Covina, CA · Los Angeles County · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Covina, California

Covina was once the citrus heart of Southern California, claiming to be the world's third-largest orange shipping point in 1907—a legacy still reflected in local street names like Citrus Avenue that commemorate the vast groves that once blanketed the valley. Though orange and lemon cultivation dominated the city's economy for more than fifty years, the groves gradually gave way to suburban development after World War II, transforming Covina into the bedroom community it is today. Find top-rated, CCLD-licensed child care centers in Covina, CA. We scored each California-licensed childcare center across 11 real dimensions — safety, curriculum, arts & music, infant care, kindergarten readiness and more. Scores drawn from major public review platforms and parent communities — not center marketing.

7Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
47,796City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedFully Inclusive — Welcomes Special NeedsAges Birth–KindergartenLicense #198018562
7.8/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
8
Compassion
9
Mgmt
8
Culture
9
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
8

Strengths

  • 11 Yelp reviews (updated March 2026) — 4.5 stars; parents call it 'incredible' with teachers who are 'very caring and flexible'; one parent reports their son attends 'nursery school here 2 days a week and it is incredible — I would recommend this school to anyone, special needs or not'
  • Fully inclusive early childhood program — approximately 20% of enrollment carries a developmental diagnosis; children with and without special needs learn side-by-side in the same classrooms; rare in private Covina childcare
  • CCLD Day Care Center and Infant Center license #198018562, issued December 2015; serves children from birth through kindergarten — full age-range continuity on one campus
  • Individualized curriculum incorporating art therapy, music therapy, and play therapy aligned to each child's specific developmental goals — goes beyond standard preschool instruction
  • Services extend to educational testing, parent counseling, skills classes, transition services for children moving to kindergarten — unusually comprehensive family-support ecosystem
  • Low teacher-to-child ratio specifically designed to serve mixed-needs classrooms; located on W San Bernardino Rd in the heart of Covina 91723

Considerations

  • CCLD records include a citation from a 2025 inspection — families should pull the full evaluation report at ccld.ca.gov before enrolling to review specifics
  • Capacity of 33 children — a small, intentionally limited program; early inquiry about availability is strongly recommended
  • Monday–Friday hours only; specialized therapeutic services may not align with all family schedules
2
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNAEYC AccreditedInfant ProgramAges 6 wk–12 yrLicense #198003050
6.8/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • 35 Yelp reviews (updated May 2026) — 4.3 stars; families describe Covina KinderCare as 'by far the best Preschool' with teachers who are 'super loving to the kids'; multiple families report enrolling siblings and maintaining enrollment for years
  • NAEYC Accredited — national accreditation held by fewer than 10% of all childcare programs in the country; confirms measurable quality benchmarks in curriculum, staffing, and health and safety
  • CCLD Day Care Center, Infant Center, and School Age Day Care Center license #198003050, active since 1997; capacity serves infants through school-age — full 6 weeks to 12 years on one campus
  • Director Jessica Murphy has been with KinderCare since 2004 — unusually long leadership tenure for a chain center; staff consistency praised by multiple parent reviewers
  • KinderCare App provides real-time photos, food logs, and potty updates throughout the day — parents appreciate transparency and connectivity
  • Enrichment classes including Cooking Academy and Music Explorers offered on-site — curriculum goes beyond standard daycare programming

Considerations

  • CCLD inspection records include 1 Type B citation across 2023–2026 inspections — families should pull full citation detail at ccld.ca.gov before enrolling
  • National chain program — some families prefer locally owned, community-rooted alternatives; program philosophy is standardized rather than site-specific
  • Does not participate in subsidized child care programs — full private tuition required
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
6
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • CCLD licensed (License #198003050); most recent inspection April 2026 — actively open
  • National chain with structured, research-backed curriculum (infant through school-age)
  • Long-established Covina location (licensed since 1997); families report loyalty over 10+ years
  • Yelp: ~4.1 stars with 25 reviews — among the higher-rated Covina centers publicly reviewed
  • Serves infants (6 weeks) through school-age; all-in-one care solution for families

