Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Fresno

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

171 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Fresno County

2022 median

$1,800

/ month

infant

$1,082

/ month

toddler

$879

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $617/month).

Fresno has 171 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 Fresno

American Union Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

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

Baldwin Daycare

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

Capacity: 12 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Bambi's Day Care Nursery

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

Capacity: 25 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Boris Preschool Cusd

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

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

Brighten Academy Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

Capacity: 85 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Brighten Academy Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

Capacity: 85 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Carden School of Fresno

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

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

Central U.d.s. Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

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

Central Unified Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

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

Central Unified Preschool at Biola

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

Capacity: 17 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Child Development State Preschool Maple Creek

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

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

Child Development-state Preschool-fancher Creek

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

Capacity: 23 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Child Development-state Preschool-lincoln

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

Capacity: 23 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Child Development-state Preschool-mountain View

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

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

Child Development-state Preschool-riverview

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

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

Child Development-state Ps-temperance-kutner

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

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

Clovis Community College C.d. Lab School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Copper Academy Private Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

Capacity: 16 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Copper Hills Preschool-cusd

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

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

Crosscity Christian Eec

Excellent

Child Care Center · Fresno

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Fresno

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Fresno?

Fresno has 171 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 Fresno?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Fresno County is about $860 at a center and $910 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.