Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Chico

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 Butte County

2022 median

$1,533

/ month

infant

$937

/ month

toddler

$775

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $584/month).

Chico 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 Chico

Acorns to Oaks Preschool and Daycare

Excellent

Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Acorns to Oaks Preschool and Daycare #3

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 84 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Associated Students Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Chico Child Development Center Mission Ranch

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 62 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Chico Montessori Children's House

Excellent

Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Chico Oaks Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Child Development Laboratory

Excellent

Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Circles Children's Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

E Center Hs Pgms - Mariposa

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

E Center Hs Pgms - Moss Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Kidspark

Excellent

Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 35 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Kinder Kids

Excellent

Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Kreative Beginnings

Excellent

Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Little Learners Chico

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Meraki Learning Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Mi Escuelita Maya P/s & Childrens Performing Arts

Excellent

Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Parkside Preschool & Daycare (preschool)

Excellent

Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Parkview Elc Chico

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

E Center Hs Pgms - Chico Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 57 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Laura's Daycare Center & Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Chico

Capacity: 36 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $900/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Chico

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Chico?

Chico 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 Chico?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Butte County is about $798 at a center and $878 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.