Mom Groups & Childcare in SLO

Becoming a new mom or coming from a different city can be exciting and a little nerve wrecking at the same time. Knowing the experience first hand, here are some resources you can check out to find other moms to relate to or find a place for your child to thrive. 


Childcare & Preschools Programs

Childcare and preschool can be costly. The great thing is, there's a lot to pick from in SLO County. I find that city-run (government funded) and parent participation programs (parents sits with preschool child) are more affordable. Here are the top choices for the area below! (Check each place for pricing as they may have increased.)

Cooperative Preschool - COOP

The Co-Op Preschool is for children ages 3 - kindergarten (mainly 3 and 4 year olds) with and without a parent present. They follow the California Preschool Learning Foundations and foster school readiness skills. Credentialed teachers facilitate meaningful, play-based curriculum designed to nurture the whole child, including social, emotional, language, and academic development. There are 3 different options: San Luis Obispo 3 year olds, San Luis Obispo 4 year olds, and Morro Bay 3 -4 year olds. Depending on the programs you pick, they are between $130 - $190 a month. All of the programs are 3 hours per day. With this special rate, parents are expected to volunteer either once a week or every other week in the classroom, depending on the program your child is enroll in. See the details of their Cooperative Preschool programs.

Play and Learn Preschool

This program is for 3-5 year olds at the Elm Street Community Center in Arroyo Grande. Children are introduced to colors, numbers, letters, reading readiness, verbal skills, socialization, music and nature. Call 805-473-5474 for more information. For 3 days a week (M, W, F) for the 9AM - 12PM program, it is $216 a month (per four-week session). For the 2 days a week (Tues, Thurs) for the 9AM - 12PM program or 12:30PM - 3:30PM program, it's $144 per month (per four-week program). My older son attended their Kindergarten In Training Program while he was a preschooler. Read about my our experience. Address: 1221 Ash Street, Arroyo Grande 93420


YMCA Preschool South County (must be YMCA member) 

(Note: This preschool program is temporarily on hold due to the pandemic.) Located at Fairgrove Elementary School in Grover Beach, the YMCA Preschool South County is a program is for ages 2.5 - 5 years old and they must be potty-trained! Half day is 7:30AM - 12:30PM and you can pick from 5 days ($465 a month), 4 days ($395 a month) or 3 days a week ($340 a month). You can also use their extended care for an extra fee. They also have after school care for school aged kids at many of the schools that they work with throughout San Luis Obispo County. Address: 2101 The Pike, Grover Beach, CA 93433


Child Development Resource Center (CDRC) of Central Coast

The CDRC is a non-profit program for kids ages 2 - 5 years old. It's a school readiness/transition program for children entering kindergarten. You pay by the month. Part time preschool here is from 8:30AM - 12:30PM and includes breakfast and lunch. There are toddler rates and preschool rates. Toddler monthly rates are 5 days a week ($975), 4 days a week ($775), and 3 days a week ($575).  Preschool monthly rates are 5 days a week ($850), 4 days a week ($650) and 3 days a week ($500). Address: 1720 Bishop St., San Luis Opisbo, CA 93401

Saplings Waldorf Inspired Outdoor Enrichment Program 

The Saplings Waldorf Inspired Outdoor Enrichment Program is for ages 3 - 6 years old. The unique thing about this program is that it takes place entirely outdoors allowing full emersion into the natural world. The program runs from Monday - Friday but kids choose to come for 3 days or 2 days a week. The cost is $400 a month for 3 days a week and $300 a month for 2 days a week. Address: 875 Laureate Lane, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Head Start of California State Preschool

Head Start Preschool is for ages 3 - 5 years old. These programs are entirely free and for lower income families only. There are also Early Head Start programs for ages 6 weeks - 2 years old that are also entirely free and great for working parents of low income families. Although they are called preschool, they have extended care (full time). Take advantage of this if you're working and need childcare. Sometimes there is a waiting list so the sooner you apply, the better your chances of letting your children utilize these programs. That way, you don't have to spend more money than you have to, especially if you are already running thin. 

