Bright Headstart
OROZCO, HEIDI
Costa Mesa, 92627
Data based on 50 licensed providers sourced from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Community Care Licensing Division and verified provider websites.
Costa Mesa childcare guide
Best daycare and preschools in Costa Mesa
Parents searching for daycare and preschool in Costa Mesa usually compare schedule flexibility, program philosophy, and tuition. This page combines 50 local listings, average tuition benchmarks, and parent decision advice so families can move from research to shortlist faster.
Public licensing data, provider-owned sites, and local tuition context in one place.
Listings
50 providers in Costa Mesa
Start with the most complete profiles, then narrow by tuition, program type, or schedule fit.
Bright Headstart
RAMIREZ DE HERNANDEZ,YADHIRA
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
CATALYST KIDS-LINDBERGH
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
INT'L CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF COSTA MESA
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
NOBIS PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
CHRIST LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
ORANGE TREE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
KIDDIE ACADEMY OF COSTA MESA
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
GAOWA MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
WALDORF SCHOOL OF ORANGE COUNTY
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
SEASIDE COSTA MESA PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
PAGE SCHOOL OF COSTA MESA
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
HARBOR TRINITY PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
PACIFIC ACADEMY
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
MESA VERDE PRESCHOOL & INFANT CENTER
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
KIDS KASTLE PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
NMUSD POMONA PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
NMUSD WILSON PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
HERITAGE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
ORANGE COAST COLLEGE EARLY CHILDHOOD LAB SCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
LIL' LIGHTHOUSE PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
NMUSD COLLEGE PARK PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
HARRY & GRACE STEELE CHILDRENS CTR-ORANGE COAST CO
Costa Mesa, 92628
Bright Headstart
NMUSD DAVIS PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
SUSAN PHILLIPS DAY SCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
AUGUSTINE, ISABEL
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
HOLLAND, JACQUELINE
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
KADRIE, DEBORAH ANN
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
Costa Mesa Garden Home Daycare
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
ST. JOACHIM SCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
MATT KLINE HEADSTART
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
CATALYST KIDS-WOODLAND PRIMARY
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
CHILDS-PACE
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
BACK BAY MONTESSORI
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
CENTRAL ORANGE COAST YMCA - DAVIS
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
FRONTIERS ACADEMY
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
INT'L CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF NEWPORT
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
NMUSD KILLYBROOKE PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
NMUSD WHITTIER PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
PRICE, PATRICIA & GAHM, GARY
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
COASTAL CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTER
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
MATT KLINE EARLY HEAD START
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
CHILDS-PACE FOUNDATION INC., THE
Costa Mesa, 92627
Bright Headstart
NMUSD PAULARINO PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
NMUSD SONORA PRESCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
FISHER, IRMA
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
LIEBEL, CATHY
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
MONTESSORI HARBOR MESA SCHOOL
Costa Mesa, 92626
Bright Headstart
SUPER BEES ACADEMY
Costa Mesa, 92626
Provider comparison
Compare daycare and preschool tuition in Costa Mesa
Side-by-side comparison of 10 providers sorted by monthly tuition, sourced from CDSS licensing data and verified provider websites.
| Provider | Program Type | Age Range | Monthly Tuition | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Mesa Garden Home Daycare | Home Daycare | 3 months - 4 years | $980 – $1,325 | 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM |
Comparisons
How families compare schools in Costa Mesa
These notes highlight the practical details families usually compare before they book tours.
Costa Mesa Garden Home Daycare
Costa Mesa Garden Home Daycare is best for families who value play-based learning, outdoor play access, and tuition between $980 and $1,325.
