Children at daycare

3 Infant & Toddler Daycares in Santa Cruz, California

Find the best infant & toddler daycares in Santa Cruz, California. Browse 3 options, compare ratings, and choose the right program for your child.

Best Infant & Toddler Daycares in Santa Cruz

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — infant & toddler daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1

    1738 16th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA · Capacity: 20 children

    Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center receives perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews, with parents praising the staff's warmth, responsiveness, and child-centered approach. Parents consistently highlight the outdoor-focused curriculum, RIE/Montessori philosophy emphasizing toddler agency and respect, and the center's positive impact on both children's development and parental growth.

    Exceptional and dedicated staffoutdoor-focused learning environmenttoddler agency and respect emphasizedexperiential play and activities (cooking
  2. 2

    2560 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA · Capacity: 60 children

Infant & Toddler Daycares in Santa Cruz, California

Finding quality infant and toddler care in Santa Cruz is critical for working families. These 3 facilities specifically cater to children under age 3, with appropriate staff-to-child ratios and age-appropriate activities.

When choosing a infant & toddler daycare in Santa Cruz, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Infant & Toddler Daycares in Santa Cruz

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Frequently asked questions

There are 3 infant & toddler daycares in Santa Cruz, California. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.
Most infant daycare programs in Santa Cruz accept babies as young as 6 weeks old. Some facilities accept infants starting at 8 or 12 weeks. California sets specific staff-to-infant ratio requirements — typically one caregiver for every 3 to 4 infants — to ensure proper care and safety.
When evaluating infant daycare in Santa Cruz, prioritize:
  • Low caregiver-to-infant ratios (ideally 1:3 or 1:4)
  • Experienced staff trained in infant CPR and first aid
  • Safe sleep practices following AAP guidelines
  • Clean, age-appropriate environment with proper sanitization
  • Consistent daily routines for feeding, napping, and play
  • Open communication with parents throughout the day
Infant daycare in Santa Cruz is typically the most expensive form of childcare, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500+ per month for full-time care. The higher cost reflects the lower staff-to-child ratios required for infants and the more intensive care needs.
When selecting a infant & toddler daycare in Santa Cruz, consider:
  • Visit the facility in person to observe the environment
  • Ask about teacher qualifications and experience
  • Check licensing status with California's regulatory agency
  • Review the curriculum and daily schedule
  • Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences
  • Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities