Updated Nov 6, 2026 · Data from state licensing records · Methodology
Chico, CA has 53 licensed child care centers and school-age programs with 2,266 licensed seats in Kinfield's index. 24 accept infants. 16 (30%) have no citations on record, and the typical program has 1.
What inspectors cite most in Chico
Largest programs with no citations on record
| Program | ZIP | Seats | Ages | Last inspection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorns to Oaks Preschool and Daycare #3 | 95926 | 84 | Infant, Toddler, Preschool | 2025-07-10 |
| Acorns to Oaks Preschool | 95926 | 78 | Infant, Toddler, Preschool | 2026-10-15 |
| King's Christian Learning Center | 95926 | 73 | Infant, Toddler, Preschool | 2026-06-09 |
| Little University of Chico | 95926 | 71 | Infant, Toddler, Preschool | 2026-09-23 |
| Enchanted Play Infant & Preschool | 95973 | 60 | Infant, Toddler, Preschool | 2026-07-01 |
| E Center HS Pgms - Chico Center | 95928 | 57 | Preschool | 2025-11-25 |
| Acorns to Oaks Preschool and Daycare | 95926 | 40 | Preschool | 2026-01-28 |
| E Center HS Pgms - Mariposa | 95973 | 40 | Infant, Toddler, Preschool | 2025-04-14 |
| Kidspark | 95928 | 35 | Preschool | 2026-04-06 |
| Child Development Laboratory | 95929 | 30 | Preschool | 2026-01-28 |
| Noah's Ark at Calvary Chapel Chico - School-Age | 95928 | 28 | School age | 2025-11-05 |
| Kreative Beginnings | 95926 | 24 | Preschool | 2026-10-09 |
No citations is a good sign, not a guarantee: newer programs have had fewer visits. Check the inspection dates.
Programs with the most citations
| Program | ZIP | Seats | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chico Christian Preschool | 95928 | 118 | 16 |
| Laura's Daycare Center & Preschool | 95926 | 36 | 12 |
| Creative Scholars Academy Preschool | 95973 | 58 | 11 |
| Castles Preschool | 95928 | 64 | 10 |
| Chico Child Development Center | 95928 | 20 | 10 |
| Laura's Infant Center | 95926 | 19 | 9 |
| Chico Child Development Center Mission Ranch | 95926 | 62 | 9 |
| Storybook Schoolhouse | 95926 | 128 | 8 |
| Creative Minds Early Learning Center | 95926 | 30 | 7 |
| Creative Scholars Academy Infant Center | 95973 | 16 | 7 |
Large programs are inspected more and can carry more citations. Open each record for dates and corrections.
Neighborhoods by ZIP code
How to check a Chico daycare
Search any program on Kinfield or the official California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) site. Our California guide explains what each finding means. Citation counts reflect how often inspectors visit and what each regulator records, so compare programs within the same state, not across states. A citation is a finding at one visit, not a rating. Check each program's page for dates and whether it was corrected.
Shortlisting programs? A Kinfield report pulls one program's full record, recent visits, what parents say and the questions to ask on your tour, reviewed by a person. $12, or 3 for $25.
Frequently asked questions
How many daycares are in Chico, CA?
Kinfield lists 53 licensed child care centers and school-age programs in Chico, CA, with 2,266 licensed seats. Home-based providers are counted separately.
How many Chico daycares take infants?
24 licensed programs in Chico, CA are licensed to care for infants.
What is the most common daycare citation in Chico?
"Mandated reporter (child abuse) training (Health and Safety Code §1596.8662(b)(1))", cited at 10 programs in Chico.