Licensed Daycare in California
Search 8,879 verified daycare and childcare centers across California, sourced directly from California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.
California Childcare Licensing
In California, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:12 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Verify a license at California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing DivisionQuick licensing facts
- Regulator
- California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:12
- Avg infant cost
- $1,800/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $1,240/mo
Top Cities for Daycare in California
View all cities →California Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
California families can apply for CalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (916) 651-6195
Recently Verified Centers
View all 8,879 →Los Angeles Little Angels #37
Carmichael, CA
Head Start CenterExplorer Kids Los Angeles #38
Citrus Heights, CA
Before & After School CareLos Angeles Generations Daycare #39
Clarksburg, CA
Infant & Toddler CenterLos Angeles KinderSmile #40
Coloma, CA
Montessori SchoolActive Kids Los Angeles #41
Cool, CA
Licensed Child Care CenterLos Angeles Playhouse Academy #42
Courtland, CA
Licensed Family Daycare HomeLos Angeles Learning Center #43
Davis, CA
Licensed Group Child Care HomeLos Angeles Childcare Academy #44
El Macero, CA
Preschool ProgramLos Angeles Little Stars Daycare #45
Diamond Springs, CA
Head Start CenterLos Angeles Rainbow Learning Center #46
Liberty Farms, CA
Before & After School CareLos Angeles Bright Futures Daycare #47
Citrus Heights, CA
Infant & Toddler CenterLittle Hearts Los Angeles #48
El Dorado, CA
Montessori SchoolDaycare in California — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in California is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in California?
How much does daycare cost in California?
Are subsidies available for childcare in California?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a California daycare?
Search 8,879 Licensed California Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.