Orfalea Family and Asi Children's Center

Orfalea Family and Asi Children's Center is a program for infants through kindergarteners. Priority for this program goes to Cal Poly Students but anyone can utilize this great program. Rates are by day. Part time infant and toddler care are from 7:30AM - 12:30PM or 12:30PM - 6:30PM. Cal Poly students pay $36 per day for part time care and $47 per day for full time care for the infant and toddler care. (Rates are cheaper for ages 2 - 5 years.) Regular public rate is $54 per day for part time day and $68 for full time care for infants and toddlers. Rates for ages 2 - 5 years are slightly less for the public as well. Check out the Orfalea Family & Asi Children's Center website for more details. 

United Methodist Children's Center (UMCC) Preschool

UMCC is a preschool with extended day options for ages 2 - 5. They have a toddler program and regular preschool program. Both Toddler and Preschool programs run from 9AM - 12PM. Toddler monthly rates are $502 for MWF (3 days per week) and $354 for TTH (2 days per week). Preschool monthly rates are $493 for M-F (5 days a week), $290 for MWF (3 days a week) and $204 for TTH (2 days a week). Extended hours go on until 5:30PM for an extra cost. A new program they created was an afternoon preschool for ages 3 and 4. Afternoon preschool is from 12PM - 3PM. To see more details, go to the UMCC Preschool website. Address: 1515 Fredricks St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Newlife Preschool 

This preschool is located in Pismo Beach and runs from 9AM - 12:30PM and offers toddler classes and pre-k classes. Monthly rates for the toddler preschool classes are $520 for 5 days a week, $470 for 4 days a week, $417 for 3 days a week and $338 for 2 days a week. Monthly rates for the pre-k classes are $473 for 5 days a week, $427 for 4 days a week, $381 for 3 days a week and $307 for 2 days a week. They also offer full day care for an extra fee. Go to the Newlife Preschool website for more information. Address: 990 James Way, Pismo Beach, CA  93449​

Parent Participation Program under SLO

This program is especially great because you get to be there while your child is learning! WIth many different types of classes by age (from 0 months - 5 years old), this is like like a mommy and me program but with a preschool type regiment. Parent Participation is held in a preschool classroom setting and includes group circle time with music and movement, teacher-facilitated parent discussion groups and opportunities for creative indoor and outdoor play. These classes are located in three locations: San Luis Obispo, Los Osos and Morro Bay.  Classes for each semester range from $100 - $150 for the whole semester per child. Check out the Parent Participation website for fee information.

Parent Participation Program under Lucia Mar District (Cancelled)

There was also a separate Parent Participation program for ages 0 months - 4 years old in Oceano under the Lucia Mar District. So if you live in Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Oceano, Arroyo Grande or nearby, these kids/preschool programs are really close! They are broken down by age groups. Even though the program couldn't continue on due to space problems, I had the privilege to experience this Parent Participation program before the pandemic. Read my review of my experience with Parent Participation.

Tiny Tots Enrichment Program (Grover Beach)

For ages 2.5 - 5 years old, The Tiny Tots Enrichment Program is a child-enrichment program designed to integrate advanced learning and social skills. The monthly rate for the 2.5 - 3.5 year old class is only $143 for 2 days a week (every Monday & Friday)! For the 4 - 5 year olds, there are a couple of options. You can enroll your 4 - 5 year olds for 2 days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays only for $143 a month or for 3 days a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for $167 a month. Read my personal review of Tiny Tots as my little one attended this program! For more information, contact the Grover Beach Parks & Recreation Department at (805) 473-4580. Read more about the Tiny Tots program. Address: 1230 Trouville Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433

Mommy & Me type classes (usually free) run by San Luis Obispo County

All of the public libraries in San Luis Obispo County have free storytimes where you sit with your little ones and usually a craft follows after that. The public libraries often host and sponsor other free programs throughout the year like pyjama drama, special seasonal events and musical activities. See the story time schedule. The recreation departments around SLO County are also very active with many having special programs for toddlers and their parents.

