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Licensed Daycare in Santa Cruz, California

49 state-licensed childcare providers in Santa Cruz. Each listing shows license status, capacity and the inspection information we have processed so far — free for parents.

Browse Santa Cruz childcare by type

Infant careBirth to 2 years12 programsPreschoolAges 2 to 533 programsSchool-age careAges 5 to 1210 programs
Ages
Safety

Historical filter: no citations in available assessed reports, with an assessment within 2 years. Cards show a separate 12-month window. About the data

Licensed

GREEN ACRES STATE PRESCHOOL

DAY CARE CENTER

984 Bostwick Ln Ste 5, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Child care center
Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
56

Last state visit · June 2026

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

HAPPY DAYS CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTER

DAY CARE CENTER

191B Harvey West BLVD, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Child care center
Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
69

Last state visit · July 2026

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

HAPPY DAYS CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTER

INFANT CENTER

191B Harvey West BLVD, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Child care center
Infant (inferred from license type)Toddler (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
16

Last state visit · November 2025

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

HAPPY DAYS CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTER

SINGLE LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTER

720 17th AVE, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Child care center
Infant (inferred from license type)Toddler (inferred from license type)Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
78

Last state visit · August 2026

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

HOLY CROSS PRESCHOOL

DAY CARE CENTER

170 High St # A, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Child care center
Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
31

Last state visit · July 2026

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

KCE CHAMPIONS LLC @ BONNY DOON

SCHOOL AGE DAY CARE CENTER

1492 Pine Flat RD, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Child care center
School-age (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
30

Last state visit · May 2026

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

KCE CHAMPIONS LLC @ BROOK KNOLL ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL AGE DAY CARE CENTER

151 Brook Knoll DR, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Child care center
School-age (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
121

Last state visit · February 2026

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

KINDER COTTAGE CHILDREN'S CENTER

SINGLE LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTER

3834 Gross RD, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Child care center
Infant (inferred from license type)Toddler (inferred from license type)Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
24
Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

L'ACADEMY PRESCHOOL SANTA CRUZ

INFANT CENTER

3205 SALISBURY DRIVE, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065

Child care center
Infant (inferred from license type)Toddler (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
13

Last state visit · March 2026

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

L'ACADEMY PRESCHOOL SANTA CRUZ

DAY CARE CENTER

3205 SALISBURY DRIVE, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065

Child care center
Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
38

Last state visit · March 2026

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

LIFE SPRING COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL AND INFANT CARE

DAY CARE CENTER

2560 Soquel AVE, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Child care center
Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
60
Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

LIFE SPRING COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL AND INFANT CARE

INFANT CENTER

2560 Soquel AVE, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Child care center
Infant (inferred from license type)Toddler (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
19

Last state visit · January 2026

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

LIL' CHARMER'S LEARNING ACADEMY

SINGLE LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTER

440 FREDERICK STREET, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062

Child care center
Infant (inferred from license type)Toddler (inferred from license type)Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
77

Last state visit · September 2026

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

LITTLE ACORNS MONTESSORI

SINGLE LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTER

1215 Chanticleer AVE, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Child care center
Infant (inferred from license type)Toddler (inferred from license type)Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
50
Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

LIVE OAK PRESCHOOL

DAY CARE CENTER

1916 Capitola RD, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Child care center
Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
44

Last state visit · June 2026

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

MESSIAH LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL AND DAY CARE

DAY CARE CENTER

801 High ST, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Child care center
Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
24

Last state visit · March 2026

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

MIDTOWN DISCOVERY PRESCHOOL

DAY CARE CENTER

818 N Branciforte AVE, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Child care center
Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
24

Last state visit · May 2026

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

MIDTOWN MONTESSORI

DAY CARE CENTER

987 Bostwick LN Classroom 1, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Child care center
Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
25
Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

NATURAL BRIDGES CHILDREN'S CENTER

DAY CARE CENTER

255 Swift ST, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Child care center
Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
30

Last state visit · August 2025

Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Licensed

NATURAL BRIDGES HS/EHS

SINGLE LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTER

255 Swift ST, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Child care center
Infant (inferred from license type)Toddler (inferred from license type)Preschool (inferred from license type)Typical for this license type
Ages
Ages not reported
Hours
Hours not reported
Capacity
25
Record grade unavailableProposed site classification · not a licensing gradeHow this works · Citation data not yet assessedAvailability not reported

Severity timeline · 3 years

Proposed site classification · not a licensing grade

Available-record coverage is incomplete. Missing marks do not mean no visits or findings.

No assessed visits in the last 3 years

How this works ·

Why parents in Santa Cruz use DaycareNearMe

Every safety record, decoded

We turn dense state inspection reports for Santa Cruz providers into a plain-English safety view with any citations clearly listed.

Compare side by side

Line up to three programs on hours, ages, capacity, and safety records to decide with confidence.

Official inspection history

Citations from the state licensing agency, shown in plain English next to each provider.

How it works

  1. 1

    Search and shortlist

    Browse licensed providers in Santa Cruz and save the ones that fit your schedule and your child's age.

  2. 2

    Check the safety record

    Open each listing to read its state inspection history and any citations, decoded into plain English.

  3. 3

    Contact and tour

    Reach out to your top choices, ask about openings and rates, and tour before you decide.

About daycare in Santa Cruz, California

Our directory lists 49 state-licensed daycare providers in Santa Cruz, California.

Each listing shows the provider's state license status, capacity and the inspection information we have processed so far. Always confirm details with the provider and the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division.

Types of childcare in Santa Cruz

  • Infant Daycare — Licensed centers that care for babies and toddlers.
  • Preschool & Child Care Centers — Center-based programs preparing children for kindergarten.
  • Before & After School Care — Before/after school and school-holiday programs.

Daycare in Santa Cruz — FAQ

How many licensed daycare providers are there in Santa Cruz, CA?

Santa Cruz has 49 licensed childcare providers in our directory, including infant centers, child care centers, and school-age programs. All data is sourced from the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division.

What types of daycare are available in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz families can choose between dedicated infant centers, center-based care (preschools and child care centers), and before/after school programs. Each listing shows the license type, ages served, and capacity.

How do I check a Santa Cruz daycare's safety record?

Open a listing to see the state inspection information we have processed so far — for many providers, plain-English summaries of recent inspection reports and any citations. Always confirm the license and inspection record directly with the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division.

Is this directory free for parents?

Yes. Searching, comparing providers, and reading safety records on DaycareNearMe is completely free for families.

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