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Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Half Moon Bay

Top 6 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

6 preschool-capable facilities
0 top rated
100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in San Mateo County

2022 median
$2,401
/ month
infant
$1,720
/ month
toddler
$1,893
/ month
preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $964/month).

Half Moon Bay has 6 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 6 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 6 Preschools in Half Moon Bay

1

Coastside Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Half Moon Bay

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo
2

Coastside Children's Programs

Excellent

Child Care Center · Half Moon Bay

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo
3

Holy Family Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Half Moon Bay

Capacity: 34 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo
4

Ihsd, Inc-half Moon Bay Head Start Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Half Moon Bay

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo
5

Ihsd, Inc-moonridge Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Half Moon Bay

Capacity: 47 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo
6

Los Listos Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Half Moon Bay

Capacity: 55 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo
Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Half Moon Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Half Moon Bay?
Half Moon Bay has 6 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 Half Moon Bay?
Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in San Mateo County is about $1,688 at a center and $1,550 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.

Nearby Cities

San Mateo
151 facilities
Millbrae
18 facilities
Burlingame
34 facilities
Pacifica
32 facilities
Belmont
20 facilities
San Bruno
36 facilities

Related Guides

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Ages 0–2
Best School-Age Care in Half Moon Bay
Ages 5–17
Best Daycares in Half Moon Bay
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