Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Alameda

Top 20 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

37 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Alameda County

2022 median

$2,234

/ month

infant

$1,607

/ month

toddler

$1,768

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $833/month).

Alameda has 37 licensed childcare providers serving preschool-age children (2–5), combining Child Care Centers and qualifying Family Child Care Homes. California caps preschool ratios at 1:12 (one caregiver per twelve kids). This guide ranks the top 20 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

100% of the ranked programs have a clean inspection record with zero citations on file. Each facility's page shows the full inspection and complaint history so you can dig deeper before scheduling a tour.

Programs vary widely in philosophy — Montessori, Reggio Emilia, play-based, and academic models are all represented. Click any listing to see the teaching style (when the owner has published it), tuition ranges, and the latest CCLD inspection summary.

Top 20 Preschools in Alameda

Abc Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Afs - Sue Matheson Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 57 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Afs-head Start Ruby Bridges Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Afs-rosalie Sterling Infant Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 25 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Alameda Head Start - Angela Aguilar Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Alameda Head Start- College of Alameda Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Arcoiris Spanish Learning Academy and Childcare

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Happy Little World

Excellent

Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Kiddie Kampus Cooperative Play School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Little Seeds Children's Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 44 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Luna's Montessori Bilingual School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 35 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

My Escuela

Excellent

Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Peter Pan Academy

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 74 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Peter Pan School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 125 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Rising Star Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 122 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Saint Philip Neri Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 12 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Seedling Child Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Small Size Big Mind Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 96 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Small Size Big Mind Preschool & Infant Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Swings and Wings-little Butterflies

Excellent

Child Care Center · Alameda

Capacity: 15 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Alameda

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Alameda?

Alameda has 37 licensed childcare programs that serve preschool-age children (ages 2–5). This includes dedicated preschool centers and family child care homes whose licenses cover this age group.

What's the difference between a preschool and a daycare center?

In California licensing terminology the two overlap significantly — most "preschools" are licensed as Child Care Centers that happen to serve children ages 2–5 with a structured curriculum. Dedicated preschool programs tend to emphasize school readiness, early literacy, and social-emotional development.

How much does preschool cost in Alameda?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Alameda County is about $1,612 at a center and $1,356 at a family child care home (based on 2022 benchmark data). Part-day and half-day programs cost less.

What should I look for when choosing a preschool?

Look for a published curriculum or teaching philosophy, low teacher turnover, outdoor play space, a clean inspection history on the facility's page, and caregivers who engage warmly with children during your tour. Ask about ratio (state maximum is 1:12 for preschoolers), transition plans to kindergarten, and how behavior and conflict are handled.