Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Madera

Top 20 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

35 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Madera County

2022 median

$1,435

/ month

infant

$815

/ month

toddler

$675

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $560/month).

Madera has 35 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 20 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

100% 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 20 Preschools in Madera

Alpha State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Chavez State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Cottonwood Creek Head Start Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

East Side Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Eastin Arcola Migrant Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 67 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Grandma Tawney's Child Care Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 35 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Harvest Christian Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 35 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Kids Kare Madera

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 73 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

La Vina State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 15 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Los Ninos Head Start Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Madison State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Mcsos Early Education Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 136 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Mcsos Early Education Center-part Day

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 96 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Millview State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Mis Angelitos Migrant Head Start Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 52 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Mis Tesoros Head Start Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Monroe State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Nishimoto State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Parkwood State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Pershing State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Madera

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $600 – $800/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Madera

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Madera?

Madera has 35 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 Madera?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Madera County is about $709 at a center and $814 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.