Best Daycares in El Cajon, CA — 2026 Rankings
We ranked 22 daycares and childcare centers in El Cajon based on licensing, accreditation, parent reviews, and childcare quality.
Top Daycares in El Cajon
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#1 — Oak Tree Academy Score: 79%
Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →
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#2 — Redwood Head Start Score: 77%
Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →
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#3 — Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool Score: 77%
Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →
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#4 — Door To the Future Preschool Score: 77%
Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →
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#5 — All Kids Academy Head Start Score: 77%
Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →
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#6 — Academy of Play Score: 77%
Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →
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#7 — Ready Set Grow Learning Center Score: 77%
Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →
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#8 — El Cajon Wesleyan Preschool Score: 71%
Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →
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#9 — Chase Ranch Montessori School Score: 71%
Programs: Preschool, School, Home service. View full profile →
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#10 — Kindercare Score: 69%
Programs: Preschool. View full profile →
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#11 — Wisdom Works Christian Preschool Score: 66%
Programs: Preschool. View full profile →
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#12 — Garden Canyon Preschool Score: 63%
Programs: Preschool, School, Day care preschool. View full profile →
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#13 — Dayspring Christian Learning Center Score: 63%
Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →
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#14 — St. John's Lutheran Church Summer Camp Score: 63%
Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →
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#15 — First Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten Score: 60%
Programs: Preschool, Elementary school, School. View full profile →
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#16 — Miracle Moments Christian Preschool Score: 60%
Programs: Preschool, Child care and day care, School, Education. View full profile →
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#17 — Die Rasselbande Preschool Score: 60%
Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →
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#18 — Taproot Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Score: 60%
Programs: Preschool. View full profile →
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#19 — Montessori Taproot Score: 60%
Programs: Preschool, Private school, Home service. View full profile →
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#20 — CHILDREN'S CHOICE LEARNING CONNECTION Score: 49%
Programs: Preschool, School, Education. View full profile →
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#21 — Children's Choice Learning Center Score: 49%
Programs: Preschool, Child care and day care, School, Education. View full profile →
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#22 — Baby Boop Daycare Score: 40%
Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, School. View full profile →
How We Rank Daycares & Childcare Centers
Our Guide Score percentage combines Google rating (35%), review volume (20%), web and contact presence (20%), profile completeness (15%), accreditation such as NAEYC (5%), press recognition (3%), and years of operation (2%), then normalizes across captured positive categories. Read our full methodology →
Frequently asked questions
- Who is the #1 daycare in El Cajon?
- Oak Tree Academy is currently the #1 ranked daycare in El Cajon based on our Guide Score, which evaluates parent reviews, licensing status, accreditation, and quality signals. See the full ranked list above.
- How are daycares ranked in El Cajon?
- Our Guide Score percentage combines weighted evidence from Google rating, review volume, web and contact presence, profile completeness, accreditation, press recognition, and years of operation, then normalizes across categories with captured positive evidence. There is no paid placement.
- How much does daycare cost in El Cajon?
- Childcare costs in El Cajon vary by program type and age group. Full-time infant care commonly ranges from $800–$2,500/month; preschool programs run $600–$1,800/month. Each center's profile page lists contact information for current rates.