Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Berkeley

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

53 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).

Berkeley has 53 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 Berkeley

American International Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 117 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Arbor Preschool East

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Berkeley Hills Nursery School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

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

Berkeley International Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 21 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Berkeley Little School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Berkeley Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 119 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Berkeley Ymca Head Start - South Ymca

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 52 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Beth El Nursery School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Cedar Creek Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

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

Cornerstone Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Dandelion Nursery School, Inc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

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

Dolma Child Care Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 8 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Duck's Nest Berkeley

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 91 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Ephesian Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

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

Global Montessori International School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 90 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Hearts Leap Icri Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Jewish Community Ctr of the East Bay-berkeley

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Kids Speaking Spanish Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Little Beans Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

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

Little Elephant Montessori, Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Berkeley

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

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Berkeley

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Berkeley?

Berkeley has 53 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 Berkeley?

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.