
Compare 49 child daycare & preschools in Whittier. Average rating: 3.77/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Whittier has 49 licensed child daycare & preschools with 299 parent reviews averaging 3.77/5.16 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 47% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 90606 (avg 4.55 stars), while 90604 has the largest selection (16 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
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.
10262 Colima Rd, Whittier, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 58 children
Eagles Nest Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, communicative staff and clean, safe environment. Parents report their children are well-prepared for elementary school and form lasting bonds with teachers who treat them like family. Multiple families have maintained contact with staff years after their children graduated.
12510 E. Hadley St., Whittier, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 105 children
The Whittier YMCA School Age Site receives consistently positive feedback with a 5/5 rating across all reviews. Parents praise the welcoming community atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and exceptional staff who are friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. The facility is noted for being clean, well-organized, and offering a good balance of amenities without feeling overcrowded.
12510 Hadley St., Whittier, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 54 children
The YMCA of Greater Whittier receives consistently positive feedback with all 5-star ratings. Parents praise the friendly and welcoming community atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and high-quality instructors. The center is noted for its cleanliness, variety of classes, and strong sense of belonging among members.
10262 Colima Rd, Whittier, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children
Parents consistently praise Eagles Nest Preschool for its caring, attentive staff who build strong relationships with families and children. Reviews highlight excellent preparation for elementary school, a clean and safe environment, and regular communication with parents. Families describe the center as feeling like extended family, with many maintaining contact long after their children graduate.
6556 Bright Avenue, Whittier, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 54 children
Ready Set Grow receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring teachers, play-based learning approach, and inclusive environment. One parent reported serious safety concerns including injuries and a medical incident involving a foreign object. The center is located next to Heritage Park in Whittier with age-based classrooms and costs approximately $200/week for full-time care.
6726 Washington Avenue, Whittier, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 25 children
Whittier Friends School is a small, community-focused daycare with highly dedicated staff and low student-to-teacher ratios. Parents consistently praise the warm, family-like environment, flexible scheduling, Montessori-inspired approach, and strong emphasis on individual attention and child development without heavy screen time.
7804 S. Thornlake Avenue, Whittier, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 74 children
Parents consistently praise Cornerstone Preschool for its clean, well-organized facility, caring and attentive teachers, and effective early childhood education. Children reportedly enjoy attending daily and develop strong learning skills and lasting relationships with staff and peers. Families express high satisfaction and frequently recommend the center to others.
6355 Greenleaf, Whittier, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children
NOTE: These reviews appear to be for Freedom City Church, not Greenleaf Headstart daycare. The reviews describe a religious organization that offers spiritual guidance, discipleship programs, and life coaching rather than childcare services. All reviewers gave 5-star ratings and reported positive personal transformations related to faith and life circumstances.
15215 East Janine Drive, Whittier, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 64 children
Shepherd of the Hills Pre-School in Whittier receives consistently positive feedback from parents. Parents praise the friendly and caring staff, positive atmosphere, and reasonable pricing, with one parent reporting a year of enrollment with no concerns. One reviewer noted the building appears slightly run down despite the quality of care.
10005 Cole Road, Whittier, CA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 64 children
East Whittier United Methodist Church's preschool program receives high praise from parents. A parent of a child who attended in 2023-24 highlighted how teachers, particularly Ms. Lupe, Margaret, and Carol, helped their grandson develop social skills and peer relationships after pandemic isolation. The facility is described as a welcoming, loving environment.
Based on 34 daycares with Google ratings in Whittier
Top qualities mentioned across 299 reviews, analyzed by AI
Average ratings by facility type in Whittier, based on parent reviews
Whittier zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90606 | 7 | 4.55 | 2 | |
| 90601 | 12 | 4.15 | 4 | |
| 90605 | 11 | 3.82 | 5 | |
| 90603 | 7 | 3.7 | 3 | |
| 90604 | 16 | 2.97 | 2 |
Capacity distribution of daycares in Whittier (12–207 children)
Small
up to 30 children
15
Medium
31–75 children
28
Large
76–150 children
10
Very Large
150+ children
2
Highest rated daycares in Whittier based on parent reviews
10262 Colima Rd, Whittier, CA
Eagles Nest Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, communicative staff and clean, safe environment. Parents report their children are well-prepared for elementary school and form lasting bonds with teachers who treat them like family. Multiple families have maintained contact with staff years after their children graduated.
12510 E. Hadley St., Whittier, CA
The Whittier YMCA School Age Site receives consistently positive feedback with a 5/5 rating across all reviews. Parents praise the welcoming community atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and exceptional staff who are friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. The facility is noted for being clean, well-organized, and offering a good balance of amenities without feeling overcrowded.
12510 Hadley St., Whittier, CA
The YMCA of Greater Whittier receives consistently positive feedback with all 5-star ratings. Parents praise the friendly and welcoming community atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and high-quality instructors. The center is noted for its cleanliness, variety of classes, and strong sense of belonging among members.
10262 Colima Rd, Whittier, CA
Parents consistently praise Eagles Nest Preschool for its caring, attentive staff who build strong relationships with families and children. Reviews highlight excellent preparation for elementary school, a clean and safe environment, and regular communication with parents. Families describe the center as feeling like extended family, with many maintaining contact long after their children graduate.
13841 E. Christine Drive, Whittier, CA
One reviewer highlights the school's long-standing reputation and organizational excellence, noting that children are well loved and the waitlist is long. Another parent mentions their sister attends the center, while a third reviewer references a personal connection from 46 years ago.
9951 S. Mills Avenue, Whittier, CA
A few parents highlight the staff's dedication, kindness, and respect for families, with one specifically praising a teacher named Miss Inez for her care of their grandson. The reviews also note the school's excellent reputation and the teachers' positive temperament in teaching. No negative feedback has been mentioned in these reviews.
