Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in El Centro

Top 19 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

19 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

95% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Imperial County

2022 median

$960

/ month

infant

$760

/ month

toddler

$698

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $560/month).

El Centro has 19 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 19 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

95% 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 19 Preschools in El Centro

El Centro Early Learning Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 264 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Harmony Montessori Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 41 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Icoe - Cds Little King's State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Icoe - Cds Little Sneaker's State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Icoe-cds Kids "r" Us!

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Icoe-cds Little Roadrunner's State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Icoe-ecep Bears Head Start Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 77 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Icoe-ecep El Centro Early Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Icoe-ecep Little Spartans Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 36 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Icoe-ecep Panthers Early Head Start and Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 76 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Kinder Castle Learning Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Little Einsteins Montessori

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Little Lambs Private Preschool Center Llc

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 18 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Rcoe El Centro Migrant Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

United Families Inc. - Aurora

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 97 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

United Families, Inc. - El Centro Preschool Iii

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

United Families, Inc. /el Centro Preschool Ii

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 61 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

United Families, Inc. El Centro Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

Christian Child Care Center / Preschool

Fair

Child Care Center · El Centro

Capacity: 81 Est. preschool tuition: $550 – $750/mo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in El Centro?

El Centro has 19 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 Centro?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Imperial County is about $657 at a center and $720 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.