Thousand Oaks, CA · Ventura County · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Thousand Oaks, California

Named for the estimated 50,000 to 60,000 oak trees scattered across its rolling hills, Thousand Oaks has become synonymous with tree-lined suburban living in Ventura County. The city has consistently ranked among America's safest communities, recognized as the fourth-safest city over 100,000 residents nationally in 2013 and second-safest in 2016. Since the 1920s, Thousand Oaks has been a favorite filming location for Hollywood productions, with hundreds of movies shot in the area. Thousand Oaks has dozens of licensed child care centers. We ranked every CCLD-licensed center by safety, curriculum, teacher quality, and more — based only on verified parent reviews. 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.

6Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
126,966City population
Sort by
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Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Children's Learning Center Montessori
2993 Crescent Way, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
★ 5 (29 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedMontessori
7.6/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
9
Art/Music
7
Infant care
4
K-ready
8
Teachers
9
Compassion
9
Mgmt
8
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • 5.0 Google rating across 29 reviews — exceptionally consistent praise
  • Authentic Montessori curriculum founded in 1980 with 5:1 student-teacher ratio
  • Children consistently score at or above kindergarten level after attendance
  • Small, intimate school where all teachers know every child personally
  • Children reported happy and eager to attend each day
  • 1-on-1 teacher time praised across multiple reviews; shy children blossom quickly

Considerations

  • Very small school (approx. 20 students) — limited spots and long waitlists possible
  • Ages pre-K through grade 1 only; no infant or full toddler program
  • Limited Yelp review volume independently verifiable beyond Google
2
Thousand Oaks KinderCare
2425 Oakbrook Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
★ 4.8 (17 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedKinderCare Network
6.8/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • 4.8 Google rating across 17 reviews — strong consistent family satisfaction
  • CCLD licensed; accepts children 6 weeks through age 12
  • Staff described as 'wonderful, knowledgeable, loving and helpful' by multiple reviewers
  • KinderCare app provides daily photo and note updates to parents
  • Focus on safety regulations and thorough daily documentation
  • Described as 'like a family there' — long staff tenure noted

Considerations

  • Franchise model — curriculum and culture set at corporate level, less flexibility
  • One reviewer noted it 'can get hectic' due to energetic child volume
  • 28 Yelp reviews present additional mixed perspectives not captured in Google count
3
Whole Child Academy
3415 Erbes Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedMontessori-Inspired
6.5/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
3
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • 4.8 Yelp rating from 18 reviews — consistently enthusiastic parent feedback
  • Founded 2011 by Ms. Rajani, a 20+ year early childhood education professional — deep pedagogical roots
  • Holistic Montessori-inspired curriculum nurtures mind, body, and spirit through hands-on organic garden experiences
  • Individual curriculum tailored for each child spanning language, math, science, music, and practical life
  • Serves preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, and Kindergarten — strong kindergarten-readiness pipeline
  • BBB accredited; nestled in nature in the heart of Thousand Oaks — beautiful campus environment
  • Hours Monday–Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm; small class sizes ensure high teacher-child attention

Considerations

  • No-review penalty: mgmt and culture scores remain at baseline pending Google verification
  • No infant or toddler program — minimum age approximately 2.5 years (preschool entry)
  • Hours close at 5:00 pm — shorter than most competing centers; may not suit full-time working parents
  • Capacity is 48 — small school means limited spots and likely waitlists
4
Temple Etz Chaim Preschool
1080 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedJewish — One of Conejo Valley's Largest ECE Programs
6.1/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
7
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • One of Conejo Valley's largest and most established early childhood programs — deep institutional roots
  • Yelp reviews describe staff as 'loving, caring, and responsive' — consistent positive family feedback
  • Serves infants through pre-K — broad age range with infant care from very young ages
  • Rich Jewish cultural and holiday programming — uniquely valuable for Jewish families in Thousand Oaks
  • CCLD licensed (License #561708073); active since September 1995; very large capacity (210 children)
  • Licensed by Bureau of Jewish Education in addition to CCLD — dual accountability framework
  • Located on E. Janss Road — central Thousand Oaks location accessible from multiple ZIP codes

