Between multiple teaching philosophies, tuition prices, and schedules, searching for the right childcare program for your child can be startling at first.
Known as the primary cultural center of the San Gabriel Valley, Pasadena is located 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles and is the ninth-largest city in Los Angeles County. Pasadena has several different neighborhoods, including:
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Old Town Pasadena
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South Lake District
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Playhouse Village
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Bungalow Heaven
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Caltech area
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Rose Bowl area
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Northwest Pasadena
With the traffic and hustle and bustle of living in a city like Los Angeles, it is even more important to find childcare programs that are convenient to your home or work and provide safe, supportive learning environments for your child.
Options for Learning has served children and families in the San Gabriel Valley for more than 45 years. From early learning programs to free childcare resources, Options for Learning’s goal is to provide affordable and quality resources that best support you and your child.
Keep reading to explore some of the most popular center-based childcare programs in Pasadena, in no particular order.
Author’s note: The programs included were selected based on factors such as community reputation, program offerings, years in operation, publicly available information, and family reviews.
1. Kids Klub Pasadena
Founded in 1995 by husband and wife, Michael and Bambi Wojciechowski, Kids Klub Pasadena aims to enrich children and simplify parents’ lives with a facility where all of your child’s needs can be met under one roof, including:
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Infant care
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Preschool
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Before- and after-school care
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Evening and weekend drop-off care
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Camp
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Extracurricular classes (e.g., gymnastics, karate, Mandarin language, etc.)
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Homemade, child-friendly meals made by full-time, professional chefs
Kids Klub, which also has a second location in Rosemead, takes a “Back-to-Basics” approach, aiming to provide a safe, clean, and stimulating environment for children to play, learn, and grow while teaching them self-esteem, respect, and responsibility.
“Through guided play and discovery, children not only learn about themselves, but also learn to respect others, and appreciate their environment,” their website reads.
In addition to bringing together children ages 6 weeks to 15 under one roof, Kids Klub offers flexible schedules and programming options for added convenience. Teachers are experienced, thoroughly trained, college-educated, CPR and First Aid certified, and background checked.
According to Kids Klub Pasadena’s published rates, full-time infant care (ages 0 to 2) costs about $3,445 per month, while full-time preschool programs for children ages 3 to 4 cost about $2,515 per month. Tuition varies based on age group, number of days attended, and whether a family chooses a full-day or part-day schedule.
2. Options for Learning
Since 1981, Options for Learning has supported children and families across the San Gabriel Valley through quality, affordable early education programs and family resources.
Options for Learning offers a variety of services, including:
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Infant and toddler care (ages 0-24 months)
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Preschool programs (ages 2-5)
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Transitional kindergarten (TK) support (ages 4-5)
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Before- and after-school programs (grades TK-8)
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Comprehensive support services, including nutritious meals and snacks, inclusion services, health services, behavioral health and wellness resources, and family engagement opportunities
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Free childcare referrals
Today, Options for Learning operates more than 160 classrooms throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including Pasadena, serving more than 11,000 children each year and delivering over $143 million in childcare and program services.
Most programs are free or available at a low cost for eligible families. (Eligibility is typically based on factors such as family size, income, and need for childcare services, with many programs serving families earning up to 85% of the California State Median Income.)
Through hands-on, engaging learning experiences, children build both academic and social-emotional skills that help prepare them for future success. Options for Learning’s educators hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development to ensure high-quality learning environments.
At the heart of Options for Learning’s mission is a commitment to helping children grow into confident, creative, and capable learners. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning through meaningful experiences, the organization helps prepare children for success in school and beyond.
3. The Modern Schoolhouse Pasadena
Created in 2020 by mother, author, and educator Sue Athwal, The Modern Schoolhouse was founded on the belief that early education should be available to every family and still feel like home.
The Modern Schoolhouse provides four programs for children ages six weeks through transitional kindergarten:
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Infant care, featuring:
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Sign language introduction
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Low ratio environments
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Sensory-rich learning
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Family communication logs
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Social-emotional foundations
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Toddler program, featuring:
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Structured daily routines
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Trust-building focus
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Peer interaction
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Language development
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Fine motor skill practice
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Preschool, featuring:
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Weekly themed curriculum
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Small-group instruction
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Take-home family materials
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Art, music, and science integration
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Social-emotional coaching
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Transitional kindergarten, featuring:
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Academic readiness assessments
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Public speaking practice
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Kindergarten transition support
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Leadership development
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Advanced social skills
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The Modern Schoolhouse, which also has locations in Eagle Rock, San Gabriel, Duarte, and San Mateo, delves into five dimensions of teaching and learning: purpose, student engagement, curriculum and pedagogy, assessment for student learning, and classroom environment and culture.
