Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Manteca

Top 18 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

18 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

67% clean record

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).

Manteca has 18 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 18 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

67% 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 18 Preschools in Manteca

Capc - Golden West

Excellent

Child Care Center · Manteca

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

Capc - Joshua Cowell

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Manteca

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

Capc - Manteca Day

Excellent

Child Care Center · Manteca

Capacity: 32 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Capc - Mcfall

Excellent

Child Care Center · Manteca

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Capc - Mcparland Annex

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Manteca

Capacity: 44 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Capc - Neil Hafley

Excellent

Child Care Center · Manteca

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

Capc - New Haven

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Manteca

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

Capc - Shasta

Excellent

Child Care Center · Manteca

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

Capc - Stella Brockman

Excellent

Child Care Center · Manteca

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

Lions N' Lambs

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Manteca

Capacity: 110 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Tiny Powers Child Development Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Manteca

Capacity: 56 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Hansel & Gretel Day Care Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Manteca

Capacity: 83 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Tiny Tots Academy

Good

Child Care Center · Manteca

Capacity: 43 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

St. Anthony's Preschool

Fair

Child Care Center · Manteca

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Sequoia Christian Preschool

Fair

Child Care Center · Manteca

Capacity: 90 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Little Dreams Learning Academy

Good

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Manteca

Capacity: 67 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Refuge Christian Preschool & Kindergarten

Fair

Child Care Center · Manteca

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Kids Academy

Fair

Child Care Center · Manteca

Capacity: 90 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Manteca

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Manteca?

Manteca has 18 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 Manteca?

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.