There are 49 child daycare & preschools in Whittier, California, making up 89% of the 55 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.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Whittier have an average rating of 3.77 out of 5 across 34 rated facilities, with 47% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.4 stars. Our analysis covers 299 parent reviews.
When choosing a daycare in Whittier, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
Showing 49 results
One reviewer highlights the school's long-standing reputation and organizational excellence, noting that children are well loved and the waitlist is long. Another parent mentions their sister attends the center, while a third reviewer references a personal connection from 46 years ago.
A few parents highlight the staff's dedication, kindness, and respect for families, with one specifically praising a teacher named Miss Inez for her care of their grandson. The reviews also note the school's excellent reputation and the teachers' positive temperament in teaching. No negative feedback has been mentioned in these reviews.
One parent notes a long-standing positive reputation spanning decades, while another highlights exceptional organization, caring staff, and high demand. A third review simply confirms a sibling attends the center.
Eagles Nest Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, communicative staff and clean, safe environment. Parents report their children are well-prepared for elementary school and form lasting bonds with teachers who treat them like family. Multiple families have maintained contact with staff years after their children graduated.
Shepherd of the Hills Pre-School in Whittier receives consistently positive feedback from parents. Parents praise the friendly and caring staff, positive atmosphere, and reasonable pricing, with one parent reporting a year of enrollment with no concerns. One reviewer noted the building appears slightly run down despite the quality of care.
The Whittier YMCA School Age Site receives consistently positive feedback with a 5/5 rating across all reviews. Parents praise the welcoming community atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and exceptional staff who are friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. The facility is noted for being clean, well-organized, and offering a good balance of amenities without feeling overcrowded.
Parents consistently praise Cornerstone Preschool for its clean, well-organized facility, caring and attentive teachers, and effective early childhood education. Children reportedly enjoy attending daily and develop strong learning skills and lasting relationships with staff and peers. Families express high satisfaction and frequently recommend the center to others.
Ready Set Grow receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring teachers, play-based learning approach, and inclusive environment. One parent reported serious safety concerns including injuries and a medical incident involving a foreign object. The center is located next to Heritage Park in Whittier with age-based classrooms and costs approximately $200/week for full-time care.
The YMCA of Greater Whittier receives consistently positive feedback with all 5-star ratings. Parents praise the friendly and welcoming community atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and high-quality instructors. The center is noted for its cleanliness, variety of classes, and strong sense of belonging among members.
Parents consistently praise Eagles Nest Preschool for its caring, attentive staff who build strong relationships with families and children. Reviews highlight excellent preparation for elementary school, a clean and safe environment, and regular communication with parents. Families describe the center as feeling like extended family, with many maintaining contact long after their children graduate.
Santa Fe Kids Company of California receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring staff, strong academics, reasonable pricing, and responsive management. One parent reported dissatisfaction with how staff handled their toddler's adjustment period on the first day.
One parent highlights the school's rigorous curriculum and Christ-centered environment, praising specific teachers for their dedication and ability to help students achieve high standards. Another review notes that a former student's experience declined after a corporate buyout, citing staff turnover, questionable ethics, and a negative social atmosphere among teachers.
NOTE: These reviews appear to be for Freedom City Church, not Greenleaf Headstart daycare. The reviews describe a religious organization that offers spiritual guidance, discipleship programs, and life coaching rather than childcare services. All reviewers gave 5-star ratings and reported positive personal transformations related to faith and life circumstances.
Hadley Preschool receives mixed reviews. Long-time alumni and recent parents praise the caring staff, engaging activities, swimming pool, and daily communication. However, two recent parents report negative experiences with inflexible enrollment policies and harsh treatment of children with developmental differences.
Keystone Montessori Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its nurturing Montessori environment, caring and dedicated staff, and significant developmental progress in children. Parents particularly highlight the director's hands-on leadership and teachers' warmth and professionalism in creating a safe, engaging learning space.
Parents with children at the daycare praise the attentive staff and quality care provided. However, several reviews criticize church leadership and management rather than the daycare program itself.
Primanti Montessori Academy receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring staff, clean facilities, academic progress, and safe environment. However, one parent reported serious safety and hygiene concerns in the infant classroom including bruises, bite marks, diaper rash issues, and negligent handling of objects.
Lincoln Center (Lad N Lassie) in Whittier receives highly polarized reviews. Positive reviews praise caring teachers, child development, reasonable pricing, and strong parent-child bonding. Negative reviews cite concerns about child safety (unexplained injuries), inadequate supervision, lack of age-appropriate activities, billing issues, and inflexible policies toward struggling children.
Lad N Lassie receives mixed reviews with strong praise from satisfied parents but serious concerns from others. Positive reviewers highlight caring teachers, child development, reasonable pricing, and happy children, while negative reviewers report behavioral changes in their children, inadequate supervision, payment issues, and lack of support during difficult transitions.
One parent describes being removed from the program at age three due to a disagreement over cleanup responsibilities, alleging the decision was motivated by racial bias. The reviewer states they remain well-behaved for their age and advises against enrolling children at this center based on this negative experience.
One parent recounts a negative experience from when they were three years old, alleging they were expelled for cleaning up after themselves and suggesting the decision was racially motivated. The reviewer advises other parents against using this center due to the perceived unfair treatment and bias.
One parent reports being expelled from the center at age three for alleged failure to clean up, characterizing the action as unfair and potentially racially motivated. The reviewer warns other parents that staff may blame children for their behavior.
One parent describes being removed from the program at age three due to behavior concerns, alleging the decision was racially motivated.
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