FAMILY OWNED IN SAN DIEGO SINCE 1997

Preschool and Daycare in Mira Mesa and Old Town, San Diego

Since 1997, families across San Diego have trusted Early Learners Children’s Academy with their children, from six weeks old through five years. Many come back with a second and a third child, and what they tell us is always the same: their child was known here, by teachers who stayed.

Schedule a Tour

Explore Our Programs

Preschool teacher sitting on the floor with toddlers, building with colorful blocks in a bright classroom

Since 1997

Family owned

6 wks – 5 yrs

Infant care to pre-K

CPR & First Aid

Certified teachers

Secure entry

Tracked all day

Preschool and child care at two San Diego campuses

Both campuses offer infant care, toddler care, preschool and pre-K, so you can choose the one that fits your commute without giving up anything your child needs.

Each is run with the same family-owned care we have offered since 1997: small classes, teachers who know your child by name, and daily updates through Brightwheel, so you are never left wondering how the day is going. Families near Scripps Ranch, Kearny Mesa and Miramar tend to choose Mira Mesa, while parents heading downtown or to Point Loma find Old Town an easy stop on the way to work.

Exterior of the Early Learners Children's Academy Mira Mesa building on Candida Street

Mira Mesa / Scripps Ranch

9585 Candida St, San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 530-8200 · Mon–Fri 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Serving Mira Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Miramar, Sorrento Valley and Rancho Peñasquitos

Schedule a Tour

Learn More

Old Town

4050 Taylor St, San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 291-5200 · Mon–Fri 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Serving Old Town, Downtown, Point Loma, Mission Hills and Bankers Hill

Schedule a Tour

Learn More

A classroom for every stage, from six weeks to five years

From infant care to pre-K, every program at Early Learners Children’s Academy is taught in a classroom built for exactly that age, by teachers who stay long enough to really know your child. All five programs run at both our Mira Mesa and Old Town campuses.

Smiling baby standing beside soft play equipment in a bright infant room

Infant Care

6 wks – 23 mo

Infant care for babies six weeks to 23 months, with four babies to every teacher and a day built around your baby’s own feeding and nap routine.

Explore infant care

Two toddlers playing with musical rattles together in a classroom

Toddler Care

2 – 3 years

Toddler care for two-year-olds in a smaller 8:1 classroom that bridges the infant room and preschool, so the move into a classroom routine feels gentle.

Explore toddler care

Group of preschoolers building with colorful blocks at a classroom table

Preschool / Pre-K I

3 – 4 years

A hands-on preschool for three-year-olds, where play-based learning builds early literacy, numbers and the social skills that make school feel natural.

Explore preschool

Pre-K children reading a picture book together with their teacher

Pre-K II

4 – 5 years

Pre-K for four-year-olds focused on kindergarten readiness, from writing their name to telling time, so the first day of kindergarten feels familiar.

Explore pre-K

Summer Adventure

School age

A summer program for school-age kids with seasonal themes and in-house field trips, so the break stays fun without any of the driving around town.

Explore Summer Adventure

Why San Diego families choose Early Learners Children’s Academy

Choosing child care comes down to trust.

These are the things parents tell us made the difference when they chose Early Learners Children’s Academy for their family.

Family owned since 1997

We are a family-owned preschool rather than a chain, so you will know the people running the school, and they will know your child.

Teachers who stay

Our director has been with us for 13 years and our lead teacher for 12, and children feel that kind of consistency every single morning.

Small classes, low ratios

Four babies per teacher in infant care, eight to one for two-year-olds and twelve to one in preschool, so every child gets real attention.

Learning through play

A curriculum-based program with weekly themes, where art, stories, music and hands-on play build school readiness and confidence.

Updates all day on Brightwheel

Photos, naps, meals and messages arrive in the Brightwheel app as the day happens, so you are never left wondering how it is going.

Safe and secure

Entry at both campuses is controlled and tracked all day, and every one of our teachers is CPR and First Aid certified.

AT OUR MIRA MESA CAMPUS

Munchkin Town

Munchkin Town is over 1,700 square feet of indoor play built as a small town, complete with a diner, a market, a gas station and a treehouse. Because it is indoors, a hot August afternoon or a gray June Gloom morning never costs them the chance to run.

Explore Munchkin Town

What families tell us

Read all our reviews on Google

We love ELCA Mira Mesa! They are like family to us… The staff is very friendly and caring. I like how the teachers know all the kids. The communication and care taken for each student is loving and reassuring.

Robin A.

Google review

This school really cares for the children. I would not hesitate to put my child here. Staff work well as a team. It is very clean with a lovely playground. The children in every class are occupied with a great learning environment throughout the day. Very loving place in a convenient location. Excellent directors and teachers. Highly recommend.

Laura H.

Google review

My husband and I feel really lucky to have found ELCA for our infant daughter. We started her in daycare when she was 5.5 months old, and since she’s our first baby, it was extremely difficult for us emotionally… However, Celene and all the teachers… have been beyond amazing, extremely supportive, and super communicative.

Maria J.

Google review

Our 1 year old has been attending since she was 12 weeks old – and she really loves it there! She is always so excited to see her teachers each morning and overall we are really happy with the experience. The school is incredibly clean and secure and you can tell they really adore the kids. Keep up the great work!

Jennifer R.

Google review

I’ve had my 2 year old there since 6 months old (about 1.5 years). I can’t speak more highly of the teachers and staff. They truly care about the students. This is a smaller school but I like it that way. ELCA is a super high quality daycare.

Rebecca L.

Google review

Our son attended ELCA from ages 2-5yrs old and he loved his time there! He received tons of care and support from the staff at all stages of his development and was more than prepared for Kindergarten. Our younger daughter also attends ELCA… I highly recommend ELCA if you’re looking for preschool-aged childcare.

James M.

Google review

I have been taking my three year old boy to ELCA Preschool for seven months now and I have to say, I am very happy with how content my son is there… now he looks forward to going to “school.” The facility is clean and the administration is organized. The teachers are friendly and caring.

Paul P.

Google review

At the Old Town location we have had a stellar experience with our daughter beginning at 7 months old-3 years old. As first time parents, out of state transplants, and totally unfamiliar with daycare, we were incredibly nervous… The staff are communicative and understanding. The teachers really feel like a part of our parenting village. We love the outdoor area and that the facility is bright, clean, and secure.

Jessie W.

Google review

The teachers there were so nice, patient, understanding, and really helped my daughter get accustomed to her new environment. I love how you need a fob key to get in and the communication between the teachers and the parents are really good as well.

S. C.

Google review

Our son has been going to Early Learners for about 2 years now. The transition originally was tough, but he really enjoys it now and is thriving… Special thank you to all the employees there!

Melissa F.

Google review

Nothing but great things to say about our experience here. Teachers and staff are very attentive. Great outside area!

Kimmy C.

Google review

When I came upon ELCA I was impressed with the facility and staff. They are kind, sweet people. My children have learned a lot going here. Now my friend and family are sending their children here.

Robert E.

Google review

We have had our children enrolled in ELCA for the past several years. Their care and professionalism have been extraordinary. We feel like our children are at a safe, trusted place where they can thrive. Highly recommend. Thank you!

Patrick R.

Google review

I began taking my grandchildren here about a year ago… I absolutely adore the staff at ELCA Preschools. My grandchildren always look forward to being there and have so much to share on their ride home.

Jacqueline T.

Google review

My girls love their teachers, they are attentive and caring. They have also learned so much from attending. We love the ELCA.

Sheri K.

Google review

LIMITED-TIME ENROLLMENT OFFER

FREE Registration & 1 Week Tuition

Free week applied after your 4th week of enrollment. Mention this coupon when you tour to receive the discount.

Schedule a Tour

Getting started is simpler than it looks

Schedule a tour

Choose the campus that suits you and we will show you the room your child would actually be in.

Bring your child for a morning

We offer a free half-day visit so your child can try the classroom, with no commitment on either side.

Complete enrollment

We will walk you through the paperwork together, so nothing is left for you to work out alone.

Questions parents ask us

We care for children from six weeks through five years, with infant care, toddler care, preschool and pre-K, plus a Summer Adventure program for school-age kids.

Yes. Infant care is available at both our Mira Mesa and Old Town campuses for babies from six weeks to 23 months, with four babies to every teacher.

Tuition depends on your child’s age, how many days a week you need and which campus you choose. Give us a call or schedule a tour and we will share current rates for your family.

Yes. We accept YMCA and Child Development Associates (CDA) subsidies, and military families may qualify for fee assistance through NACCRRA and MCCYN.

We use the Brightwheel app to share photos, naps, meals and messages throughout the day, and our teachers are at the door at pickup for the details that matter.

Absolutely. Schedule a tour to see the classroom and meet the teachers, and when you are ready your child can join us for a free half-day visit with no commitment.

Tips and resources for parents

Read the Blog

Young brother and sister waving small American flags on a sunny path

Child Care Tips

Military Child Care Near MCAS Miramar: Using MCCYN Fee Assistance in Mira Mesa

September 25, 2026

How military families stationed at MCAS Miramar can use MCCYN fee assistance for child care in Mira Mesa, what changed in 2026, and the other San Diego assistance programs we accept.

Infant Care

What Should Parents Look for in an Infant Care Center in Mira Mesa?

August 28, 2026

Choosing an infant care center is one of the most important decisions parents make during their child’s first years.

Diverse group of preschoolers enjoying a classroom activity together

Child Care Tips

How Mira Mesa Child Care Programs Support Social-Emotional Growth

July 25, 2026

Child care programs in Mira Mesa support social and emotional growth by giving children consistent routines, caring teacher relationships, guided peer interactions, and age-appropriate opportunities to communicate and cooperate.

Come and see a classroom for yourself

Bring your child along. Half an hour with the teachers, in the room they would be in, will tell you more than any website can.

Schedule a Tour

Visit Mira Mesa

Visit Old Town

Preschool and Daycare in Mira Mesa and Old Town, San Diego

Preschool and child care at two San Diego campuses

Mira Mesa / Scripps Ranch

Old Town

A classroom for every stage, from six weeks to five years

Infant Care

Toddler Care

Preschool / Pre-K I

Pre-K II

Summer Adventure

Why San Diego families choose Early Learners Children’s Academy

Family owned since 1997

Teachers who stay

Small classes, low ratios

Learning through play

Updates all day on Brightwheel

Safe and secure

Munchkin Town

What families tell us

FREE Registration & 1 Week Tuition

Getting started is simpler than it looks

Schedule a tour

Bring your child for a morning

Complete enrollment

Questions parents ask us

What ages does Early Learners Children’s Academy care for?

Do you offer infant care at both campuses?

How much does child care cost?

Do you accept childcare subsidies or military fee assistance?

How will I know how my child’s day went?

Can we visit before enrolling?

Tips and resources for parents

Military Child Care Near MCAS Miramar: Using MCCYN Fee Assistance in Mira Mesa

What Should Parents Look for in an Infant Care Center in Mira Mesa?

How Mira Mesa Child Care Programs Support Social-Emotional Growth

Come and see a classroom for yourself