Finding childcare can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re searching in West Covina and trying to compare multiple programs, teaching philosophies, tuition costs, locations, and schedules while finding the right fit for your child and family.
West Covina, located in Los Angeles County, is 19 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley. It also sits near Covina, Baldwin Park, Irwindale, La Puente, Valinda, Industry, and Walnut.
Living in a city like Los Angeles, where traffic can seem endless, it is even more important to find childcare programs that are convenient to your home or work and provide welcoming, safe, and supportive learning environments for children.
For more than 45 years, Options for Learning has served children and families in the San Gabriel Valley with affordable, quality childcare programs and other helpful resources, such as free childcare referrals.
Keep reading to explore some of the top center-based childcare programs in West Covina, in no particular order.
The programs included were selected based on factors such as community reputation, program offerings, years in operation, publicly available information, and family reviews.
1. West Covina KinderCare
Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), West Covina KinderCare provides high-quality care in a “safe, secure, and stimulating environment” for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.
Founded in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1969, KinderCare Learning Centers has over 2,700 locations across the country, with 149 locations in California.
At every location, KinderCare relies on an educational philosophy called Early Foundations, which covers multiple key developmental areas: cognitive, language and literacy, physical, motor, and wellness, social-emotional skills, executive function, and creative expression.
West Covina KinderCare offers several programs, including:
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Infant programs (6 weeks-1 year)
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Toddler programs (1-2 years)
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Discovery preschool programs (2-3 years)
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Preschool programs (3-4 years)
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Prekindergarten programs (4-5 years)
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Kindergarten programs (5-6 years)
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Before- and after-school programs (5-12 years)
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School break programs (preschool, kindergarten, and school-age)
Additionally, West Covina KinderCare offers three small-group enrichment classes in cooking, music, and phonics.
2. Options for Learning
Since 1981, Options for Learning has been serving families and children in the San Gabriel Valley with quality, affordable early learning programs and resources.
Options for Learning offers programs such as:
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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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Support for TK-age children (ages 4-5)
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Before-and after-school programs (grades TK-8)
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Education support services (nutritious meals and snacks, inclusion services, health services, behavioral health and wellness resources, and family engagement)
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Free childcare referrals
With more than 161 classrooms throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including West Covina, Options for Learning serves more than 11,000 children annually and provides more than $143 million in childcare and program services.
Programs, which are free or low-cost for most families, focus on building children’s academic and social skills through hands-on learning, setting them up for future success. Meanwhile, all teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development
Options for Learning’s goal is to help children become confident, creative thinkers who are well-prepared for both school and life. Through meaningful, hands-on experiences, Options for Learning nurtures children’s curiosity, love of learning, and ability to solve real-world challenges.
3. Discovery Montessori School West Covina
Established in 2004, Discovery Montessori Schools has been serving children and families in West Covina, Covina, Baldwin Park, El Monte, Azusa, La Puente, Valinda, City of Industry, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, and surrounding areas.
At Discovery Montessori Schools, teachers and staff are Montessori-trained, First Aid & CPR-certified, background-checked, and regularly receive performance evaluations. (The Montessori method is a child-centered approach to learning, in which children engage in self-directed, hands-on experiences that promote independent growth.)
Through the Montessori Method, children at Discovery Montessori Schools are prepared to:
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Work independently
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Experience the joy of self-discovery
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Develop curiosity and a desire to learn more about the world
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Succeed academically by discovering their innate ability to learn
Discovery Montessori Schools offers toddler, kindergarten, pre-kindergarten, and transitional kindergarten (TK) programs.
4. Montessori Academy of West Covina
Opening in 2012, the Montessori Academy of West Covina offers infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten Montessori programs for families in the surrounding area.
The Montessori Academy of West Covina, with locations also in Covina and La Puente, prioritizes:
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Having a well-rounded education
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Field trips
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A variety of program choices with different times and prices available
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Small class sizes
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A nutrition program with lunch and snacks included
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Extended day care for working parents
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Year-round enrollment
5. South Hills Academy
Founded in West Covina in 1957, South Hills Academy is a Christian private school and has grown into a pre-K through grade 12 community.
The school’s mission is to “provide a Christ-centered atmosphere that enables students to become socially engaged, effective communicators, and critical thinkers in a global setting.
According to Niche’s 2026 rankings, South Hills Academy ranked #41 out of 2,093 under Best Christian K-12 Schools in America and #6 out of 133 under Best Christian K-12 Schools in California.
For a full day of preschool for ages 2 through 4, tuition is $940 per month ($11,280 per year), while K-8 is $8,400 a year. There are payment plan options for a single payment, two payments, or 10 monthly installments, as well as scholarships and sibling discounts.
6. Walnut Montessori-Preschool Academy
Since 1977, Walnut Montessori-Preschool Academy has been one of the top private schools in West Covina.
With infant, toddler, pre-primary kindergarten, and TK programs, the Walnut Montessori-Preschool Academy incorporates the Montessori philosophy along with the Common Core State Standards and STEAM program.
The school is designed for children to “joyfully explore, learn at their own pace, and maximize their potential to be independent and thrive as individuals.”
Walnut Montessori-Preschool Academy’s tuition rates are program-specific and encourage families to reach out for personalized tuition information.
7. Christ Lutheran School West Covina
Since 1957, the private Christ Lutheran School in West Covina has been serving children ages two through eighth grade.
According to their website, the Christ Lutheran School’s mission is to “nurture young hearts and minds through strong academics, the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ, and a spirit of love and service in His name.”
Some highlights of Christ Lutheran School West Covina include:
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Flexible schedules (2, 3, or 5-day schedules available)
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Fun and engaging routines with an age-appropriate preschool curriculum
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Toddler potty training
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Chapel time
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Caring and qualified educators
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Optional lunch programs
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Special events and community traditions such as picture day, a Christmas program, and Family Picnic Day
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Tuition varies by schedule preference and ranges from $390 to $1,086, with a $150 registration fee per child.
What’s your next step?
As you explore different preschool options, consider how each program supports children’s social-emotional development, encourages learning through play, and helps children prepare for kindergarten in a nurturing environment.
Touring programs, talking with teachers, and asking questions can help you feel confident that you’re choosing the right fit for your child and family.
Ready to explore your options? Connect with an education advisor to learn more about Options for Learning’s early learning programs, schedule a tour, and find the program that’s right for your child and family.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right center-based childcare program for my child?
The best program for your family will depend on your child’s needs, your schedule, location, and the type of learning environment you’re looking for. When comparing programs, consider factors such as teacher-child interactions, health and safety practices, curriculum, hours of operation, and opportunities for play-based learning.
Touring programs and talking with staff can also help you decide which environment feels like the right fit for your family.
What should I ask when touring a childcare center?
Some helpful questions include:
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What does a typical day look like for children?
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What qualifications and training do teachers have?
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How does the program support social-emotional development?
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What health and safety procedures are in place?
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How do teachers communicate with families?
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What are the program’s hours and enrollment requirements?
These questions can help you better understand whether a program aligns with your family’s needs and values.
Is center-based childcare better than family childcare?
Not necessarily. Both center-based childcare and family childcare homes offer benefits. Center-based programs often provide structured routines, larger peer groups, and school-readiness activities.
Family childcare homes may offer smaller group sizes, mixed-age settings, and more flexibility. The right choice depends on your child, your family’s schedule, and the type of environment where your child will feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
