Best Daycares in El Cajon, CA — 2026 Rankings

We ranked 21 daycares and childcare centers in El Cajon based on licensing, accreditation, parent reviews, and childcare quality.

Top Daycares in El Cajon

  1. #1 — Oak Tree Academy Score: 18/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  2. #2 — Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  3. #3 — Garden Canyon Preschool Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, School, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  4. #4 — El Cajon Wesleyan Preschool Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  5. #5 — Kindercare Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  6. #6 — Chase Ranch Montessori School Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, School, Home service. View full profile →

  7. #7 — Die Rasselbande Preschool Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  8. #8 — First Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Elementary school, School. View full profile →

  9. #9 — All Kids Academy Head Start Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  10. #10 — St. John's Lutheran Church Summer Camp Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  11. #11 — Dayspring Christian Learning Center Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  12. #12 — Academy of Play Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  13. #13 — Ready Set Grow Learning Center Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  14. #14 — Redwood Head Start Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  15. #15 — Door To the Future Preschool Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  16. #16 — Wisdom Works Christian Preschool Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  17. #17 — CHILDREN'S CHOICE LEARNING CONNECTION Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool, School, Education. View full profile →

  18. #18 — Children's Choice Learning Center Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool, Child care and day care, School, Education. View full profile →

  19. #19 — Miracle Moments Christian Preschool Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool, Child care and day care, School, Education. View full profile →

  20. #20 — Taproot Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  21. #21 — Montessori Taproot Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool, Private school, Home service. View full profile →

How We Rank Daycares & Childcare Centers

Our Guide Score (0–100) 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%). 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 (0–100) combines Google rating (35%), review volume (20%), web and contact presence (20%), profile completeness (15%), accreditation (5%), press recognition (3%), and years of operation (2%). 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.