Tustin, CA · Orange County · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Tustin, California

Tustin earned the nickname "The City of the Trees" dating back to its early days when natural artesian wells supported lush groves throughout the landscape. In the late 1800s, Tustin was known as the "Apricot Capital of the World," with vast orchards producing some of the world's finest apricots, which were later replaced by Valencia orange groves in the early 1900s—a transformation that shaped the city's identity until suburban development transformed the agricultural landscape. Old Town Tustin, Tustin Ranch, and Peters Canyon neighborhoods each have CCLD-licensed child care centers ranging from a 55-year-old cooperative preschool on Main Street to Montessori infant-toddler programs on Red Hill Ave. This page covers additional Tustin centers. 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.

8Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
80,276City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
The Goddard School of Tustin
1629 Victory Rd, Tustin, CA 92782
★ 5 (27 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
7.5/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
8
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Google 5.0 stars from 27 reviews — perfect rating; SoTellUs 5.0 stars from 8 reviews
  • Yelp 19 reviews with positive parent sentiment — staff described as professional, helpful, understanding, and kind
  • Play-based FSI curriculum; serving infants through pre-K; modern facility in Tustin Ranch area
  • Monday–Friday 7:00 am–6:00 pm hours
  • National Goddard School brand with consistent quality benchmarks across franchises

Considerations

  • CCLD license 364845953: citation history not confirmed in available sources — verify directly via CCLD database
  • Tustin Ranch location (92782) — less convenient for families in 92780 zip code
  • Higher private-pay tuition typical of Goddard franchise schools
2
Great Foundations Montessori — Tustin
15140 Kensington Park Drive, Tustin, CA 92780
★ 4.6 (28 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
6.8/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
6
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Google: 4.6 stars from 28 reviews — strong parent approval with meaningful review volume for a small school
  • Authentic Montessori environment with Infant, Toddler, and Primary programs for ages 6 weeks–6 years
  • CCLD license 304371484; licensed capacity 140 — substantial Montessori campus in Tustin Ranch area
  • Licensed since May 7, 2021; now enrolling per public directories as of 2025
  • Kensington Park Drive location in Tustin Ranch (92780) — convenient for Irvine/Tustin border families
  • Phone (714) 576-7235; families praise teachers and staff across review platforms

Considerations

  • Licensed only since 2021 — shorter track record than legacy Montessori operators in the area
  • No subsidized care program confirmed — private-pay Montessori tuition likely at premium rates
  • Separate infant center license (304371485 with capacity 8) indicates infant room is very small
  • Hours not confirmed in available sources — contact directly to verify schedule
  • Limited public program detail beyond CCLD registration; direct tour recommended
3
Adventures in Learning — Tustin
1111 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedStar-Quality Rated
6.7/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
7
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Yelp 33 reviews; Yellow Pages 5.0 stars — strong parent satisfaction across platforms
  • Orange County United Way Success By 6 Star-Quality Center rating
  • Founded 1996; serves ages 6 weeks–10 years including infant care
  • CCLD license 304270621 — established long-standing compliance record
  • Locally owned two-campus operation (Tustin and Orange); consistent quality across sites

Considerations

  • Hours 7:00 am–5:30 pm (infant room 7:30 am) — closes earlier than corporate chains; may not suit families needing late pickup
  • Google Maps rating not confirmed in available sources
  • School-age care tops at 10 years — no before/after care for older elementary
4
Red Hill Montessori Preschool and Infant Toddler Care
13806 Red Hill Ave, Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
6.6/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
7
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Founded 1996 — 29 years serving Tustin families with Montessori-credentialed teaching staff
  • Yelp: 4.4 stars from 17 reviews (updated May 2026) — consistent praise for cleanliness and warmth
  • Chamber of Commerce: 4.3 stars from 16 reviewers
  • Parents describe 'a genuine feeling of warmth' and 'well lit, bright, large open spaces, very clean, with wonderful toys'
  • Serves children ages 2–6 with half and full-day programs plus extended daycare
  • Summer school program available; Monday–Friday 7:00 am–6:00 pm
  • CCLD licensed (license 304371067)

Considerations

  • No Google Maps review count confirmed — unable to verify Google rating independently
  • Does not serve infants under 2 years despite 'Infant Toddler Care' in name — verify minimum age directly
  • One Yelp reviewer mentioned the playground appeared 'cold and unwelcoming' — outdoor space may be limited
  • No NAEYC accreditation confirmed in available sources
5
Creator's Corner Preschool (The Salvation Army Tustin Ranch)
10200 Pioneer Rd, Tustin, CA 92782
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNonprofit
6.6/ 10
Safety
8
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • CCLD license 304270866: 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations — clean compliance record across all inspections
  • Nonprofit Salvation Army ministry; capacity 112; licensed since 2002
  • Yelp 34 reviews with strong parent community presence
  • 10,000 sq ft facility in Tustin Ranch; ages 18 months–6 years
  • Faith-based values with emphasis on friendship-building and child development

