Childcare in Riverside, CA: Choosing Care That Fits

Choose a care setting and check its record

California distinguishes licensed family child care in a provider's home, licensed centers in commercial settings, and license-exempt family, friend or neighbor care. CDSS explains that qualifying license-exempt care does not require a state license. Ask the caregiver which setting they offer before deciding how to check their record. [4]

For a licensed provider, request the facility name and license number, then use the licensing facility search described on the CDSS Parent Resources page. Review inspection reports, violations and inspection history. Ask the director to explain any finding that concerns you and how staff addressed it. [4]

Visit during the hours your child would attend. Ask who handles meals, toileting, naps and pickup, and how the provider responds when a staff member is absent. For an individual caregiver, discuss references, CPR and first-aid training, emergency contacts and a backup arrangement. Treat those questions as part of your selection process.

Match city programs to your actual schedule

Time for Tots accepts children ages 3–5 and lists weekday hours of 9 a.m. to noon. The city offers it at Bobby Bonds Park, Hunt Park, Orange Terrace Park and Reid Park. Parents must provide daily lunch, and children must be potty trained. Ask the registration staff about session dates, available places and the pickup procedure. [2]

Little Explorers Inclusive Day Program serves children ages 3–5 of all abilities at Nichols Park, 5505 Dewey Avenue. Its weekday hours run from noon to 3:30 p.m. Parents provide daily snacks. A child who is not potty trained needs a parent or caregiver onsite during program hours, and the city does not hold class on city-observed holidays. [3]

Before combining the two programs, plan the handoff. Time for Tots ends at noon at its listed parks, while Little Explorers starts at noon at Nichols Park. Before registering for both, ask about arrival flexibility and plan who will collect, transport and sign in your child. [2] [3]

Compare fees without confusing a session with a day

The city lists Time for Tots at $97 per session for residents and $146 for nonresidents. Little Explorers costs $95 per session for residents and $144 for nonresidents. The city's program pages do not specify how many days each session includes. Confirm the registration dates and session length before calculating a daily or weekly budget. [2] [3]

Ask private providers for a written quote covering your child's age, attendance days and required hours. Request separate amounts for registration, deposits, meals, late pickup and any transport. Ask whether you pay during absences, holidays or provider closures, and record the notice period for leaving.

Compare the amount you would pay for the same calendar period and coverage hours. Add any caregiver time needed before opening or after pickup. Keep the city session fees separate from private center or nanny quotes until you know the full schedule each option covers.

Check assistance before paying a deposit

Riverside County Office of Education administers child care assistance programs serving families across the county. Its California Alternative Payment Program serves children ages 0–13, subject to eligibility and need criteria. Families enter an eligibility list, and RCOE enrolls the most eligible families first. Call 800-442-4927 to ask about the application and your family's circumstances. [1]

RCOE's Riverside Hybrid Alternative Payment Program offers scholarships for eligible families with children ages 0–5. Families who do not qualify for another alternative payment program may qualify, but they must select a participating Quality Start Riverside County program. Ask RCOE to confirm both your eligibility and the provider's participation before relying on a scholarship. [1]

If your family receives CalWORKs cash aid, CDSS directs you to the county welfare department for Stage One child care. For questions about existing CalWORKs child care, contact your county worker or case manager. RCOE also describes Stages Two and Three assistance, including transitions from earlier stages and continued eligibility requirements. [1] [4]

Ask the assistance agency what it will authorize, when payments can begin and what you must pay yourself. CDSS notes that subsidized license-exempt caregivers may need a background check before reimbursement. Confirm your caregiver's approval and the payment start date with the agency before making a financial commitment. [4]

Published Riverside city preschool session fees

Choose the next step for your care needs

Your hiring checklist

1. Write down your child's age, care days, earliest drop-off and latest pickup.
2. Ask each provider to confirm space for your child's age and required schedule.
3. Review the licensed facility's record using the state resources described above.
4. Visit and discuss toileting, allergies, naps, emergency procedures and authorized pickup.
5. Request written fees, closure dates, refund rules and withdrawal notice.
6. Confirm session length and transport arrangements before combining city programs.
7. Ask the assistance agency to confirm eligibility, provider approval and payment start.
8. Agree on a backup caregiver and a first-day handoff plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check a licensed child care provider?

CDSS directs parents to the Child Care Licensing Facility Search for inspection reports, violations and inspection history. Request the facility's license details, review the record and ask the provider to explain findings before enrolling. [4]

Can the city preschool programs cover my full workday?

Compare your workday with their published hours. Time for Tots runs from 9 a.m. to noon, and Little Explorers runs from noon to 3:30 p.m. at a different park. Arrange transport and additional care where needed; confirm arrival rules before combining programs. [2] [3]

What if my child is not potty trained?

Time for Tots requires potty training. Little Explorers allows attendance with a parent or caregiver onsite during program hours if the child is not potty trained. Discuss your child's needs with staff before registering. [2] [3]

Does meeting an income ceiling guarantee assistance?

RCOE also checks program eligibility and need criteria. Its Alternative Payment application places eligible families on a list, with the most eligible receiving assistance first. Ask RCOE about your application status before budgeting around a subsidy. [1]