Safe, consistent care

for your youngest child.

EES infant and toddler programs serve children ages 3 months to 3 years. Full-day. Year-round. A 3:1 ratio in infant care & 4:1 ratio for toddler care. Caregivers who learn your baby's cues before they can talk.

Woman holds baby wearing blue striped outfit while toddler plays with a ball on padded floor.

EES offers full-day, year-round infant care (ages 3 months*–18 months) and toddler care (18 months–3 years) across San Diego County. Infant classrooms maintain a 3:1 child-to-teacher ratio, one of the lowest in San Diego. Toddler classrooms maintain a 4:1 ratio. Programs include free daily meals (including formula), diapers, developmental screenings, and bilingual caregivers. Free for qualifying families.

*Infant Care only available in Vista

Why infant and toddler care matters so much

Language. Attachment. Curiosity. Self-regulation. These aren't things children are taught in school — they're built through thousands of small moments in the first three years of life.

That's why our infant and toddler rooms are calm and consistent. Children are assigned a primary caregiver who learns their schedule, their preferences, and their cues. We work closely with you, because what happens at home and what happens here should feel connected.

Baby in striped shirt sitting inside a red circular padded play area holding a silver ball.

Child to teacher ratio

3:1

3 infants per teacher

One of the lowest ratios available in subsidized care in San Diego County.

4:1

4 toddlers per teacher

One of the lowest ratios available in subsidized care in San Diego County.

Small group sizes

Toddler rooms are kept small and predictable. Consistent caregivers, consistent routines.

A typical day at EES

We track each child's development using the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) — a structured observation tool, not a test. Twice a year, we share what we're seeing with you.

What your child's day at EES includes:

A primary caregiver who learns their routine

Lead teachers who have completed college coursework specific to infant and toddler development

Singing, talking, and reading aloud — all day

Safe spaces for movement and sensory exploration

Developmental observations shared with you regularly

Free nutritious meals and snacks daily (including formula)

Free diapers during care hours

Staff trained in early childhood development and infant CPR

How we track your infant or toddler's development

We use the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) — a state-recognized observation tool — to track your child's development in language, motor skills, and social-emotional growth.

This isn't a test. It's careful watching. Twice a year, we share a clear summary with you: where your child is thriving, where they're growing, and what we're doing to support them.

Child and adult sitting on carpet playing with wooden blocks in a colorful classroom corner.

You know your child best. We learn from you.

At drop-off and pick-up, we tell you about their day: what they tried for the first time, what made them laugh, what they're still working on. Your knowledge of your child is part of the team.

Woman in brown coat holding a toddler in a light hoodie outdoors during daytime.

FAQ's

Got additional questions? Feel free to reach out and we'd be happy to answer them.

EES accepts infants as young as 3 months old* in our infant care programs.

*Infant Care only available in Vista

Yes — infant care spots fill quickly. We recommend calling as early as possible to get on the waitlist.

EES maintains a 3:1 child-to-teacher ratio in infant rooms — three infants per teacher. This is one of the lowest ratios available.

EES maintains a 4:1 child-to-teacher ratio in toddler rooms.

Yes, for families who qualify. Eligibility is based on household income and child age. Call your Enrollment Coordinator to find out if your family qualifies.

Looking for free infant or toddler care in San Diego?

Waitlists fill early.

A toddler with curly hair playing with toy cars on a colorful classroom carpet.