45 Child Daycare & Preschools in Santa Barbara, California

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

   Oaks Parent Child Workshop

   4.8 score

   5(20)

   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

   Discoveries Learning Center

   4.72 score

   5(13)

   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

   San Marcos Parent Child Workshop

   4.69 score

   5(11)

   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

   Starr King Parent Child Workshop

   4.69 score

   5(11)

   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

   Girls INC. Of Greater Santa Barbara

   4.55 score

   4.9(8)

   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

   Montecito Branch-Channel Islands Ymca

   4.48 score

   4.6(20)

   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

   Montecito Branch - Montecito Ymca Preschool

   4.48 score

   4.6(20)

   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

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