Application, Admission, and Fees

Facts to know before you apply: 

Children are not enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis. The acceptance of the application and $50 application fee does not guarantee placement for your child.

The Early Childhood Lab School (ECLS) is funded as a teaching/research/demonstration program for UC Davis students and faculty. In order to fulfill its mission as a laboratory program, each class must provide a population that has a balanced sex ratio, even distribution of ages, and diversity of family, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Enrollment depends on how many applications are submitted for each age group and what balance is needed. Siblings of currently enrolled children are given preference but are also not guaranteed placement. The date of application is considered only if there is a need to choose between two or more children who could equally meet the ECLS's enrollment needs.

Applying during January and February offers your child the best opportunity for Fall admission.

The first round of Fall admissions decisions is made in March and April, but additional openings may occur if families move or change their plans. For this reason, we accept applications for each upcoming school year through September. Children who do not receive a slot in April are placed in applicant pool/"waiting list".

All acceptance decisions are made by the ECLS Director.

Enrolled families are expected to have their child attend every day the program is in session (illness excepted), to facilitate the learning of our child development practicum students. This program is not a good fit for families who plan frequent or extended travel during the school year.

Tuition and Fees (2025-2026)

  • Administrative Fee: $100 per child annually
  • Deposit: $400 per child annually
  • Tuition (per 11 week quarter): 
    • Infant Program Half-Day Tuition (Monday-Thursday, 8:30-11:30am): $1,584 
    • Infant Program Full-Day Tuition (Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-4:00pm; Friday, 8:00am-12:00pm): $5,291 
    • Toddler Program Half-Day Tuition (Monday-Thursday, 8:30-11:30am): $1,518 
    • Toddler Program Full-Day Tuition (Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-4:00pm; Friday, 8:00am-12:00pm): $5,087.50 
    • Preschool Program Half-Day Tuition (Monday-Thursday, 8:30-11:30am or 12:45-3:45 PM): $1,452 
    • Preschool Program Full-Day Tuition (Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-4:00pm; Friday, 8:00am-12:00pm): $4,884

Families are invoiced for tuition before the beginning of each quarter, and payment is due by the first day of school each quarter.

To submit an application please follow the steps below:

  1. Complete the application "survey" (https://ucdavis.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cArWWUdF6ReI1aC). 
  2. Mail a check for $50 payable to "UC Regents" (No Cash or Credit Cards are accepted) to:

Center for Child and Family Studies (CCFS)
University of California, Davis
One Shields Ave
Davis, CA 95616-5270  

Please reference your child's full name in the memo section of the check. Your application will not be officially accepted until check is received.

License numbers: 570306437 and 570311412