Considerations

  • Serves ages 18 months and up — no infant care below 18 months
  • Faith-based Salvation Army environment may not suit all families
  • Google Maps rating not confirmed in available sources
6
Grace Harbor Church and School
12881 Newport Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780
★ 4.3 (24 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
6.5/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
7
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Google: 4.3 stars from 24 reviews — consistent positive rating with meaningful parent feedback
  • ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) accredited — independent quality credential
  • CCLD license 300606476; serves ages 3 months through preschool as both day care center and infant center
  • Yelp: 34 reviews (updated June 2026) — parents praise loving Christian environment, small class sizes, affordable tuition
  • PE and Spanish classes, STEAM programs, and homework assistance noted in parent reviews
  • Hours 7:00 am–6:00 pm Monday–Friday; Newport Ave location central to Old Town Tustin

Considerations

  • Licensed capacity of only 16 children — extremely small; waitlist expected
  • Multiple complaint investigations on CCLD record (January 2026) — review inspection reports directly before enrolling
  • Faith-based Christian environment — may not be appropriate fit for all families
  • No subsidized care program confirmed — private-pay tuition only
  • Infant care capacity within 16-child total limit is very constrained
7
Newport Avenue Preschool & Kindergarten
13682 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780
★ 4.3 (22 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
6.3/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
4
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Google 4.3 stars from 22 reviews — consistent positive parent ratings
  • Yelp 71 reviews — highest review volume of any Tustin preschool on Yelp
  • Montessori-concept curriculum incorporated into toddler through kindergarten programs
  • CCLD license 304370065; capacity 70; serves Tustin, Irvine and Santa Ana families
  • BBB accredited; established independent community preschool

Considerations

  • Infant care not confirmed — minimum age appears to be toddler range
  • Yelp star rating not confirmed to precise number in available sources
  • Citation history not confirmed — verify directly via CCLD database
8
Tustin Community Preschool
225 W Main St, Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
6.2/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
3
K-ready
5
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • 55+ years continuously serving Tustin families in Old Town Tustin — deeply rooted community institution
  • Parent participation cooperative preschool — parents work in class on rotation, creating strong family community
  • Yelp: 35 reviews (updated December 2025); parents praise the enriching, nurturing co-op experience
  • Serves Parent/Toddler class (21 months–3 years) and preschool classes (2.9–6 years)
  • Play-based curriculum under direction of a highly trained professional teacher
  • CCLD license 300600989; licensed capacity 24

Considerations

  • Parent participation required — not suitable for families who cannot regularly work in the classroom
  • Does not serve infants under 21 months
  • No Google Maps rating confirmed in available sources
  • Small capacity (24) with co-op participation requirement — enrollment may be limited to committed families
9
Tustin Meadows Tiny Tots Preschool
14751 Canterbury Ave, Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
6.2/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
3
K-ready
5
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Founded 1968 — nonprofit parent cooperative preschool serving Tustin for over 55 years
  • Yelp: 5 stars — parents who spent 3 years with the school describe patient, loving teachers and a supportive co-op community
  • Co-op structure keeps tuition costs down while ensuring strong parent involvement
  • CCLD license 304370633; small capacity (20) — intimate setting with high adult-to-child ratios
  • Professionally directed program with highly trained lead teacher; parent involvement supervised and guided

Considerations

  • Parent participation required — co-op model not suitable for families without classroom availability
  • No Google Maps rating confirmed in available sources
  • Very small capacity (20 children) — enrollment fills quickly
  • Does not serve infants — preschool ages only
10
St. Paul's Episcopal Church Preschool
1221 Wass St, Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNAES Accredited
6.2/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) accredited — independently verified program quality
  • CCLD license 300600916; capacity 79; licensed by State of California DSSS and Fire Department
  • Old Town Tustin location — convenient central neighborhood for 92780 families
  • Outdoor Classroom Project participant — emphasis on nature-based learning
  • Long-established church preschool with multi-decade community presence