First 5 School Readiness Center

There are also First 5 programs, like parent & me type classes for babies and toddlers at the First 5 readiness program sites. These readiness programs are free and are for any family of any income level as they are run by School Districts. Operating during the school year, the one located in Oceano, California has storytimes and activities at 9AM on Tuesday and Thursdays! They also have weekly gardening for the little ones and their guardians.  First 5 Readiness Program address: 1506 19th St, Oceano, CA 93445


Little Rangers Program


At the Oceano Dunes Visitors Center near the beach, Pismo State Beach rangers also organize a free Little Rangers Program for ages 2  - 6 years old through out the year! See the event list page to see the upcoming date for the next one.


Oceano Dunes Visitors Center is located at 555 Pier Ave., Oceano, CA 93445

San Luis Obispo Recreation

You can go on the San Luis Obispo County Recreation & Community website to find local community resources and free things to do as a family.

Pismo Beach Recreation

Every year the Pismo Beach Recreation plans events throughout the seasons. You can also find local community classes for kids and adults, as well as upcoming fun events like Easter egg hunts through them. See the family-friendly things to do page to see all upcoming events. 


Grover Beach Recreation

See Grover Beach Recreation Programs to find affordable local community classes like Tiny Tots (preschool type program for ages 2.5 - 5 years old), kids and adults and local upcoming events. They are usually held at the Grover Beach Community Center. 
They also host an annual Mother & Son event in May (this particular event is not free)! See if this Mother & Son event is under the list of upcoming events.


Oceano Recreation

See Oceano Community Center to find recreation programs and Parent Participation programs for South County of SLO.

Oceano Community Center is where the Parent Participation classes are held at for the South County part of SLO County. 

Other Mommy & Me Classes

Five Cities Swimming School

Located in Arroyo Grande, they offer Mommy (Parent) & Me swim classes for babies and toddlers 3 years old and under. Five Cities Swimming School is also a great swimming school for kids of any age. My kids have taken swim classes here during the summer between the ages of 3 - 6 years old and the instructors are so silly to the kids; so they really enjoy coming here! Address: 425 Traffic School Rd., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Pacific Flips


Located in Grover Beach, this gymnastics center has preschool open play twice a week during the school year. Each open play session is 1 hour long. You can drop in and pay or pay for a discounted pass that is applicable for multiple visits. Address: 1554 W Grand Ave, Grover, Beach, CA 93433

KT's All Star Gymnastics

Located in Santa Maria (not San Luis Obispo county but close), they have mommy and me classes for age 1 through 3 years old. (Pretty much as soon as they can start walking.) This is great for active toddlers. The plus side of their location is it's inside an indoor mall so you can do a little shopping after the mommy & me class! Address: 237 Town Center E, Santa Maria, CA 93454

Performance Athletics Gymnastics

Located in San Luis Obispo, there are mommy & me type classes for babies and toddlers by age groups. Baby gymnastics is a great way to help the littles with their fine motor skills. Address: 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Playtime Discoveries

Located in Atascadero, Playtime Discoveries focuses on preschool learning with mommy & me for toddlers 12 months through 4 years old. Address: 7600 Morro Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422 

Go Mommy Fitness through Kennedy Clubs

In Atascadero, moms can get fit while the babies have some fun at the same time. They are there with you while you work out at Templeton Park. They seem like a very active group on facebook and the program is run by Kennedy Clubs. Address of Templeton Park: 550 Crocker St, Templeton, CA 93465

Cali Kids Fitness 


They have parent & me classes all over including: Arroyo Grande, Oceano, Paso Robles and other places in San Luis Obispo county. Classes are grouped by age and focus on early gymnastics. They don't have a main fitness club center and hosts these classes at recreation centers, community centers, etc.