According to their website, specific tuition rates are available upon inquiry and vary by campus and age group.
4. Mentor Preschool
Since 2013, Mentor Preschool has been supporting Pasadena families with a caring, relationship-driven approach to early childhood education.
Mentor Avenue Preschool relies on core beliefs, including:
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Child-centered approach, where each child is allowed to explore, question, and grow at their own pace
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Holistic enrichment where teachers support the whole child by integrating emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development into daily learning
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Faith-based environment emphasizing Christian values such as love, kindness, patience, and respect for others
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Culinary-focused environment where food is the heart of the learning experience, and children are hands-on in the kitchen
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Arts, practice, and STEM to support both imagination and critical thinking
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Bilingual community (while instruction is primarily in English, children are naturally exposed to additional languages through interaction, play, and communication with peers and educators)
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Year-round care to support the needs of working families and maintain consistency for children
Starting at 18 months through 5 years old, age-based classrooms are divided into groups such as:
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Bunnies: 18 to 30 months
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Cubs: 2 to 3.5 years
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Pandas: 3 to 4 years
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Hawks: 3.5 to 4.5 years
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Lions: 4 to 5 years
Although the website states that families need to contact them for tuition rates, Mentor Preschool offers several discount programs and limited scholarships for qualifying families.
5. KidsZone Preschool Academy
Founded in 2017, KidsZone Preschool Academy states in its mission statement that it is committed to delivering comprehensive child development, education, health, and social awareness that enrich the lives of preschool-age children and their families.
As a year-round private school, KidsZone Preschool Academy focuses on:
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A child’s natural curiosity
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How each child is unique and how teachers can best understand each child
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The culturally diverse backgrounds of children
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Family morals and cultural values
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Parental contribution as a child’s first learning environment
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The interface between parents and teachers is to establish the foundation for lifelong learning
KidsZone Preschool Academy believes in children and their potential to grow through positive reinforcement and individualized teaching. They offer infant care, toddler care, and a preschool program.
Tuition rates average $1,500 per month; however, families should contact the school directly to inquire about tuition assistance or flexible payment options.
6. Kiddie Academy
Throughout the past 40 years, the Kiddie Academy has expanded to 375 locations, including one in Pasadena. From infant care to pre-kindergarten, Kiddie Academy teaches the same research-based curriculum built around six developmental outcomes: cognitive, social, emotional, physical, character, and creative growth.
The Life Essentials curriculum, which is updated on an ongoing basis to reflect current research and to align with each stage of a child’s growth, focuses on:
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Character essentials: character education lessons and activities to provide a solid foundation for good citizenship and support strong socio-emotional development
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Confidence: helping children recognize their strengths, opportunities, and abilities to thrive
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Curiosity: encouraging young children to explore and inquire about the world around them
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Connection: fostering positive relationships with peers and adults
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Critical thinking: developing strong problem-solving skills to prepare children to navigate life
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Creative expression: giving children the opportunity to engage in the creative process
Since the Kiddie Academy tuition varies by your child’s age, location, and program, the website encourages families to contact the Kiddie Academy of Pasadena for specific costs.
7. Firehouse School Pasadena
After starting as a school in the old Fire House 52 in Altadena 30 years ago, Firehouse School opened a second location in Pasadena, where they continue to provide a warm, nurturing environment for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Inspired by the Montessori curriculum, Firehouse School supports each child’s unique potential with a balanced approach that blends play, exploration, and structured learning. They offer an infant program, toddler program, preschool program, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten.
Program highlights include:
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Computer programs
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Spanish lessons
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Nutritious meals
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Dance classes
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Soccer
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Gardening
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Blended indoor and outdoor curriculum
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Small class sizes and low teacher-to-child ratios
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Experienced and committed teachers and caregivers
According to their website, families should call to find out current tuition rates and program availability.
8. Discovery Days Preschool
Founded by a couple, Lisa and Dione Scott, in 2016, Discovery Days Preschool aims to provide a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels deeply loved, supported, and celebrated.
