Best Preschools in Lathrop, California (2026)

Maintained by the California Daycares editorial team Last updated November 5, 2026

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in San Joaquin County

2022 median

$1,674

/ month

infant

$1,023

/ month

toddler

$802

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $653/month).

Lathrop has 5 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 5 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 5 Preschools in Lathrop

Capc - Lathrop

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lathrop

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Capc - Lathrop Elementary

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Lathrop

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Lathrop Ehs Child Development Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Lathrop

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Learning Tree Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lathrop

Capacity: 27 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Naga Deepika Sale

Fair

Family Child Care Home · Lathrop

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $800 – $1,100/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Lathrop

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Lathrop?

Lathrop has 5 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 Lathrop?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in San Joaquin County is about $830 at a center and $969 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.