Central Coast Gymnastics

Located in San Luis Obispo, California, Central Coast Gymnastics is renowned and has two gyms! They also have many kids for babies and toddlers too. Look into their schedule. They also have a monthly kids night out where the parents can drop off the kids for a very reasonable flat price. It also includes play, pizza and snacks. They also have regular spring, fall and summer camps. Address: 21 Zaca Ln, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Also, look to the left column on this page for Parent Participation classes or government-run preschool settings where you get to be there with them while they learn as well. 

Mom Groups in San Luis Obispo

MeetUp Groups

SLOCALKIDS was a mommy and me group that you could join for free in the SLO County area. This group no longer exists but there used to be thousands of local members on there so I suggest checking on MeetUp.com every once in a while to see if a new mom group has been created near your area.


SLO Moms Facebook Group

SLO MOMS facebook group is a big online group and you can join as long as you have a Facebook account. There are nearly 3,000 members there and growing! You can ask many other moms in the San Luis Obispo area there for advice and suggestions on anything. Link to SLO Moms facebook group page.


MOMS Club® of San Luis Obispo, CA

A MOMS Club organizes enriching activities for you and your children, during the day when you most need the support. It is a great way to meet other mothers who share your interests and concerns. They have monthly meetings with interesting speakers and discussion topics, regular park playdays, special "Moms Night Out" events, holiday activities, and community service projects. Find a MOMS Club chapter close to your home. I find that sometimes local chapters disappear after awhile so the best way to find a current local chapter closest to you is using the find a chapter link above. 


MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 

MOPS is a national moms organization that has local chapters all over the US. Just in the San Luis Obispo county, there are 2 local chapters (may grow or shrink depending on the year)! They usually have 2 meetings a month and are held at local churches. To see one that's located closest to you, go to: MOPS Group Search or to save time, you can see details on all four MOPS locations and see which one works for you. 


Mom to Mom Group at Grace Bible Church

Located in Arroyo Grande, moms meet every Wednesday during the school year from 9:30AM - 11:30AM. There's a fee to join this group or scholarships are available. Childcare is also available as well. Wednesday mornings for Mom to Mom gives you an outlet adult conversation, coffee and a potluck style breakfast, prayers, laughter, tears, and encouragement. All moms are welcome - foster moms, pregnant moms, toddler moms, preschool moms, elementary moms, moms of teenagers, and empty nest moms. Mom to Mom takes place every Wednesday, September through May, from 9:30-11:30 AM. Website info for Mom to Mom group in Arroyo Grande. Address: 100 Rodeo Drive Arroyo Grande, CA 93420


Stroller Strides Mom's Exercise Group

Run by Fit4Mom, there are currently three locations in SLO county where you can join this exercise group with your kids in their strollers. Two of them are in Atascadero and one is in San Luis Obispo. The work outs all take place at a park so it ends up like a playgroup after your 1 hour work out. The mommies get to exercise and then let the kids have some playground fun! See more details on Stroller Strides locations.

Free Preschool Options

Head Start is always a great free preschool and full time childcare program for low income families around the country because they are federally funded, but here at SLO County, there are also additional preschool options. 

Early Learning Centers 

There are 8 different Early Learning Center Locations in San Luis Obispo County. They are free preschool classes run 5 days a week, 3 hours a day and are wonderful programs for the kids ages five and under. They have to be potty-trained though. Early Learning Centers offer both a parent and child education program to low and moderate-income families. This program is funded by the California State Department of Education and First 5 of San Luis Obispo County. Breakfast and a snack are included each day for your children. Read my personal review of Early Learning Center. 

The Early Learning Centers program is administered through the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education. As part of the curriculum, parents are asked to volunteer twice a month. To see all 6 locations, including: Atascadero, Grover Beach, Oceano, San Miguel, Nipomo and Paso Robles, you can check out the Early Learning Centers website. Also, if they have enough funding by First 5, you don't have to be under a certain income bracket in order for your child to be accepted. Check with the centers to inquire more information on the year you'd like to enroll your child.

Go to the 'Family-friendly Events' page to find family-friendly things to do with your kids.