Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Lakewood

Top 15 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

15 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

80% 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).

Lakewood has 15 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 15 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

80% 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 15 Preschools in Lakewood

Aloha Head Start/state Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lakewood

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Artesia High School Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lakewood

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

Bellflower Usd-williams Child Care Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lakewood

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Lakewood Little Minds Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Lakewood

Capacity: 73 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Lbusd-holmes Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lakewood

Capacity: 21 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Lbusd-macarthur Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lakewood

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

Lbusd-riley Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lakewood

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

M a W Children's Ctr

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lakewood

Capacity: 56 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Melbourne Head Start/state Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lakewood

Capacity: 37 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

St. Timothy Lutheran Preschool Day Care

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lakewood

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

Whitewood Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lakewood

Capacity: 136 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Willow Head Start/state Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lakewood

Capacity: 37 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Arc En Ciel Preschool

Fair

Child Care Center · Lakewood

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

Lakewood Child Development Center

Fair

Child Care Center · Lakewood

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

Full Steam Ahead Early Childhood Education Center

Fair

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Lakewood

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Lakewood

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Lakewood?

Lakewood has 15 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 Lakewood?

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.