How do I choose the right daycare in La Mesa?

When choosing a daycare in La Mesa, 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

What types of daycare are available in La Mesa?

La Mesa offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 28 facilities Headstart Programs — 2 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 2 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Headstart Programs in La Mesa, California (2 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in California?

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 La Mesa for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in La Mesa

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.

Abc Barn Children'S Place-Extended Day

4.58 score

5(7)

10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 34 children

ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff and family-like atmosphere. Parents consistently report their children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically while feeling safe and loved by dedicated teachers and directors who are actively involved.

Experiencedcaringand dedicated teachers; warm family atmosphere; strong director involvement and communication; outdoor play space; reasonable pricing; individualized attention; diverse learning activities; safe environment; welcoming staff; app-based communication with parents

Abc Barn Children'S Place

4.58 score

5(7)

10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 87 children

ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal praise from parents for its warm, family-like atmosphere and dedicated, long-tenured staff. Parents consistently highlight the caring teachers, safe environment, quality outdoor facilities, and positive developmental impact on their children. Leadership is described as professional, communicative, and deeply involved in the community.

caring and dedicated teachersfamily atmosphereexperienced staff (20+ years)involved and approachable directors

La Mesa United Methodist Childrens Ctr. School Age

4.55 score

5(6)

4690 Palm Ave, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 35 children

Parents consistently praise LA MESA UNITED METHODIST CHILDRENS CTR for its caring, communicative staff and supportive learning environment. Children reportedly enjoy attending, show improvements in behavior and social skills, and families appreciate the community connection and convenient downtown location.

Caring and kind teachersgood communication from staffsupportive of child development and learningfun community events

Parent Care Family Recovery Center

4.5 score

5(5)

4990 Williams Avenue, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children

Parent Care Family Recovery Center is a specialized facility that combines childcare with addiction recovery and parenting support services. Parents consistently praise the compassionate staff, therapeutic counseling, and comprehensive programs that have helped them achieve sobriety and reunify with their children. Reviewers highlight the non-judgmental, welcoming environment that has transformed their lives.

Compassionate and supportive staffeffective addiction recovery programsparenting skills trainingpersonal development and self-esteem building

Little Sprouts Academy - Infant

4.4 score

4.5(20)

3605 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 48 children

Parents consistently praise Little Sprouts Academy (also referenced as Learning Jungle) for its caring and attentive staff, clean and well-maintained facilities, and strong communication through daily updates and photos. Multiple reviews highlight the director's professionalism and individual teachers' patience and dedication to child development. Parents report their children show significant growth and development while feeling safe and loved at the center.

Caring and attentive staffClean and well-maintained facilitiesLarge outdoor play space with shadeAmple parking

Little Sprouts Academy INC.

4.4 score

4.5(20)

3605 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 72 children

Parents consistently praise Little Sprouts Academy (also known as Learning Jungle) for its clean, well-maintained facilities, caring and attentive staff, and strong communication through daily updates and photos. The center receives high marks for child development, welcoming atmosphere, and responsive leadership, with multiple parents noting significant positive changes in their children's behavior and learning.

clean and recently renovated facilitieslarge outdoor

Learning Jungle School-La Mesa Campus

4.39 score

4.6(9)

7484 University Ave. Ste. 100, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children

Learning Jungle School-La Mesa Campus receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring staff, strong communication, and child development outcomes. However, one parent reported dissatisfaction with illness management, refund policies, and perceived lack of empathy during their brief enrollment.

Caring and attentive staffstrong child development and learning outcomesexcellent director (Alexa) leadershipconvenient location

Charley Brown Children'S Ctr

4.21 score

4.3(11)

5921 Jackson Dr, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 75 children

Charley Brown Children's Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring staff, strong communication, and quality programming. One parent reported their child was dismissed after struggling on their first day, citing insufficient support during adjustment. The center maintains high staff retention and focuses on developmental learning with outdoor play and nutritious meals.

Caring and passionate staff with high retentionexcellent c

Headstart Programs in La Mesa, California

There are 2 headstart programs in La Mesa, California, making up 6% of the 32 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 La Mesa, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 2 headstart programs daycares in La Mesa, California, out of 32 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 La Mesa, 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

La Mesa offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 28 facilities
Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 2 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 La Mesa for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in La Mesa 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.

2 Headstart Programs in La Mesa, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in La Mesa

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Daycare types in La Mesa

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