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State-Sourced

Licensed Daycare in Santa Cruz, California

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Santa Cruz?

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.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Santa Cruz?

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 .

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

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$1,800/mo

California avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Santa Cruz

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 Santa Cruz 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: 70 kids

ZIP codes covered

95062 9 95065 5 95064 5 95060 2 1

Program types in Santa Cruz

Licensed Group Child Care Home

All Santa Cruz licensed centers

Page 1 of 1

B Infant Care

Bakersfield Little Angels #652

Santa Cruz

Preschool (2-5) Cap 105

B Before/After School

Bakersfield Smart Start Academy #651

Santa Cruz

School Age (5+) Cap 93

H Infant Care

Happy Days San Francisco Daycare #161

Santa Cruz

Preschool (2-5) Cap 59

J Group Care

Jumping Jacks Riverside #359

Santa Cruz

School Age (5+) Cap 93

N Head Start

Nurturing Hearts Bakersfield #650

Santa Cruz

2 years - 12 years Cap 77

O Family Daycare

Oakland Childcare Academy #261

Santa Cruz

School Age (5+) Cap 22

O Licensed Center

Oakland Learning Center #260

Santa Cruz

Infants & Toddlers Cap 67

O Montessori

Oakland Playhouse Academy #259

Santa Cruz

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 29

R Family Daycare

Riverside Learning Tree #358

Santa Cruz

School Age (5+) Cap 91

R Preschool

Riverside Sunflower Daycare #360

Santa Cruz

Preschool (2-5) Cap 45

S Before/After School

San Francisco Children's Place #160

Santa Cruz

School Age (5+) Cap 30

S Montessori

San Francisco KinderCare #162

Santa Cruz

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 78

S Group Care

San Jose Kids First Academy #551

Santa Cruz

School Age (5+) Cap 55

S Preschool

San Jose Sunshine Daycare #552

Santa Cruz

Preschool (2-5) Cap 99

T Head Start

Tiny Tots of San Jose #553

Santa Cruz

2 years - 12 years Cap 110

Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.

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

How many licensed daycare centers are in Santa Cruz, California?

Our directory lists 15 licensed childcare centers in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz 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.