How do I choose the right daycare in Pasadena?

When choosing a daycare in Pasadena, 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 Pasadena?

Pasadena offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 52 facilities Headstart Programs — 3 facilities Church Daycare — 1 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 12 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 Pasadena, California (3 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 Pasadena for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Pasadena

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.

Altadena Nursery School INC.

4.8 score

5(20)

789 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

Altadena Nursery School is a highly-regarded co-op preschool where parents consistently praise the warm, experienced teachers and play-based learning approach. Parents highlight the strong sense of community among families and staff, with children showing enthusiasm for attending and developing confidence and social-emotional skills.

Experienced and caring teachersplay-based curriculumstrong parent community and involvementchild-led learning approach

Ability First

4.69 score

5(11)

201 South Kinneloa Avenue, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 47 children

Ability First in Pasadena receives consistently positive feedback from parents and community members. Reviewers praise the caring and respectful staff, inclusive environment, and quality programming for children, teens, and adults. The director is credited with creating memorable experiences and special events.

Caring and trustworthy staffinclusive and welcoming environmentquality after-school programsphysical activity focus

B'Nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool

4.67 score

5(10)

1434 N. Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 55 children

B'Nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool in Pasadena receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as a nurturing, play-based learning environment with strong community values. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, extensive outdoor space, Hebrew language instruction, and Jewish cultural education as standout features.

Caring and loving teachersplay-based learning approachextensive outdoor spaceJewish education and Hebrew language instr

Happy Sunshine Kids

4.58 score

4.8(13)

169 North Halstead Street, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 87 children

Parents consistently praise Happy Sunshine Kids (also known as Kiddie Academy of Pasadena) for its caring, attentive staff and strong educational curriculum. The center is noted for accepting infants as young as 3.5 months, implementing Montessori and play-based learning approaches, and providing daily communication with parents through updates and photos.

Caring and attentive staffstrong early childhood education with Montessori principlesaccepts infants from 3.

Cottage Nursery School

4.55 score

5(6)

169 West Arlington Drive, Pasadena, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 40 children

Parents consistently praise Cottage Nursery School for its play-based, social-emotional learning approach and caring community atmosphere. Multiple families report their children thriving and feeling safe, with long-term enrollment spanning years. Teachers are highlighted as exceptional professionals who treat children with respect and intentionality.

Play-based learning approachsocial-emotional development focuscaring and engaged teacherssafe environment

Mothers Club Family Learning Center

4.53 score

4.9(7)

980 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 63 children

Parents consistently praise Mothers Club Family Learning Center with perfect 5-star ratings. They highlight excellent teacher care, particularly teacher Susanna, and note that their children love attending. Parents express gratitude for the supportive environment and beautiful facility.

Excellent teacherscaring staffbeautiful facilitychildren enjoy attending

Hastings Ranch Nursery School

4.52 score

4.7(14)

3740 E Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 65 children

Hastings Ranch Nursery School is a play-based, co-op preschool in Pasadena that parents consistently praise for its warm, engaged teaching staff, strong community atmosphere, and excellent outdoor facilities. All reviewers highlight the school's child-centered approach, meaningful parent involvement through required volunteer hours, and supportive environment that helps children develop socially and emotionally. Parents emphasize the affordability of the co-op model and the lasting friendships formed within the school community.

Warm and patient teachersplay-based learning approachlarge and well-designed outdoor play areasstrong sense of community

Sundance Childcare Center

4.5 score

5(5)

700 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

Sundance Childcare Center receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, affordable tuition, and nutritious in-house meals. Parents highlight the integrated Korean language education and cultural programming as major strengths, with children showing strong social, emotional, and academic development.

Caring and competent teachersaffordable tuitionhealthy in-house mealsengaging activities and cultural celebrations

Chalk Of Pasadena LLC

4.44 score

4.6(14)

700 E Green St, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 74 children

Parents consistently praise The Academy at Bright Horizons for its warm, nurturing environment and caring staff led by Director Kara. Children reportedly enjoy daily activities including learning, arts, crafts, and play, with strong parent-teacher communication and transparent updates. The facility maintained safety protocols throughout the pandemic and parents report their children thrived academically and emotionally before kindergarten.

Loving and knowledgeable teachersfun-based learning curriculumwarm and nurturing atmospherestrong parent-teacher communication

Enchanted Castle San Marino Montessori School

4.35 score

4.5(12)

444 S Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 90 children

Enchanted Castle San Marino Montessori School receives unanimous 5-star praise from parents who report their children are happy, engaged, and thriving academically and socially. Parents consistently highlight exceptional, caring teachers, effective Montessori instruction, language immersion programs (Mandarin and Spanish), and strong parent-teacher communication.

Caring and attentive teacherschild-centered Montessori approachlanguage immersion programs (Mandarin

Headstart Programs in Pasadena, California

There are 3 headstart programs in Pasadena, California, making up 4% of the 68 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 Pasadena, 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 3 headstart programs daycares in Pasadena, California, out of 68 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 Pasadena, 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

Pasadena offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 52 facilities
Headstart Programs — 3 facilities
Church Daycare — 1 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 12 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 Pasadena for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Pasadena 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.

3 Headstart Programs in Pasadena, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Pasadena

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Daycare types in Pasadena

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