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Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Harbor City

Top 7 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

7 preschool-capable facilities
0 top rated
86% 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).

Harbor City has 7 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 7 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

86% 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 7 Preschools in Harbor City

1

Happy Tots Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Harbor City

Capacity: 38 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
2

Happy Tots Montessori School & Infant Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Harbor City

Capacity: 34 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
3

Normont Early Education Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Harbor City

Capacity: 164 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
4

Pines Christian Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Harbor City

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
5

President Ave. Elementary School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Harbor City

Capacity: 16 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
6

Voa/los Colores Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Harbor City

Capacity: 39 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
7

Joyful Land Preschool

Poor

Child Care Center · Harbor City

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Harbor City

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Harbor City?
Harbor City has 7 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 Harbor City?
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.

Related Guides

Best Infant Daycares in Harbor City
Ages 0–2
Best School-Age Care in Harbor City
Ages 5–17
Best Daycares in Harbor City
All ages

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