Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in El Monte

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

26 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Los Angeles County

2022 median

$1,113

/ month

infant

$956

/ month

toddler

$974

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $732/month).

El Monte has 26 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 Monte

Agape Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Baker Head Start/preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Bright Kids Montessori Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Cogswell Head Start/state Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

El Monte City S.d. - Columbia School (head Start)

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

El Monte City S.d. - Mulhall School(head Start)

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 18 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

El Monte City S.d.-new Lexington Elementary School

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

El Monte City S.d.-potrero School Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

El Monte City School Dist. Cortada

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

El Monte City School Dist. Rio Vista

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 150 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

El Monte City School Dist.-cherrylee (head Start)

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

El Monte City School Dist.-shirpser School (h.s.)

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

El Monte City School District-gidley (head Start)

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 25 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Maxson Head Start/state Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Monte Vista Head Start/state Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Mountain View Children Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 85 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

New Life Christian Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Parkview Head Start/state Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Shining Star Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 144 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Tomorrowland Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · El Monte

Capacity: 98 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in El Monte?

El Monte has 26 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 Monte?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Los Angeles County is about $1,063 at a center and $943 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.