides between highly satisfied and deeply dissatisfied parents. Positive reviewers praise the friendly staff, fun learning environment, and child safety focus, while negative reviewers report serious concerns including alleged physical abuse, staff rudeness, and lack of accountability. The center has a 3.9/5 Google rating based on recent reviews.

friendly and helpful stafffun learning activitiesfocus on child safety
Address
2121 De La Vina, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 687-4540
St. Vincent'S Early Childhood Education Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.4

St. Vincent's Early Childhood Education Center has mixed reviews with significant polarization. Some reviewers praise the welcoming staff and volunteers, while others report serious concerns about management, staff conduct, and unresponsiveness. Many reviews appear to reference the facility's historical operations as a school or its other programs rather than current early childhood education services.

Welcoming and encouraging staffclean facilitiesvolunteer oppo
Address
4200 Calle Real 4225/4233, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 683-6381
Orfalea Family Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3
Address
West Campus Ucsb, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 893-3665
Quality Time Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4545 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 967-1381
Sbsd - Harding State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1625 Robbins St., Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 965-8994
The Salvation Army
Child Daycare & Preschools

Reviews are highly polarized with no clear consensus. Positive reviews praise staff helpfulness and long-term support services, while negative reviews criticize communication failures and organizational issues unrelated to daycare operations.

Helpful and caring stafflong-term family supportassistance with food and resources
Address
4849 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 683-3724
Cac - Coronel Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
629 Coronel Place, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 966-4552
Cathedral Oaks Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4974 Cathedral Oaks Road, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone
(805) 967-8013

Page 1 of 2· 45 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 45 child daycare & preschools daycares in Santa Barbara, California, out of 53 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 Santa Barbara, 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
Santa Barbara offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 45 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 1 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 Santa Barbara for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Santa Barbara 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.