Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Lafayette

Top 14 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

14 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

79% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Contra Costa County

2022 median

$2,086

/ month

infant

$1,497

/ month

toddler

$1,648

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $795/month).

Lafayette has 14 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 14 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

79% 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 14 Preschools in Lafayette

Building Bridges Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 37 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Child Day School, Llc - Lafayette

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 83 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Growing Light Montessori School of Lafayette

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 44 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Growing Light Montessori Springhill

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 84 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Joyful Beginnings

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 85 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Lafayette Nursery School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 25 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Merriewood Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 59 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Michael Lane Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 17 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

The White Pony

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 141 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Gan Ilan Preschool - Temple Isaiah

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 95 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Pillar Kids Childcare

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Seedlings

Good

Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 88 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Old Firehouse School

Good

Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 81 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Diablo Valley Montessori School

Good

Child Care Center · Lafayette

Capacity: 138 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Lafayette

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Lafayette?

Lafayette has 14 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 Lafayette?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Contra Costa County is about $1,509 at a center and $1,260 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.