Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Gardena

Top 18 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

18 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

67% 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).

Gardena has 18 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 18 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

67% 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 18 Preschools in Gardena

186th Street Elementary School Cspp

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 23 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Amestoy Elementary School Room 21

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gardena

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

Arise Family Childcare Center Llc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 26 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Gardena Buddhist Church

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 94 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Jekal Early Learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gardena

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

Kum Ran Church Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Pace - Aloha Learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 92 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

St Anthony's Day Nursery

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 90 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Ymca of Metro La/gardena-carson Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Gardena Early Education Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 168 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Baby Geniuses Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 33 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Twinkle Tots

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 67 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Shepherd's Fold Preschool - Gardena

Good

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Pace - St. John Head Start Center

Good

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Gardena Christian Academy

Fair

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 86 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Rising Stars Child Development Center

Good

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Yasuragi Child Care Center

Fair

Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 62 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Van Ness Pre-school & Kinder

Fair

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Gardena

Capacity: 105 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Gardena

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Gardena?

Gardena has 18 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 Gardena?

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.