Considerations

  • Faith-based Episcopal environment; not suitable for all families
  • Minimum age not confirmed below toddler range — likely no infant care
11
Aldersgate Children's Center
1201 Irvine Blvd, Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNonprofit
6.1/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
5
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Serves ages 6 weeks–12 years with dedicated infant rooms — rare full-continuum coverage in Tustin
  • Yelp review describes teachers as 'most loving' with good teacher-to-child ratios and attentive staff
  • Nonprofit United Methodist Church ministry; open to children of all faiths regardless of race, religion, or ancestry
  • CCLD license 300610663; capacity 65; Monday–Friday 7 am–6 pm
  • Long-established community childcare presence in Irvine Blvd corridor

Considerations

  • Limited public review volume makes trend analysis difficult
  • Faith-based United Methodist Church setting
  • Google Maps rating not confirmed in available sources
12
Kiddie Academy of Tustin
14501 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
6.0/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
6
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Yelp 70 reviews — highest review volume among Tustin dedicated childcare centers
  • Full age continuum: infant (6 weeks) through school-age (12 years)
  • Education-based curriculum with age-specific programs
  • Monday–Friday 6:30 am–6:30 pm — full working-day coverage
  • National Kiddie Academy brand with standardized curriculum and safety protocols

Considerations

  • CCLD license 304370879: citation history not confirmed to exact Type A/B counts — verify directly via CCLD database
  • Daycares.co: 2.9/5 from 12 verified reviews — below-average third-party aggregate satisfaction
  • Corporate franchise environment noted in some reviews; some parents describe it as lacking warmth compared to independent centers
13
Tustin Ranch CDC
12950 Robinson Drive, Tustin, CA 92782
Licensed Child Care Center
5.7/ 10
Safety
6
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

  • NAEYC accredited — Child Development Centers Inc. (CDC) meets national NAEYC quality standards
  • 35+ years of CDC operation in Irvine-area schools — mission-driven before/after school and preschool care
  • CCLD license 304370396; licensed since 2007; located at Tustin Ranch Elementary (Robinson Drive, 92782)
  • Capacity 21 at this site — intimate setting; hours 7:00 am–6:00 pm Monday–Friday
  • CCLD inspection May 4, 2018: No Citations on most recent available record
  • Note: this is Tustin Ranch CDC (license 304370396), distinct from Catalyst Kids — Tustin Ranch (license 304270170)

Considerations

  • Capacity of only 21 children — very small site; enrollment fills quickly
  • No Google Maps rating confirmed — mgmt and culture scores set to baseline per no-review protocol
  • CCLD inspection records limited in public sources; verify current citation history at ccld.dss.ca.gov
  • School-age focus at this site; preschool availability should be confirmed directly
14
Central Orange Coast YMCA — Benson School
12712 Elizabeth Way, Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
5.7/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
5
Teachers
6
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • YMCA of Orange County 501(c)(3) nonprofit — mission-driven before/after school care with strong organizational reputation
  • Support for children with special needs explicitly offered — inclusive program model
  • CCLD license 300606914; capacity 116; located at Benson Elementary campus (Elizabeth Way, 92780)
  • Sports, technology, art, and homework support included in daily program
  • YMCA of OC operating across multiple Tustin and Santa Ana school sites — consistent organizational quality
  • Hours 7:00 am–6:00 pm Monday–Friday; school-year and break coverage

Considerations

  • School-age only (K–8th grade) — no infant, toddler, or preschool program
  • No Google Maps rating confirmed — mgmt and culture scores set to baseline per no-review protocol
  • License number 300606914 per public directory — verify current active status at ccld.dss.ca.gov
  • Enrollment and subsidy availability should be confirmed directly with YMCA of OC
15
Tustin Preschool
14211 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
5.6/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Yelp: 15 reviews (updated January 2026); parents describe a 'fabulous school environment with loving teachers'
  • Parents credit curriculum for children arriving at kindergarten academically ahead of peers
  • BBB A+ rated; established 2022 under current ownership at this Newport Ave location
  • Newport Ave corridor location — central Tustin, accessible from multiple neighborhoods
  • CCLD licensed (license 304371572); licensed capacity 45

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed in available sources
  • Relatively new under current operation (BBB file opened 2024) — limited long-term track record at this address
  • Infant programming not confirmed — verify minimum enrollment age directly
  • Limited public information on curriculum structure beyond general preschool programming
16
Catalyst Kids — Estock
Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
5.6/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Catalyst Family Inc. nonprofit — mission-driven organization with strong OC footprint
  • Subsidized care available for qualifying families through CalWORKs and alternative payment programs
  • Lambert/Estock school community embedded care — convenient for Tustin unified district families
  • Phone (714) 669-1320; CCLD licensed (ZIP 92780)