Considerations

  • CCLD Type B citation on record from recent inspection cycles
  • National chain format may feel less personalized than independent centers
  • Licensed capacity of 23 for infant/school-age portions — fills quickly
  • Tuition typically higher than subsidized or district-run programs
4
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedWomen-OwnedAges 2–12 yrLicense #198021029
6.5/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
3
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • 9 Yelp reviews (updated 2025) — 4.5 stars; parents praise welcoming environment and curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond; most recent reviews reflect consistent teacher quality
  • Women-owned independently operated center with a preschool program (ages 2–5) and school-age care (5–12) — before/after school tutoring and summer camps also offered on campus
  • CCLD Day Care Center and School Age Day Care Center dual license #198021029, issued July 2022; combined capacity of 80 children (38 DCC + 42 SACC) — one of Covina's newer independently licensed programs
  • Located on E Cypress St in 91724 — convenient to Charter Oak, South Hills, and east Covina communities; private parking lot on site
  • Monday–Friday 6:30 am–6:00 pm — broad operating window covering early drop-off and late pickup for working families
  • After-school tutoring and enrichment classes help children build literacy and math skills beyond standard daycare scope

Considerations

  • Licensed July 2022 — shorter operational history than older Covina centers; families should conduct in-person tour to assess current staffing and program quality
  • No confirmed infant program — serves children from age 2; families with children under 2 will need alternative infant care
  • CCLD inspection history is limited given the newer license — families should check ccld.ca.gov periodically as the compliance record develops
5
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNAEYC AccreditedAges Toddler–KindergartenLicense #191593050
6.5/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
6
Infant care
4
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • 15 Yelp reviews (updated October 2024) — parents describe teachers as 'very friendly and welcoming,' the school as 'well maintained and kept clean,' and the outdoor play area as 'open, clean, and well fenced in'
  • NAEYC Accredited Montessori program — dual accreditation from both Montessori and NAEYC confirms authentic Montessori methodology alongside broadly recognized childcare quality standards
  • CCLD license #191593050; capacity approximately 60 children; serves toddlers through kindergarten with a certified Montessori curriculum — authentic materials and trained teachers
  • Curriculum integrates mathematics, music, dance, phonics, science, and Spanish — broader enrichment scope than typical preschool programs
  • Extended day care offered for working parents — schedule flexibility built into the program from the start
  • Located on W Rowland St in Covina 91723 — central location convenient for families across the 91723 ZIP code

Considerations

  • 6 GreatSchools reviews average 2.0 stars — a discrepancy with positive Yelp feedback; families should read the full range of reviews from both platforms before enrolling; mixed signals warrant an in-person tour
  • No confirmed infant program — Montessori enrollment begins at toddler age; families with infants under approximately 18 months will need alternative care
  • Does not participate in subsidized child care programs — full private tuition required
6
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedMontessori
6.2/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
6
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • CCLD licensed (License #198006450); open since 2001, most recent inspection Feb 2026
  • Authentic Montessori curriculum covering math, phonics, music, dance, science, and Spanish
  • Serves infants through school-age; broad age coverage in one program
  • Yelp listing shows 12 reviews; parents praise teachers and curriculum quality
  • Dedicated Montessori approach promotes independence and intrinsic motivation from an early age

Considerations

  • Small licensed capacity (15 children) means limited availability; waitlist likely
  • CCLD Type B citation noted in inspection history (code not specified in public records)
  • Tuition for private Montessori programs is typically higher than district or Head Start options
7
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedCVUSD Program
5.9/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD licensed (License #198020436); operated by Covina-Valley Unified School District
  • Large capacity of 140 children; three programs: general child care, special education, and county special ed
  • Credentialed teaching staff under district standards; structured school-readiness curriculum
  • Inclusion model supports children with and without disabilities in shared settings
  • District-run program provides oversight, accountability, and stability