NOBIS PRESCHOOL
NOBIS PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
KIDDIE ACADEMY OF COSTA MESA
KIDDIE ACADEMY OF COSTA MESA is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
CHRIST LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL
CHRIST LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
PAGE SCHOOL OF COSTA MESA
PAGE SCHOOL OF COSTA MESA is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
WALDORF SCHOOL OF ORANGE COUNTY
WALDORF SCHOOL OF ORANGE COUNTY is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
HERITAGE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
HERITAGE MONTESSORI SCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
ST. JOACHIM SCHOOL
ST. JOACHIM SCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
MATT KLINE HEADSTART
MATT KLINE HEADSTART is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
CATALYST KIDS-LINDBERGH
CATALYST KIDS-LINDBERGH is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
HARBOR TRINITY PRESCHOOL
HARBOR TRINITY PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER
GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
ORANGE TREE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL
ORANGE TREE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
SEASIDE COSTA MESA PRESCHOOL
SEASIDE COSTA MESA PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
MESA VERDE PRESCHOOL & INFANT CENTER
MESA VERDE PRESCHOOL & INFANT CENTER is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, outdoor play access, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
GAOWA MONTESSORI SCHOOL
GAOWA MONTESSORI SCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
INT'L CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF COSTA MESA
INT'L CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF COSTA MESA is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
KIDS KASTLE PRESCHOOL
KIDS KASTLE PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
NMUSD POMONA PRESCHOOL
NMUSD POMONA PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
NMUSD WILSON PRESCHOOL
NMUSD WILSON PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
PACIFIC ACADEMY
PACIFIC ACADEMY is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
ORANGE COAST COLLEGE EARLY CHILDHOOD LAB SCHOOL
ORANGE COAST COLLEGE EARLY CHILDHOOD LAB SCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
LIL' LIGHTHOUSE PRESCHOOL
LIL' LIGHTHOUSE PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
NMUSD COLLEGE PARK PRESCHOOL
NMUSD COLLEGE PARK PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
HARRY & GRACE STEELE CHILDRENS CTR-ORANGE COAST CO
HARRY & GRACE STEELE CHILDRENS CTR-ORANGE COAST CO is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
NMUSD DAVIS PRESCHOOL
NMUSD DAVIS PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
SUSAN PHILLIPS DAY SCHOOL
SUSAN PHILLIPS DAY SCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, outdoor play access, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
CATALYST KIDS-WOODLAND PRIMARY
CATALYST KIDS-WOODLAND PRIMARY is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
CHILDS-PACE
CHILDS-PACE is best for families who value licensed school-age care learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
BACK BAY MONTESSORI
BACK BAY MONTESSORI is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
CENTRAL ORANGE COAST YMCA - DAVIS
CENTRAL ORANGE COAST YMCA - DAVIS is best for families who value licensed school-age care learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
FRONTIERS ACADEMY
FRONTIERS ACADEMY is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, outdoor play access, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
INT'L CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF NEWPORT
INT'L CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF NEWPORT is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
NMUSD KILLYBROOKE PRESCHOOL
NMUSD KILLYBROOKE PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
NMUSD WHITTIER PRESCHOOL
NMUSD WHITTIER PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
COASTAL CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTER
COASTAL CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTER is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
MATT KLINE EARLY HEAD START
MATT KLINE EARLY HEAD START is best for families who value licensed infant center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
CHILDS-PACE FOUNDATION INC., THE
CHILDS-PACE FOUNDATION INC., THE is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
NMUSD PAULARINO PRESCHOOL
NMUSD PAULARINO PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
NMUSD SONORA PRESCHOOL
NMUSD SONORA PRESCHOOL is best for families who value licensed preschool center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
MONTESSORI HARBOR MESA SCHOOL
MONTESSORI HARBOR MESA SCHOOL is best for families who value licensed child care center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
OROZCO, HEIDI
OROZCO, HEIDI is best for families who value licensed family child care home learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
RAMIREZ DE HERNANDEZ,YADHIRA
RAMIREZ DE HERNANDEZ,YADHIRA is best for families who value licensed family child care home learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
SUPER BEES ACADEMY
SUPER BEES ACADEMY is best for families who value licensed child care center learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
AUGUSTINE, ISABEL
AUGUSTINE, ISABEL is best for families who value licensed family child care home learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
HOLLAND, JACQUELINE
HOLLAND, JACQUELINE is best for families who value licensed family child care home learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
KADRIE, DEBORAH ANN
KADRIE, DEBORAH ANN is best for families who value licensed family child care home learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
PRICE, PATRICIA & GAHM, GARY
PRICE, PATRICIA & GAHM, GARY is best for families who value licensed family child care home learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
FISHER, IRMA
FISHER, IRMA is best for families who value licensed family child care home learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
LIEBEL, CATHY
LIEBEL, CATHY is best for families who value licensed family child care home learning, structured indoor programming, and publicly posted pricing details to verify directly with the school.