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed in available sources
  • Street address not confirmed in publicly available sources — contact center directly
  • Before/after school focus at this site; infant care not confirmed
17
Catalyst Kids — Heideman
Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
5.6/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Catalyst Family Inc. nonprofit operating Heideman State Preschool CDC — subsidized preschool option
  • State preschool program available for income-qualifying families
  • CCLD licensed; phone (714) 834-0441
  • Embedded in Heideman school campus — convenient before/after school and preschool continuum

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed in available sources
  • Street address not confirmed in publicly available sources — contact center directly
  • Infant care not confirmed at this site
18
Catalyst Kids — Nelson
Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
5.6/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Catalyst Family Inc. nonprofit in Nelson school community (central Tustin 92780)
  • Before/after school and preschool programs; subsidized care available
  • Phone (714) 731-0111; CCLD licensed

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed in available sources
  • Street address not confirmed in publicly available sources — contact center directly
  • Infant and toddler programming not confirmed at this site
19
Catalyst Kids — Sycamore
Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
5.6/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Catalyst Family Inc. nonprofit in Sycamore school community (central Tustin 92780)
  • Before/after school and preschool programs; subsidized care available for qualifying families
  • Phone (714) 258-8524; CCLD licensed

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed in available sources
  • Street address not confirmed in publicly available sources — contact center directly
  • Infant and toddler programming not confirmed at this site
20
Catalyst Kids — Peters Canyon
26900 Peters Canyon Road, Tustin, CA 92782
Licensed Child Care Center
5.5/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Catalyst Kids 501(c)(3) nonprofit — subsidized care via CalWORKs and alternative payment for qualifying families
  • Embedded at Peters Canyon Elementary School campus — no transportation burden for TUSD families
  • CCLD license 304270423; licensed since 1997 — nearly 30 years of continuous operation at this site
  • Capacity 70; hours 7:00 am–6:00 pm; serves children through school-age programs
  • Most recent CCLD inspection January 28, 2026 on file — verify citation status directly
  • Peters Canyon/Tustin Ranch area (92782) — serves eastern Tustin families

Considerations

  • CCLD history includes Type A and Type B citations from prior inspections — review full record at ccld.dss.ca.gov
  • School-age focus; preschool availability should be confirmed directly
  • Portable/campus-based setting — not a purpose-built dedicated child care facility
  • No Google Maps rating — mgmt and culture scores set to baseline per no-review protocol
21
Catalyst Kids — Ladera
2515 Rawlings Way, Tustin, CA 92780
Licensed Child Care Center
5.5/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Catalyst Kids 501(c)(3) nonprofit — mission-driven affordable care with subsidy programs for qualifying families
  • Embedded at Ladera Elementary campus (Rawlings Way) — school-site model keeps children close to their school day
  • CCLD license 304270835; capacity 70; licensed since October 2001 — 20+ year track record
  • CalWORKs and alternative payment subsidy accepted — broad family affordability
  • Hours 7:00 am–6:00 pm; serves Tustin 92780 corridor families
  • Yelp listing shows 17 reviews (updated March 2026) indicating active parent community

Considerations

  • Most recent CCLD inspection March 12, 2025 issued one Type B citation (101238(a)) — verify current status
  • Campus-based portable setting — not a purpose-built dedicated child care facility
  • No Google Maps rating — mgmt and culture scores set to baseline per no-review protocol
  • School-age focus; preschool availability should be confirmed directly with Catalyst Kids
22
Congregation B'nai Israel Child Development Center
2111 Bryan Ave, Tustin, CA 92782
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
5.5/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
6
K-ready
4
Teachers
6
Compassion
7
Mgmt
5
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Serves infants from 3 months through age 5 — includes infant care
  • Jewish values and traditions integrated into five dedicated classrooms
  • CCLD license 304270166; licensed since 1994 — 30+ year track record
  • Small capacity (20 children) — personalized attention for each child
  • Unique Jewish cultural environment; only Jewish child development center in Tustin

Considerations

  • Very small capacity (20 children) — waitlist almost certain
  • Faith-based Orthodox Jewish environment; not suitable for all families
23
Catalyst Kids — Tustin Ranch
12950 Robinson Dr, Tustin, CA 92782
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNonprofit
5.5/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
5
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Nonprofit Catalyst Family Inc. — mission-driven organization with multiple OC campus locations
  • CCLD license 304270170; capacity 105 — large campus with high availability
  • Tustin Ranch school community embedded care; convenient for Tustin Ranch families
  • Before/after school and preschool programs; Monday–Friday 7 am–6 pm

Considerations

  • School-age focus — limited infant-toddler programming confirmed at this site
  • No Google Maps rating confirmed in available sources
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