High Desert Leapin' Lizards

High Desert Leapin' Lizards is a nonprofit daycare in Ridgecrest, California, dedicated to providing quality preschool and afterschool programs for children in the local community. The organization offers free half-day preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds and operates afterschool programs at multiple sites, including Faller, Inyokern, Pierce, Gateway, Las Flores, Richmond, and Vieweg Academy schools. Services are available through both the After School Education and Safety (ASES) Programs and the Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOP) Program, with enrollment periods scheduled annually. The organization serves families across Ridgecrest and surrounding areas, supporting youth development and family needs through structured, educational, and safe environments.

Founded in 1995 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, High Desert Leapin' Lizards was established to provide accessible early childhood and after-school care in a region with limited resources. The organization contracts with Sierra Sands Unified School District (SUSSD) to deliver programs at multiple elementary school sites. It emphasizes community support through its mission of serving youth and families, offering both preschool and afterschool opportunities with a focus on education, safety, and enrichment. Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year opens in April, with applications available at the main office and processed in priority order.

The organization is located on N Norma Street in Ridgecrest, California, serving families in the heart of the city. It operates from a central office at 1311 N Norma St, providing access to programs and administrative services for local families. While the business has a 3.00 rating with no detailed score strengths listed, its long-standing presence since 1995 reflects a consistent commitment to community-based childcare in a region with unique demographic and geographic challenges.

High Desert Leapin' Lizards stands as a vital provider of early education and after-school care in Ridgecrest, offering free, structured programs that help families balance work and child development needs. Its enduring role in supporting children and families underscores its importance in the local community.