San Carlos, CA

Childcare

Calling All San Carlos Childcare Providers:

You are invited to be a part of the San Carlos Childcare Open House on May 4th, 2024!

Showcase your program and connect directly with parents!

Event Details Below:

  • Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024
  • Time: 10 AM - Noon
  • Location: San Carlos Library, Second Floor Conference Room
  • RSVP Deadline: April 12, 2024

Please spread the word to other childcare providers in San Carlos- all commercial and in-home providers are welcome.

Don't miss this free opportunity to promote your services and collaborate with the community. Childcare providers that RSVP by April 12 will be listed on the citywide postcard that will be mailed to all residents of San Carlos. Reserve your spot now by emailing planning@cityofsancarlos.org. 


Resources for Parents, Child Care Providers, Child Care Advocates, and the Community


The City of San Carlos encourages and supports the creation of child care facilities. A major City goal is to increase access to child care by reducing barriers to creation, expansion of facilities, and creating community resources.

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Parents and Child Care Providers

The City of San Carlos aims to provide parents with resources and information to help connect with high quality, convenient, and affordable early education and child care programs. The City also aims to assist child care providers and operators (both residential and commercial) interested in expanding or starting new child care programs. This website provides links to resources that may be helpful for parents, child care providers, child care advocates, and the general San Carlos community.  

Types of Child Care

The State of California and the City of San Carlos recognizes two types of child care facilities, in-home (family child care) and commercial (day care centers). The State also recognizes licensed preschools, and license-exempt nursery schools that are affiliated with local District Adult Schools.

  • Family Child Care is a child care facility licensed by the State of California that is located in a single-unit residence or other dwelling unit where resident provides care, protection and supervision of children in the resident’s home for periods less than twenty-four (24) hours per day for children under the age of eighteen (18). Family child care, regardless of size, can only be subject to State regulations and are exempt from local planning/use permits, business licenses, and other permits/fees. There are two types of family child care:
    • Small- A home that provides family child care for up to eight (8) children
    • Large- A home that provides family child care for up to fourteen (14) children
  • Day Care Centers are usually located in a commercial building where non-medical supervision is provided for infant to school age children in a group setting for period of less than 24 hours. This classification includes nursery schools, preschools, and day care facilities for children and any other day care facility licensed by the State of California.
  • Parent Participation Nursery Schools & Cooperative Preschools are founded on the principle that the best education will result from an active partnership among parents, teachers, and children. Parents typically work in their child's classroom anywhere from once a month, to once a week depending on the program. These preschools often offer child development and parenting support classes and groups.
For Parents

List of Day Care Centers and Preschools in San Carlos

If you are a child care provider and would like to see your center on this list, please contact us. This list will be updated on an ongoing basis.

Child Care Centers Address
Building Kidz 1633 Laurel St
The Children's Place 1336 Arroyo
Happy Campers Preschool 510 Laurel St
Happy Campers at Carlmont 1400 Alameda de las Pulgas
Happy Campers Infant Care 300 El Camino Real
Little Learners 785 Walnut St
Sequoia Parents Nursery School 1839 Arroyo
Sora International Preschool 356 El Camino Real
Trinity Presbyterian Preschool 1106 Alameda de las Pulgas
Bright Horizons 2851 San Carlos Ave
Virginia's Home Daycare 379 Elm Street

San Carlos School District Programs
Preschool Program
SMARTE Afterschool Clubhouse

San Carlos Belmont- After School The Place to Be

Resources for Child Care Operators and Providers

Resources for In-Home Family Child Care (Residential)
Resources for Day Care Centers (Commercial)
California Department of Social Services
Program and Professional Development Resources
Facility Resources
City Resources
Resources for Child Care Advocates

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