With two Pasadena campuses, Discovery Days Preschool provides a play-based learning environment inspired by Montessori- and Reggio-influenced methods that encourage children to explore, create, and follow their natural curiosity.
Discovery Days Preschool programs include:
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Infants (6 weeks to 12 months)
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Toddlers (12 to 24 months)
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2’s Young Preschool Program (2 to 3 years)
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Mixed Age preschool (2.5 to 3.5 years)
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Transitional kindergarten (TK) (4 to 6 years)
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Spanish immersion (6 weeks to 6 years)
Additionally, Discovery Days offers a wide range of parent support and learning opportunities, such as a parent library, workshops, and family socials.
Discovery Days offers tuition that varies by program, so the school encourages families to contact them for more details.
9. Families Forward Learning Center
Since 1961, Families Forward Learning Center has provided free education and social services to low-income families with children from birth to age 5.
Families Forward Learning Center is based on a two-generation learning model that empowers both parents and children to gain knowledge and skills that improve outcomes for the entire family.
Teachers ensure that children in the program are safe, healthy, and developmentally on track, while also enhancing parents’ skills, literacy, and self-sufficiency so they can be active participants in their child’s education.
Programs include:
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Early childhood education: play-based learning environment for young children (ages six weeks to five years)
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Parent and adult education: adult basic education, intensive literacy, and English-learning courses alongside parenting and life management skills
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Mental health support: counseling and supportive mental health outreach services
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Specialized groups: dedicated sessions including a Teen Parenting Program and a Fathers’ Support Group
Services are free of charge for eligible families living in Pasadena and the surrounding communities served by Families Forward Learning Center. Eligibility requirements vary by program and may include factors such as family income, household size, and need for childcare services.
10. Brella Pasadena
Founded in 2019, Brella has locations in Hollywood, Playa Vista, Newport Beach, and Pasadena. They offer programs based on a play-based, research-backed curriculum designed to meet children where they are and help them build confidence, curiosity, and the skills they need for what comes next.
Brella offers an infant and toddler program, a preschool program, and a pre-kindergarten program that focuses on four key aspects:
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Flexibility - Families decide their schedule and never have to sign long-term contracts
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Quality - Educators design thoughtful learning experiences that nurture curiosity, confidence, and early skills through play, exploration, and guided activities
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Community - Children build friendships, families connect, and parents feel supported through regular events, parent education classes, resources, and learning opportunities
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Access - Families are able to schedule at any Brella location and enjoy the same trusted care
Brella charges families by the hour, and they only pay for what they book. The more hours families use, the lower the price. For a family using regular care in Pasadena, a part-time schedule could cost about $1,600 per month, while a full-time schedule could cost about $2,900 per month.
How to choose the right childcare program in Pasadena
As you compare center-based childcare programs, think about how each one fosters social-emotional growth, incorporates play-based learning, and supports children as they build the skills needed for kindergarten.
Visiting classrooms, speaking with teachers, and asking thoughtful questions can help you determine which program best aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s goals.
If you are interested in learning more about Options for Learning’s early learning programs, connect with an education advisor to explore program options, eligibility requirements, and enrollment opportunities.
Not sure which childcare option is right for your family? Options for Learning also offers free childcare referrals, helping families connect with licensed programs and resources in their community. Call us at 626-699-8070 or submit an inquiry to get started.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply for childcare?
The earlier, the better. Some childcare programs have immediate openings, while others may have waitlists that can fill quickly. If you know you’ll need care in the future, it’s often a good idea to begin researching programs and joining waitlists several months in advance. Families should contact programs directly to learn about current availability and estimated wait times.
How much does childcare cost in Pasadena?
Childcare costs in Pasadena vary depending on a child’s age, the program type, schedule, and services offered. Private programs may charge several hundred to several thousand dollars per month, while some nonprofit and publicly funded programs offer free or low-cost care for eligible families.
What should I look for when choosing a childcare center?
When visiting childcare centers, consider factors such as teacher qualifications, health and safety practices, class sizes, daily schedules, curriculum approach, opportunities for play-based learning, and family communication.
Should I tour a childcare center before enrolling?
Yes. Touring a center can help you get a better sense of the environment, daily routines, teacher-child interactions, safety practices, and program philosophy.
