Licensed childcare centers
Structured curriculum, staff ratios set by state licensing, backup coverage when a teacher is out, and set hours that rarely flex past 6pm. Best for parents who need reliability above all.
Daycare and Preschool in San Diego
What childcare actually costs here, when to get on lists, and how to check a program before you commit.
Last updated
Quick answer
Full-time infant care in San Diego typically runs $1,400–$2,200 a month at a licensed center and $1,000–$1,600 at a licensed in-home family childcare. Preschool for ages three to five is usually $1,000–$1,800 a month full time, or $400–$900 for part-day. Popular centers keep waitlists of six to twelve months for infants, so join lists while pregnant. Free options exist: California's transitional kindergarten is now open to all four-year-olds through public districts, and Head Start plus state preschool cover income-eligible families. Verify any program's license and inspection history through the state's licensed-facility search before you tour.
San Diego childcare options and typical monthly cost
| Type | Typical full-time cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Center-based infant care | $1,400–$2,200 | Longest waitlists, lowest ratios |
| Licensed in-home family childcare | $1,000–$1,600 | Mixed ages, more flexible hours |
| Center preschool (3–5) | $1,000–$1,800 | Part-day options $400–$900 |
| Montessori / play-based private | $1,200–$2,400 | Often academic-year calendar |
| Parent co-op preschool | $300–$700 | Requires parent work hours |
| Transitional kindergarten (TK) | Free | All 4-year-olds, public districts |
| Head Start / state preschool | Free if eligible | Income-based enrollment |
| Nanny (1 child) | $3,200–$4,800 | $20–$30/hr plus payroll taxes |
| Nanny share (2 families) | $1,800–$2,600 each | Cheapest route to 1:2 care |
Types of care and who they suit
Licensed family childcare homes
Small mixed-age groups in a provider's home, often with earlier drop-off and later pickup than centers. Usually the most affordable licensed option and easier to find close to your neighborhood.
Preschool programs (3–5)
Play-based, Montessori, Reggio-inspired and faith-affiliated programs across every neighborhood. Many run an academic-year calendar with a separate, extra-cost summer session.
Co-op preschools
Parents staff shifts in exchange for far lower tuition. Cheapest quality option in the city if your schedule can absorb a weekly work commitment plus meetings.
Transitional kindergarten
California expanded TK to every four-year-old, so most San Diego districts now offer a free public pre-K year. Enrollment runs through your district in late winter and spring; extended care before and after usually costs extra.
Head Start and state preschool
Free comprehensive programs for income-eligible families, including some full-day options. Apply through the county or your district's early childhood office; slots are allocated by need, not first come.
Nannies and nanny shares
A share splits one nanny between two families and lands close to center pricing with a 1:2 ratio and no commute. You become an employer, so plan for payroll, workers' comp and paid sick leave.
Military childcare
Child Development Centers on base and fee-assistance programs for off-base care are significantly cheaper for eligible families. Get on the waitlist as soon as orders come through.
How to vet a program
Check the license and inspection history
Every licensed center and family home in California has a public file with inspection dates, citations and complaint history. Read it before the tour, then ask about anything you find.
Watch ratios and transitions
On a tour, count adults and children yourself and stay long enough to see a transition — cleanup, lining up, nap prep. Chaos during transitions tells you more than any brochure.
Ask about teacher turnover
How long has the lead teacher in your child's room been there? High turnover in the infant room is the single strongest warning sign in center care.
Read the real cost sheet
Registration fees, materials fees, summer surcharges, late-pickup penalties and required deposits can add $500 to $1,500 a year. Ask for the full fee schedule in writing.
Sick and closure policy
Fever exclusion rules, holiday closures and staff development days determine how many days you personally have to cover. Count them before signing.
Waitlists and timing
Infants: join lists at 4–6 months pregnant
The best infant rooms in Hillcrest, North Park, La Jolla, Carmel Valley and downtown run six to twelve month waits. Deposits are commonly $50 to $200 per list and often non-refundable.
Preschool: apply in January–March
Most programs run enrollment for the following fall in late winter, with priority for siblings and current families. Add yourself in January even if you are unsure.
Get on more lists than you think you need
Three to five is normal. Openings appear on short notice when families move, and the parents who get them are the ones already on the list.
Notes
- • Prices vary a lot by neighborhood — coastal and Carmel Valley programs sit at the top of every range.
- • The county's childcare resource and referral agency can search licensed openings near you for free.
- • A dependent care FSA through work shelters up to the federal annual limit in pre-tax dollars.
- • Ask whether the program is on an academic-year or year-round calendar before you plan summer.
Frequently asked
How much does daycare cost in San Diego?
Full-time infant care runs about $1,400–$2,200 a month at a licensed center and $1,000–$1,600 at a licensed in-home family childcare. Preschool for ages three to five is roughly $1,000–$1,800 a month full time, with part-day programs from about $400.
How early should I get on a daycare waitlist in San Diego?
For infant care, join lists around four to six months into pregnancy — popular centers run six to twelve months out. For preschool starting in the fall, apply between January and March.
Is there free preschool in San Diego?
Yes. California's transitional kindergarten is now available to all four-year-olds through public school districts at no cost, and Head Start and state preschool programs are free for income-eligible families.
How do I check if a San Diego daycare is licensed?
Search the state's licensed facility database for the center or family childcare home. The public file lists inspection dates, citations and substantiated complaints — review it before touring.
Keep reading
Daycare Cost Breakdown
Every fee, by care type and neighborhood.
Homeschool Co-ops
The legal paths and local co-op scene.
Private vs Charter Schools
What comes after preschool.
Family Life-Stage Guide
Childcare, parties and senior care costs
Moving here with kids
Schools, neighborhoods and logistics
Summer camps
When school and preschool break
San Diego with toddlers
Where to take the little ones
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