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Licensed Daycare in Chico, California

5 licensed daycares in Chico, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official California licensing records.

5
Licensed Centers
1
Preschool
$1,800/mo
California avg infant
1:4
State infant ratio

Chico listings updated May 2026 from official California records.

Daycare in Chico: what parents should know

Our directory lists 5 licensed childcare providers in Chico, California, with Preschool the most common type (about 20% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current California license at indexing time, sourced from California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division.

For age coverage, 1 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5.

Licensed care in Chico spans 3+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute.

Together, licensed providers in Chico report capacity for roughly 248 children — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.

Chico childcare by the numbers

5
Licensed providers
248
Licensed child seats
3+
ZIP codes covered

Childcare costs in Chico

ChildCare Aware reports the California average full-time cost at $1,800/month for infant care and $1,240/month for preschool. City-level prices in Chico vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. California families may also qualify for CalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) (intake: (916) 651-6195).

Full California licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator
California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:6
Preschool ratio
1:12
Avg capacity
49 kids

ZIP codes covered

Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Chico, California?
Our directory lists 5 licensed childcare centers in Chico, California, sourced from California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.
What's the average daycare cost in Chico?
Statewide averages in California run roughly $1800/month for infants and $1240/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Chico daycares?
All licensed California centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:12 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Chico typically operate below these ceilings.
Are subsidies available for daycare in Chico?
California families can apply for CalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) (intake: (916) 651-6195). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.
How do I verify a Chico daycare's license?
Look up the provider directly in the official California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.

Where to get childcare help in Chico

Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.

Local CCR&R agency

Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.

1-800-424-2246 · Find yours
Dial 2-1-1

United Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.

Call 211 · 211.org
Head Start (free)

Free early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.

Find a program
State subsidy

CalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.

(916) 651-6195 · How to apply
Quality ratings

Check NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.

Find quality care
Verify a license

Confirm any provider's current license & inspection record with California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division.

Official license search

How this data is sourced. Listings for Chico, California are compiled from official California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology

Search 5 Licensed Centers in Chico

Free, no signup, verified directly with California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division.

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