How do I choose the right daycare in San Clemente?

When choosing a daycare in San Clemente, 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 San Clemente?

San Clemente offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 16 facilities Church Daycare — 1 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.

Before or After School Daycare in San Clemente, 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 San Clemente for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in San Clemente

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.

Gratitude Garden Preschool

4.74 score

5(14)

92 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 48 children

Gratitude Garden Preschool receives universal 5/5 ratings from parents who praise its warm, caring staff and holistic approach to early childhood education. Parents consistently highlight the STEM-based curriculum, outdoor learning environment, and focus on emotional development as key strengths that help children thrive academically and socially.

STEM/STEAM education programoutdoor classroom with garden and animalscaring and nurturing staffemotional intelligence and social development focus

St. Michael'S Children Center

4.72 score

5(13)

107 West Marquita, San Clemente, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 58 children

St. Michael's Children Center receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the school's excellent education program, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers who provide individualized attention. Parents consistently highlight the strong sense of community, nurturing environment, and the school's integration of Christian values with modern education. Multiple parents report significant academic progress and their children feeling loved and known at the school.

Small class sizesindividual attention for each studenthighly educated and dedicated teachersstrong community atmosphere

San Clemente Presbyterian Church Pre School

4.64 score

4.8(20)

119 N. Avenida De La Estrella, San Clemente, CA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 91 children

Note: The reviews provided are for the church facility itself, not the preschool program. Reviews praise the welcoming congregation, new Pastor Chris, and the church's beautiful facilities and community atmosphere. No specific feedback about the preschool's educational quality, staff, or childcare services is available.

Warm and friendly congregationbiblically sound pastorbeautiful facilities and prayer gardengood coffee

La Cristianita Pre School

4.31 score

4.5(8)

35522 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 85 children

La Cristianita Pre School receives overwhelmingly positive feedback with a 4.5/5 rating. Parents praise the professional, caring staff, strong teaching quality, and nurturing community environment. One parent raised concerns about director communication and financial transparency.

Professional and accommodating staffcaring teachers with longevitystrong instruction and learning environmentgood community feel

Before or After School Daycare in San Clemente, California

There are 2 before or after school daycare in San Clemente, California, making up 11% 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 San Clemente, 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 before or after school daycares in San Clemente, 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 San Clemente, 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

San Clemente offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 16 facilities
Church Daycare — 1 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 San Clemente for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in San Clemente 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 Before or After School Daycare in San Clemente, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in San Clemente

Top Rated

Serra Parent Participation Pre School

La Cristianita Pre School

Map

Daycare types in San Clemente

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