Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Bakersfield

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

111 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Kern County

2022 median

$1,527

/ month

infant

$892

/ month

toddler

$739

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $601/month).

Bakersfield has 111 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 Bakersfield

A Good Time Out

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 73 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Abc Learning Preschool & Childcare, Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 47 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Agapeland Christian Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Alberta Dillard Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

All Aboard Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

American Kids University

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Angela Martinez Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 123 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

B.c. Campus C.d.c. - Preschool Program

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 215 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

B.c.s.d./pauly Elementary School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bakersfield Adult School Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bakersfield Adventist Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bakersfield Parent Nursery

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bakersfield Play Center, Inc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bcsd/casa Loma Elementary Pre-kindergarten

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bcsd/evergreen Elementary Pre-kindergarten

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bcsd/franklin Elementary Pre-k

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bcsd/hort Elementary Pre-kindergarten

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bcsd/millie Gardett Munsey Elementary Pre-k

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bcsd/noble Elementary Pre-kindergarten

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bcsd/pioneer Elementary Pre-kindergarten

Excellent

Child Care Center · Bakersfield

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Bakersfield

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Bakersfield?

Bakersfield has 111 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 Bakersfield?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Kern County is about $768 at a center and $793 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.