Licensed Daycare in El Centro, California
5 licensed daycares in El Centro, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official California licensing records.
El Centro listings updated May 2026 from official California records.
Daycare in El Centro: what parents should know
El Centro has 5 licensed childcare providers in our directory, with Montessori 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.
Combined, El Centro's licensed centers hold about 304 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
El Centro childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in El Centro
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 El Centro 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 overviewQuick 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
- 60 kids
ZIP codes covered
Largest licensed centers in El Centro
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All El Centro licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.
Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in El Centro, California?
What's the average daycare cost in El Centro?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in El Centro daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in El Centro?
How do I verify a El Centro daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in El Centro
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programCalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(916) 651-6195 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division.
Official license searchChildcare resources for El Centro
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for El Centro, 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 El Centro
Free, no signup, verified directly with California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division.