How are the best daycares in Santa Monica ranked?

We rank by objective, public criteria: current state license first, then licensed capacity, then how recently the license was verified. We never accept payment for placement.

Curated · May 2026

Best Daycares in Santa Monica, CA

Q: Are these Santa Monica daycares licensed?

Yes — every center on this list holds a current California license sourced from California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division. Always confirm status directly before enrolling.

Our top licensed picks in Santa Monica — ranked on license status, capacity, and verification recency from California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division. 25 centers reviewed. No paid placement, ever.

How we picked: from 25 licensed centers in Santa Monica, we surface those with a current license, larger licensed capacity, and the most recent verification. Ranking is objective and editorial — providers cannot pay for placement. Always confirm current license status before enrolling.