Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Eureka

Top 17 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

17 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

88% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Humboldt County

2022 median

$1,586

/ month

infant

$1,003

/ month

toddler

$830

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $602/month).

Eureka has 17 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 17 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

88% 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 17 Preschools in Eureka

Head Start - Jefferson

Excellent

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Head Start - Sonoma Street

Excellent

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Head Start - Worthington

Excellent

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Humboldt County Office of Education - Special Beg

Excellent

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Jefferson Early Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 32 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Little Learners Eureka

Excellent

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Little Saplings Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Mistwood Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Pitter Patter Daycare

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Redwood Learners Preschool Harrison

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 32 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

St. Bernard's Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 15 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Sweet Peas Learning Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 62 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Yurok Tribe Early Childhood Education Ctr.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Head Start - Alice Birney

Excellent

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Teacher's Pet School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 47 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Child Development Center College of the Redwoods

Good

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Winzler Children's Center

Poor

Child Care Center · Eureka

Capacity: 90 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Eureka

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Eureka?

Eureka has 17 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 Eureka?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Humboldt County is about $886 at a center and $856 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.