Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in El Cajon

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

41 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in San Diego County

2022 median

$1,642

/ month

infant

$1,166

/ month

toddler

$1,051

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $739/month).

El Cajon has 41 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 El Cajon

Academy of Play

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 94 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Aka Head Start - Farragut Circle

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 104 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Aunty Lynn's Daycare Centers, Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 64 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Bostonia Global Charter

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cajon Valley Madison Elementary State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cajon Valley State Preschool - Anza Elementary

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 23 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cajon Valley State Preschool - Jamacha

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cajon Valley State Preschool - Johnson

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cajon Valley State Preschool - Lexington Elem.

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cajon Valley State Preschool - Magnolia Elementary

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 23 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cajon Valley State Preschool - Naranca Elementary

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 23 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cajon Valley State Preschool - Rios Elementary

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 23 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Camden Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Children's Choice Academy - El Cajon

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Children's Choice- Greenfield

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 135 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cuyamaca Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cvusd Chase State Preschool Program

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Die Rasselbande Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

El Cajon Wesleyan Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 65 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

First Lutheran Preschool of El Cajon

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Cajon

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in El Cajon

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in El Cajon?

El Cajon has 41 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 El Cajon?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in San Diego County is about $1,070 at a center and $954 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.