Considerations

  • 3 citations in last 2 years (6 total on record) — parents should review CCLD inspection reports directly
  • Faith-based Jewish environment and cultural programming — may not suit families seeking secular care
  • Very large capacity (210 children) — may feel institutional compared to smaller community centers
  • Tuition information requires direct contact — no public pricing transparency
5
First Baptist Hummingbird Preschool
1250 Erbes Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedFaith-Based Since 1978
5.9/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
3
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
8
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • 4.7-star rating from 14 parent reviews across platforms — strong consistent satisfaction
  • 12 Yelp reviews and 76 photos (updated June 2026) — active community presence
  • Established 1978 — over 46 years of continuous service; known as one of the best preschools in Conejo Valley
  • Year-round Christian preschool; joyful, play-based learning in a God-honoring atmosphere
  • Children encouraged to play, explore, create, and manipulate their environment safely
  • Flexible scheduling: full-time M–F or 2–3 days per week; no contract required
  • CCLD licensed (license #561701182); capacity 78 children; hours 7:30 am–6:00 pm

Considerations

  • No-review penalty: mgmt and culture scores remain at baseline pending Google verification
  • Christian faith-based curriculum — may not suit all family preferences
  • Ages 2–5 only; no infant or school-age care program
  • Small faith-based campus — limited extracurricular enrichment compared to larger private centers
6
Honey Tree Early Childhood Center
1 W. Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedLutheran — No Citations Aug 2025
5.9/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
3
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Community ministry of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church — over 30 years of faith-based early education in Thousand Oaks
  • CCLD licensed (License #561700171); active since February 1995; most recent inspection August 2025 with no citations
  • Serves children ages 2 through Kindergarten — solid preschool and kindergarten-prep programming
  • Large enrollment (150 students) — established community institution with substantial parent base
  • Developmentally appropriate curriculum in a Christian atmosphere — structured learning with faith integration
  • Located at Avenida de los Arboles — west Thousand Oaks location convenient for 91360 families

Considerations

  • Shorter hours: Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–3:30 PM, Fri 8:30 AM–12:00 PM — not designed for full-time working parents
  • No infant or toddler program below age 2 — gaps for younger children
  • Lutheran faith-based environment — may not suit families seeking secular childcare
  • No aftercare program noted — families need supplemental coverage for afternoon hours
7
Notre Dame Learning Center
1776 Hendrix Ave, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedFaith-BasedPlay-Based
5.8/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
3
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame — established faith-based mission
  • Play-based, child-led curriculum; praised as a 'hidden gem' in Conejo Valley
  • Exceptional cleanliness cited by reviewers — toys sanitized daily
  • 1:8 teacher/student ratio — attentive supervision
  • Social-emotional growth noted: children with speech/social challenges improved
  • Hours 7:30 am–6:00 pm, Mon–Fri; serves ages 2 years 9 months through 5

Considerations

  • 18 Yelp reviews available but Google count is zero — limited independent verification
  • One reviewer cautioned the school may not accommodate children outside typical developmental norms
  • No infant program — minimum age approximately 2 years 9 months
8
CVUSD Wonder Early Childhood Center
2801 Atlas Ave, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedCVUSD Program
5.7/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
3
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • One Yelp reviewer praises 'teachers who are patient, nurturing and really care about children' — strong staff culture
  • Operated by Conejo Valley USD — strong academic framework aligned to California Preschool Curriculum Framework
  • CCLD licensed (license #566213435); capacity 104 children; accepts ages 2 years 9 months through kindergarten
  • Hours 7:00 am–6:00 pm, Mon–Fri; currently accepting applications for 2026–2027 school year
  • Whole-child education philosophy emphasizing patient, individualized teacher-student relationships
  • State Preschool slots available at reduced/no cost for income-qualifying families

Considerations

  • No-review penalty: mgmt and culture scores remain at baseline pending Google verification
  • Income eligibility requirements may restrict enrollment to qualifying families only
  • No infant program; minimum age approximately 2 years 9 months
  • Public school district model — less individualized than boutique private centers
9
Ascension Lutheran Early Childhood Center
1600 E Hillcrest Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedFaith-Based
5.7/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Voted #1 Early Childhood Center in Conejo Valley (Ventura County Star Readers' Choice 2017)
  • Accepts children ages 3 months through 5 years — strong infant and toddler program
  • Infant program uses RIE (Resources for Infant Educators) philosophy emphasizing child respect
  • Beautiful outdoor classroom space praised by parents
  • Affiliated with Ascension Lutheran Church and School — established community presence
  • Hours 7:00 am–5:00 pm, Mon–Fri

