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Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Castro Valley

Top 12 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

12 preschool-capable facilities
0 top rated
75% 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).

Castro Valley has 12 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 12 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

75% 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 12 Preschools in Castro Valley

1

Abc Preschool & Daycare

Excellent

Child Care Center · Castro Valley

Capacity: 21 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo
2

Achievers

Excellent

Child Care Center · Castro Valley

Capacity: 58 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo
3

Castro Valley Usd - State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Castro Valley

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo
4

Early Bird Montessori School - Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Castro Valley

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo
5

First Baptist Preschool - a Kids Kingdom

Excellent

Child Care Center · Castro Valley

Capacity: 29 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo
6

Little Sunshine Learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Castro Valley

Capacity: 55 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo
7

Miss Helens Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Castro Valley

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo
8

Pilgrim Learning Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · Castro Valley

Capacity: 54 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo
9

Redwood Forest Preschools, Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Castro Valley

Capacity: 127 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo
10

Happiness Hill Preschool and Day Care

Good

Child Care Center · Castro Valley

Capacity: 123 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo
11

His Growing Grove

Fair

Child Care Center · Castro Valley

Capacity: 126 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo
12

Montessori School at Five Canyons

Good

Child Care Center · Castro Valley

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo
Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Castro Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Castro Valley?
Castro Valley has 12 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 Castro Valley?
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.

Related Guides

Best Infant Daycares in Castro Valley
Ages 0–2
Best School-Age Care in Castro Valley
Ages 5–17
Best Daycares in Castro Valley
All ages

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