Ages 0–2

Best Infant Daycares in Rancho Santa Margarita

Top 11 licensed programs serving babies and toddlers (ages 0–2), ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

11 infant-capable facilities

0 top rated

82% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Orange County

2022 median

$1,705

/ month

infant

$1,220

/ month

toddler

$1,099

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $795/month).

Rancho Santa Margarita has 11 licensed childcare providers that serve infants and toddlers, combining dedicated Infant Centers with Family Child Care Homes whose CCLD licenses cover infant age groups. California enforces strict staffing ratios for infant care — typically one caregiver per four infants — and this listing ranks the top 11 options by compliance record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

82% of the ranked programs have a clean inspection record with no Type A (serious) or Type B (minor) citations on file. Each facility page includes the full inspection history, complaint records, and capacity details so you can make an informed decision before touring.

Whether you need care for a 6-month-old or a 20-month-old, the programs below cover the full 0–2 age band. Click any listing to see hours, tuition (when the owner has published it), and the most recent CCLD inspection summary.

Top 11 Infant Daycares in Rancho Santa Margarita

Jeimy Vallejo

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,100 – $1,450/mo

Karina Bernabe

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,100 – $1,450/mo

Lynette Meyer

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,100 – $1,450/mo

Maria Leny Lopez

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,100 – $1,450/mo

St. John's Episcopal School Early Childhood Center

Excellent

Child Care - Infant Center · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 24 Est. infant tuition: $1,400 – $1,900/mo

Sumudu Leelaratne

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,100 – $1,450/mo

Tania Montes

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,100 – $1,450/mo

Yarely Azpeitia

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 12 Est. infant tuition: $1,100 – $1,450/mo

Guidepost Montessori at Las Flores

Excellent

Child Care - Infant Center · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 36 Est. infant tuition: $1,400 – $1,900/mo

Everbrook Academy

Good

Child Care - Infant Center · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 32 Est. infant tuition: $1,400 – $1,900/mo

Kindercare Learning Center

Fair

Child Care - Infant Center · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 36 Est. infant tuition: $1,400 – $1,900/mo

Browse all infant-capable facilities View all facilities in Rancho Santa Margarita

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed infant daycares are in Rancho Santa Margarita?

Rancho Santa Margarita has 11 licensed childcare providers that serve infants and toddlers (ages 0–2). This includes dedicated Infant Centers and Family Child Care Homes whose licenses cover infant care.

What's the difference between an Infant Center and a Family Child Care Home for infant care?

Infant Centers are commercial facilities dedicated to babies and toddlers with lower child-to-staff ratios (typically 1:4 for infants) and infant-trained caregivers. Family Child Care Homes run from the caregiver's private residence with smaller mixed-age groups — often more flexible hours and a home-like feel.

How much does infant care cost in Rancho Santa Margarita?

Typical monthly tuition for infant care in Orange County is about $1,634 at a center and $1,276 at a family child care home (based on 2022 benchmark data). Actual rates vary by facility, schedule, and whether meals are included.

What should I look for when visiting an infant daycare?

Check the caregiver-to-infant ratio (state requires 1:4 or better for infants), look at the nap and feeding setup, ask about diaper changes and feeding schedules, review the facility's inspection history on its detail page, and trust your gut on how caregivers interact with the babies present during your tour.