Considerations

  • Yelp shows only 5 reviews with 4.0 average — very limited public feedback base
  • Some reviewers reported less positive experiences with front office staff, with at least one noting communication concerns that factored into their decision to withdraw.
  • CCLD record shows old license (269 Erbes Rd) as closed; current 1600 Hillcrest location is active but license continuity should be verified
10
Christian Preschool
301 W Avenida De Las Flores, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedFaith-Based Est. 1966
5.6/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
3
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
7
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Established 1966 — one of the oldest preschools in Thousand Oaks with 58+ years of continuous operation
  • CCLD licensed; capacity 85 children — substantial, well-established program
  • Accepts ages 2 years 6 months through 5 (Transitional Kindergarten) — broad preschool age range
  • Flexible scheduling: 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day programs including full-day and preschool/pre-K only options
  • Positive community word-of-mouth over decades — deep Thousand Oaks neighborhood roots
  • Hours 7:30 am–6:00 pm, Mon–Fri; year-round program available

Considerations

  • Limited web presence — no dedicated website found; parents should contact directly for current enrollment details
  • Faith-based program — may not suit all family preferences
  • No infant program; minimum age approximately 2 years 6 months
11
CVUSD Preschool at University
2801 Atlas Ave, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedCVUSD Program
5.5/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
3
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • 100% Facebook recommendation rate from 5 parent reviews — small but unanimously positive feedback
  • Co-located with CVUSD Wonder Early Childhood Center at Atlas Ave campus — integrated CVUSD preschool ecosystem
  • CCLD licensed (license noted on childcarecenter.us); capacity 24 children — intimate small-class environment
  • California State Preschool slots at no cost for income-qualifying families — high-value public option
  • District accountability and curriculum aligned to California Preschool Curriculum Framework
  • Hours 7:00 am–6:00 pm, Mon–Fri; open registration for 2026–2027 began April 2026

Considerations

  • No-review penalty: mgmt and culture scores remain at baseline pending Google verification
  • Very small capacity (24 children) — high demand and likely waitlists
  • Income eligibility requirements may restrict enrollment for non-qualifying families
  • No infant program; minimum age approximately 2 years 9 months
12
CVUSD Preschool at City Center
110 S Conejo School Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedCVUSD Program
5.5/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
3
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD licensed (license #566212889); most recent inspection July 2025 — no citations
  • Operated by Conejo Valley USD — strong academic framework aligned to California Preschool Curriculum Framework
  • Serves children ages 2 years 9 months through kindergarten
  • Hours 7:00 am–6:00 pm, Mon–Fri; capacity 104 children
  • State Preschool slots available at reduced/no cost for income-qualifying families
  • District accountability provides transparency in curriculum and staffing

Considerations

  • Income eligibility requirements may restrict enrollment to qualifying families
  • No infant program; minimum age approximately 2 years 9 months
  • Public school district model — less individualized than boutique centers
13
Conejo Valley Day Care Association
1761 Hidden Valley Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
5.4/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Yelp listing confirmed active (updated November 2025) — operating in west Thousand Oaks (91361 ZIP)
  • Nonprofit association model — community-oriented, mission-driven child care operation
  • Broad age coverage: infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten prep under one roof
  • Before- and after-school activities, summer camps, and winter break programs available
  • CCLD licensed; established community presence in the Hidden Valley Road corridor
  • Candid (formerly GuideStar) nonprofit profile confirms organizational accountability

Considerations

  • Very limited public information — website, curriculum details, and capacity not publicly documented
  • No independent accreditation or curriculum framework found in public sources
  • Parents should contact directly at (805) 492-7882 and request CCLD inspection record before enrollment
14
Daydreamer's Daycare & Preschool
2685 Calle Bienvenido, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
5.2/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
5
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Active Yelp presence (updated January 2026) — community awareness in Thousand Oaks residential area
  • CCLD licensed child care center in west Thousand Oaks (91360 ZIP) — convenient for area families
  • Neighborhood-scale setting provides intimate environment suitable for young children
  • Local independent operation — potential for personalized family relationships
  • Ventura County community embedded center serving the Conejo Valley
  • Accessible residential location within established Thousand Oaks neighborhood

Considerations

  • Very limited public information available — website, curriculum details, and capacity not publicly documented
  • No independent accreditation or curriculum details found publicly
  • Parents should visit in person and request CCLD inspection record before enrollment
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