Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Los Banos

Top 16 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

16 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

94% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Merced County

2022 median

$1,059

/ month

infant

$863

/ month

toddler

$715

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $563/month).

Los Banos has 16 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 16 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

94% 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 16 Preschools in Los Banos

Cccds-rafael L. Silva Migrant Child Develop. Ctr

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 36 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Colleen Menefee Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Eec Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Henry Miller Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Los Banos Campus Child Development Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Mccaa-los Banos Child Development Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 112 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Mercey Springs Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

R.m. Miano Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

San Luis Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

St. John's Lutheran Church Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 12 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Westside Head Start/early Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 56 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Wues - Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Yellow Brick Road Preschool and Daycare

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Pennington's Little Friends

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Yellow Brick Road Preschool & Daycare Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 49 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Our Lady of Fatima Pre-k

Good

Child Care Center · Los Banos

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Los Banos

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Los Banos?

Los Banos has 16 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 Los Banos?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Merced County is about $748 at a center and $768 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.