Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School
Daycare center in Santa Monica, CA. 1802 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
About the program
Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School is a licensed daycare center in Santa Monica, California, on the state register since 2021. It is licensed for 110 children and serves infant, toddler and preschool ages.
The Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School provides care for children ages three months to six years using the Reggio Emilia approach.
The program follows a Reggio Emilia approach.
Tuition and capacity
Published on the program's website, read September 18, 2026. Weekly and annual rates are converted to a monthly figure. Confirm current rates and fees with the program.
Licensing and safety
Open the state record →California cites a Type A violation for an immediate risk to the health or safety of children, and a Type B violation for a record-keeping or maintenance item. The state file gives counts, dates and regulation numbers, not the inspector's notes.
Regulations cited
101229(a)(1)
Open the state record for each visit report.
What parents say
We have had a very positive experience with The Growing Place. The teachers and leadership genuinely care about the children and take a thoughtful, child-centered approach to supporting their growth. We have seen meaningful progress in our child’s communication, independence, confidence, and ability to participate in the classroom. The school has also been very accommodating and collaborative in supporting our child…
Frank Chen · 5/5 on Google · 2 months agoOne of the things I appreciate most about Growing Place Lab School is the intentionality behind everything they do. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to follow children's interests while providing meaningful opportunities for exploration, creativity, and growth. Every environment is carefully prepared with beautiful, engaging materials that invite curiosity and inspire learning. The school's Reggio…
Jennifer Soto · 5/5 on Google · 3 months agoWhile there's a lot to love about the place and while the classroom teachers mean well, the administration operates on policies that are completely detached from early childhood research. And instead of partnering with families to navigate normal, age-appropriate developmental phases, the leadership has created an environment where you cannot advocate for your child. It is not a psychologically safe place for parents…
Gavin Aiken · 2/5 on Google · 3 months agoWe’ve had a wonderful experience with The Growing Place. The teachers are incredibly caring and attentive, and it’s clear that they truly love working with the children. My son has grown so much since starting here. The environment feels safe, nurturing, and supportive, which gives us great peace of mind as parents. The staff does an excellent job encouraging development through play, learning activities, and…
Wanichaya Phunpruk · 5/5 on Google · 2 months agoGetting there
1802 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Questions about Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School
Is Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School licensed?
Yes. Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School holds an active Day Care Center + Infant Center licence from California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division (licence 197494872, 197494871), with a licensed capacity of 110 children. The state record was synced in September 2026.
Has Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School had any inspection violations?
California's public file shows 1 citation for Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School, 1 of them Type A, across 2 inspection visits. The median daycare center in the area has 1. The state record linked above has each visit report.
What ages does Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School take?
Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School is licensed to serve infant, toddler and preschool ages.
How much does Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School cost?
Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School publishes full-time tuition from $2,625 to $2,835 a month on its website, read in September 2026. Ask about registration, supply and late pick-up fees.