Budget context
How Costa Mesa compares on tuition
This helps families understand whether this city feels lower-cost, middle-of-the-pack, or more premium before they open lots of school profiles.
Costa Mesa monthly tuition snapshot
Families here often see monthly tuition around $980 to $1,325, compared with a county-wide average of $1,381 to $1,713. Based on 50 licensed providers in Costa Mesa tracked via CDSS records.
Budget-friendly city
Costa Mesa currently reads as a budget-friendly market based on the tuition ranges we can compare across Orange County.
Compare Orange County tuitionIf you want lower-cost nearby options
This city is already one of the more budget-friendly places to start in Orange County.
FAQ
Parent questions about childcare in Costa Mesa
These are some of the most common questions families ask when narrowing options in this city.
How much does preschool cost in Costa Mesa?
Families in Costa Mesa typically see preschool tuition around $1460 per month, based on 50 licensed providers tracked by Bright Headstart. Premium or specialized programs such as Montessori and language immersion may run higher.
How much does infant daycare cost in Costa Mesa?
Average infant daycare tuition in Costa Mesa is approximately $1785 per month. Infant care is generally 15-25% more expensive than preschool-age care due to lower required caregiver-to-child ratios.
What should parents compare when choosing daycare in Costa Mesa?
Focus on five factors: caregiver-to-child ratios, licensing inspection history (available on CDSS), tuition transparency, schedule flexibility including drop-off and pickup windows, and teaching philosophy such as play-based, Montessori, or academic.
What age do children start preschool in Costa Mesa?
Most preschool programs in Orange County accept children starting at age 2.5 to 3 years old. Some programs offer toddler rooms starting at 18 months. Infant daycare programs typically begin at 6 weeks to 6 months depending on the facility license.
How long are daycare waitlists in Costa Mesa?
Waitlists in Costa Mesa vary by program popularity and time of year. Popular Montessori and language-immersion programs may have waitlists of 3-6 months. Starting your search 4-6 months before your desired enrollment date is recommended.
Are there subsidized childcare options in Costa Mesa?
Yes. Orange County families may qualify for subsidized care through California's Alternative Payment Program, Head Start, or state-funded preschool (CSPP). Eligibility is based on household income and family size. Contact the Orange County Child Care Coordination office at 714-543-2273 for details.
What is the difference between daycare and preschool in Costa Mesa?
Daycare typically refers to full-day care programs (often 7 AM to 6 PM) focused on supervision and development for infants through school age. Preschool programs emphasize structured early education curricula for children ages 2.5 to 5, and may operate on part-day or full-day schedules.
Parent guides
Guides for Costa Mesa families
Read these before you tour. They cover cost, licensing, and what to ask.
Best Preschools in Costa Mesa, CA (2026 Guide)
Read the guideHow to Choose a Preschool
Read the guide25 Questions to Ask Before You Enroll
Read the guidePreschool Costs in Orange County
Read the guideExplore next
Keep exploring childcare in Costa Mesa
These links help families move between guides, rankings, and school profiles as they narrow their options.
Take the preschool match quiz
Get ranked recommendations for your family based on age, budget, location, and schedule preferences.
Start the quizCompare county-wide options
See how this city fits into the broader Orange County preschool and daycare landscape.
Open the county guideBrowse by program style
Parents often switch between city pages and philosophy pages before booking tours.
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