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Licensed Daycare in South Lake Tahoe, California

5 licensed daycares in South Lake Tahoe, 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

South Lake Tahoe listings updated May 2026 from official California records.

Daycare in South Lake Tahoe: what parents should know

South Lake Tahoe has 5 licensed childcare providers in our directory, 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.

Combined, South Lake Tahoe's licensed centers hold about 281 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.

South Lake Tahoe childcare by the numbers

5
Licensed providers
281
Licensed child seats
1+
ZIP codes covered

Childcare costs in South Lake Tahoe

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 South Lake Tahoe 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
56 kids

ZIP codes covered

Largest licensed centers in South Lake Tahoe

By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.

All South Lake Tahoe licensed centers

Page 1 of 1

Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.

Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in South Lake Tahoe, California?
Our directory lists 5 licensed childcare centers in South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe?
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 South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe typically operate below these ceilings.
Are subsidies available for daycare in South Lake Tahoe?
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 South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe

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 South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe

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

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