How do I choose the right daycare in Lake Forest?

When choosing a daycare in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest?

Lake Forest offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 14 facilities Church Daycare — 1 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 4 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Church Daycare in Lake Forest, California (1 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 Lake Forest for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Lake Forest

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.

The Red Apple Preschool

4.75 score

5(15)

23532 El Toro Rd. Suite, #1, Lake Forest, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

The Red Apple Preschool in Lake Forest receives universally positive feedback from parents. Parents consistently praise the caring, passionate teachers and directors (Maryam and Amir), strong academic curriculum, and warm, safe environment that supports children's academic, social, and emotional development. Multiple parents report significant improvements in their children's learning and confidence since enrolling.

Caring and passionate teachersattentive and responsive directorsstrong academic focus with age-appropriate learningsmall class sizes

Milestones Academy Childcare Center INC.

4.49 score

4.7(12)

23184 El Toro Frontage Road, Lake Forest, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 44 children

Parents consistently praise Milestones Academy for its educational curriculum, caring staff, and positive developmental outcomes for their children. Multiple reviews highlight significant improvements in children's speech, social skills, and academic readiness. The center is noted for creating a welcoming environment that helps children overcome separation anxiety.

Excellent educational curriculumcaring and attentive staff (particularly Miss Fay and team)fresh daily mealsdevelopmental progress in speech and language

Montessori Lake Forest Preschool

4.32 score

4.4(20)

24602 Raymond Way Suite, #1, Lake Forest, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 90 children

Parents consistently praise Montessori Lake Forest Preschool for its nurturing Montessori curriculum, highly attentive teachers, and strong focus on both academic and social-emotional development. Children show significant growth in independence, confidence, practical life skills, and academic achievement. The school is noted for excellent communication with parents and a warm, well-organized learning environment.

Montessori curriculum approachteacher dedication and attentivenessdaily photo/video updatespersonalized attention

Abiding Savior Lutheran Church & School

4.31 score

4.5(8)

23262 El Toro Road, Lake Forest, CA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 75 children

Parents praise Abiding Savior for its small class sizes, experienced and supportive staff, and strong academics. The school is noted for effectively serving neurodivergent learners and preparing students well for public school and honors classes. Parents appreciate the religious curriculum integrated without being intrusive.

Small class sizesexperienced and dedicated teachersstrong academic preparationsupportive and loving staff

Woodcrest Pre-School

3.93 score

3.9(13)

21772 Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 144 children

Woodcrest Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from parents. Parents praise the caring and experienced staff, developmental progress of children, enrichment activities, and the KidsReports app for daily updates. Multiple families report children are happy, confident, and thriving in a nurturing environment.

Caring and loving teacherschild development and growthenrichment activities (animal visitsmusicians

Church Daycare in Lake Forest, California

There are 1 church daycare in Lake Forest, California, making up 5% of the 19 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 Lake Forest, 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 1 church daycare daycares in Lake Forest, California, out of 19 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 Lake Forest, 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

Lake Forest offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 14 facilities
Church Daycare — 1 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 4 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 Lake Forest for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Lake Forest 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.

1 Church Daycare in Lake Forest, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Lake Forest

Top Rated

Abiding Savior Lutheran Church & School

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Daycare types in Lake Forest

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