Childcare in Long Beach, CA
Long Beach is the second-largest city in LA County and home to one of the most diverse childcare ecosystems in Southern California. With over 400 licensed providers, families have extensive options across all neighborhoods, age groups, and price points. The Long Beach Early Learning Hub is a valuable local resource for navigating options and financial assistance.
All providers listed on Childcare Searcher LA are verified against California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division (CDSS CCLD) records. Every listing is state-licensed — so you can search with confidence.
ZIP Codes Covered
Average Childcare Cost in Long Beach
Costs vary by provider type, hours, and program. Family daycare homes are typically 20–30% less expensive than licensed centers. The figures below reflect full-time care estimates for Long Beach based on 2025–2026 LA County data.
Sources: CA Child Care R&R Network (2025), Brightwheel, PPIC. Actual rates vary by provider.
What to Know About Childcare in Long Beach
- One of the largest childcare markets in LA County with 400+ licensed providers
- Strong bilingual programs — Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog widely available
- Long Beach Early Learning Hub provides a centralized resource for families
- Head Start has a strong presence throughout the city
Tuition Assistance for Long Beach Families
Many families in Long Beach qualify for free or subsidized childcare through state and federal programs. Your regional agency can help you apply at no cost.
Your Regional Agency: Crystal Stairs, Inc.
Serves Long Beach and surrounding communities. Free application support for CalWORKs Child Care, the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), and other programs.
Apply for Assistance ↗ 📞 (888) 543-7247Programs Available
- CalWORKs Child Care (Stages 1–3) — for families receiving or transitioning off cash aid
- Child Care & Development Fund (CCDF) — for working families below 85% of State Median Income
- California State Preschool (CSPP) — free preschool for income-eligible 3–4 year olds through Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD)
- Head Start / Early Head Start — comprehensive free program for income-eligible children 0–5
- 211 LA — call or text 211 anytime for a full list of available programs
Not sure if you qualify? Use our free Tuition Assistance Screener — 6 questions, results in under 2 minutes, nothing stored.
School District & TK/Kindergarten
Most of Long Beach is served by Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD). If you're planning ahead for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) or Kindergarten, look for childcare providers near your assigned elementary school or that specifically offer school-readiness programs.
California's Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) expansion means all 4-year-olds are eligible for free TK through their local district — this can significantly reduce your childcare costs when your child turns 4.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Also searching nearby? Browse childcare in neighboring communities: