Looking for child care in SLO County? Here are 5 local options for free services
Are you struggling to find affordable child care in San Luis Obispo County? You are not alone.
California has some of the steepest child care costs in the country.
In 2025, families in the Golden State can expect to pay $21,945 a year on average for infant care, or, just over $1,800 a month, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
California is the fourth-most expensive state for infant care in the country, according to the institute’s analysis.
Families in California pay more than 18% of their median income — $119,071 — on child care, which is $119,071, according to the Economic Policy Institute. That means the average family shells out $21,945 annually for child care.
However, there are several local and statewide organizations that offer free or subsidized child care.
Here are some of the options in San Luis Obispo County:
Head Start and Early Head Start
The federally-funded programs are designed to aid low-income families by serving pregnant mothers and children ages 5 and under.
Run by the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, Head Start and Early Head Start provide early childhood education, daycare services, meals, dental care and developmental and hearing screenings.
“Head Start’s goal is to prepare children for their journey in education while empowering parents to be lifelong advocates for their children and family,” according to CAPSLO’s website.
Info: Call 888-315-6741 or email childcare.capslo.org
Migrant and Seasonal Head Start
CAPSLO’s Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program provides eligible families with no-cost child care and preschool services, according to its website.
Parents with children ages 5 and under can choose family child care or a child care center. The programs work to accommodate families who work long hours and have seasonal schedules.
Kids enrolled in the programs have access to “comprehensive services,” including early education, meals and behavioral health services.
“Our program cares about the family and not just the child. Your family becomes our families,” the program website said.
To apply, families must earn most of their income from California’s agricultural industry, CAPSLO said.
Info: Call 888-633-6747 or email mshsersea@capslo.org
Bright Futures
Funded by the After School Enrichment and Safety state grant, Bright Futures is a free before-and-after school program available at 14 schools in the Lucia Mar Unified School District.
The no-cost program provides students in transitional kindergarten through eighth grade with academic support, hands-on enrichment classes, and physical activities.
Students enrolled in Bright Futures can also get dinner for free.
Info: luciamarschools.org
After-school programs in Paso Robles
The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District offers two free after-school programs at some of its school campuses.
The Extended Day Learning Program provides students with enrichment activities, snacks, outdoor activities and study time.
The After-School Education & Safety program is an academic enhancement program that offers enrichment activities, physical education and a healthy snack.
According to the school district’s website, students who are homeless, foster youth, English language learners or low income receive priority placement in the program.
Info: Call 805-769-1128 or email ksgaspar@pasoschools.org
Early Learning Centers in SLO County
Early Learning Centers in San Luis Obispo County offer high-quality, no-cost preschool services to families with children ages 3 to 5 years old, according to the program website.
The California Department of Education and the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education fully fund the programs.
to be eligible, families must be current aid recipients, low income or homeless. Children are also able to enroll if they receive protective services or have a disability, the site said.
Here’s where the eight early learning centers are in SLO County:
- Grover Beach Elementary School in Grover Beach
- Lillian Larsen Elementary School in San Miguel
Marie Bauer Early Education Center in Paso Robles
- Nipomo High School in Nipomo
Oceano Elementary School in Oceano
Paso Robles First 5 Education Center in Paso Robles
San Gabriel Elementary School in Atascadero
Winifred Pifer Elementary School in Paso Robles
Info: Call 805-782-7275 or email preschool@slocoe.org
How to get assistance for child care costs
CAPSLO helps some low-income families pay for child care through its Child Care Resource Connection program.
The alternative payment program funded by the California Department of Social Services provides some families with financial help for child care.
Eligibility is based on need and income requirements, as well as how much funding is still available, according to the program’s website.
Families and caregivers can apply on the Child Care Resource Connection website at apply.mycareconnect.io/family/CAPSLO.