Considerations

  • District bureaucracy can slow enrollment and responsiveness
  • Office hours 7:30 AM–4:00 PM are more limited than private centers
  • Three separate programs on one campus may create complex drop-off logistics for families
8
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedAges 2–5 yrSmall ClassesLicense #198020856
5.9/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
3
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
8
Mgmt
6
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Christ-centered preschool serving children ages 2–5 with a focus on academic, social/emotional, and spiritual development — integrated faith approach across all daily activities
  • CCLD Day Care Center license #198020856; capacity 37 children — mid-sized program with intentionally small class sizes; potty learning assistance and daily snacks included in tuition
  • Monday–Friday 7:45 am–5:30 pm; located on S Grand Ave in Covina 91724 — convenient for south Covina and Charter Oak area families
  • Staff described as 'experienced, certified, and caring' in published center materials; low student-to-teacher ratio emphasis
  • Tuition ranges approximately $350–$940/month per published rates — one of the more affordable licensed private programs in east Covina
  • Located in 91724 near the Charter Oak community — serves a relatively underserved ZIP code for licensed private childcare

Considerations

  • No confirmed infant program — serves ages 2–5 only; families with infants will need alternative care
  • CCLD license issued during or after 2018 — shorter operational history than some neighboring centers; in-person tour is essential
  • Faith-based curriculum emphasis — may not be the right fit for families seeking a secular program
9
Covina First Baptist Preschool
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
5.6/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD licensed (License #191500173); most recent inspection July 2025 — open and active
  • Large facility serving up to 89 children, ages 2 through kindergarten
  • Faith-based program incorporates Bible stories alongside standard preschool activities
  • Operated by Christ First church with a long community presence in Covina
  • Full-day hours 7:00 AM–6:00 PM support working parents

Considerations

  • CCLD Type B citation (code 101700.3(b)(1)) documented across recent inspection history
  • Faith-based curriculum may not suit families preferring secular early education
  • Limited online presence makes it harder to research curriculum details in advance
10
Covina Educational Center State Preschool
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedState Preschool
5.6/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD licensed (License #191500335); state preschool program in central Covina
  • Capacity of 72 children; serves ages 3–5 with subsidized enrollment options
  • State Preschool curriculum aligned with California Infant/Toddler and Preschool Learning Foundations
  • Income-qualified families can enroll at no cost — strong access for working-class households
  • Established program in Covina's school district ecosystem

Considerations

  • Income eligibility requirements restrict enrollment to qualifying families only
  • Part-day session structure typical of state preschool may not cover full working day
  • Limited online information available; no dedicated program website found
11
KidZone Preschool & Children Center
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
5.4/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
5
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
5
Teachers
5
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD licensed (License #198021671); licensed January 2026 with clean inspection record (0 citations)
  • Extended hours 4:30 AM–7:30 PM — one of the widest care windows in Covina
  • Serves ages 18 months through 16 years including children with special needs
  • Capacity of 45 children; full-time and part-time care options
  • Accepts before- and after-school care for school-age children

Considerations

  • Newly licensed in 2026 — limited operational track record available for assessment
  • No website found to verify curriculum details or program philosophy
  • Very early opening (4:30 AM) may indicate focus on extended-care demand over educational depth
12
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
4.8/ 10
Safety
4
Curriculum
5
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
5
Teachers
5
Compassion
5
Mgmt
4
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD licensed (License #198010308); open with 54-child capacity
  • More than 20 years in operation serving Covina families
  • Extended hours 6:00 AM–6:30 PM accommodate early-start working parents
  • Serves infants through kindergarten-age children; full continuum of care
  • Independent locally-owned center in central Covina location

Considerations

  • Yelp shows 2.5 stars with 21 reviews — below average among reviewed area centers
  • State Community Care Licensing records note citations during inspections between 2023 and 2026, including a small number of the more serious Type A findings alongside a larger number of Type B findings; families may wish to review the current licensing file for details and any corrections.
  • One documented employee review cited concerns about management responsiveness and safety
  • California's licensing framework classifies Type A citations as its more significant deficiency category; parents may wish to review the facility's inspection history on the state's Community Care Licensing record.
  • No Google reviews publicly available to verify current parent experience
No centers match this filter.

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