Licensed Daycare in Los Angeles, California
285 licensed daycares in Los Angeles, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official California licensing records.
Los Angeles listings updated May 2026 from official California records.
Daycare in Los Angeles: what parents should know
Los Angeles has 285 licensed childcare providers in our directory. 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, 36 centers in Los Angeles report infant care (roughly 13% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 35 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5. 36 are Head Start programs, free for income-eligible families.
Licensed care in Los Angeles spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 12% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Together, licensed providers in Los Angeles report capacity for roughly 19,667 children — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Los Angeles childcare by the numbers
The Los Angeles childcare landscape
Los Angeles is in the middle of the biggest change to early education in a generation: California is phasing in free Transitional Kindergarten for every 4-year-old. That is reshaping what LA families pay for the year before kindergarten — even as infant and toddler care stays expensive and in short supply.
Universal PreK and Transitional Kindergarten
California's Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) initiative is expanding Transitional Kindergarten (TK) to all 4-year-olds, delivered free through school districts including LAUSD, with eligibility widening each year toward full universal access. The California State Preschool Program (CSPP) also provides free preschool to income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. For 4-year-olds, free options are far broader than they were a few years ago.
Subsidies and resource referral
For infants and toddlers, California subsidizes care through CalWORKs child care and Alternative Payment programs. In LA, your Resource & Referral (R&R) agency — such as the Child Care Resource Center or Crystal Stairs — helps you find vetted providers and apply for subsidies, and is the fastest local entry point.
Licensing and quality
Providers are licensed and inspected by California Community Care Licensing (CDSS). Look for providers participating in Quality Start Los Angeles quality ratings, alongside any NAEYC accreditation.
Neighborhoods and cost
LA County is vast, and supply and price swing hard by area — from the Westside (premium) to the San Fernando Valley, the Eastside, South LA, and the harbor communities. Full-time infant care commonly runs $1,600–$2,100/month at centers; licensed family child care homes are typically more affordable and widespread across the county.
When to start looking
TK enrollment runs through your school district on the regular enrollment calendar — confirm your child's birthday cutoff for the coming year. For infant and toddler care, contact your R&R agency early and tour in advance; LA infant rooms carry waitlists.
Childcare costs in Los Angeles
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 Los Angeles 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
- 69 kids
Largest licensed centers in Los Angeles
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Los Angeles licensed centers
Page 8 of 19Tap any card to view the full listing including the state license number, capacity, and inspection history when available.
Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Los Angeles, California?
What's the average daycare cost in Los Angeles?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Los Angeles daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Los Angeles?
How do I verify a Los Angeles daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Los Angeles
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 Los Angeles
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Los Angeles, 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 285 Licensed Centers in Los Angeles
Free, no signup, verified directly with California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division.