
Browse all 45 child daycare & preschools in Santa Barbara, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
Highest rated daycares in Santa Barbara based on parent reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Showing 45 results
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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