Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Martinez

Top 11 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

11 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

55% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Contra Costa County

2022 median

$2,086

/ month

infant

$1,497

/ month

toddler

$1,648

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $795/month).

Martinez has 11 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 11 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

55% 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 11 Preschools in Martinez

Creekside Montessori

Excellent

Child Care Center · Martinez

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Forest Hills Preschool & Child Care

Excellent

Child Care Center · Martinez

Capacity: 81 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Helping Hands Christian Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Martinez

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Kids at Work

Excellent

Child Care Center · Martinez

Capacity: 35 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Martinez Early Childhood Center, Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Martinez

Capacity: 99 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Sunshine House Children's Center - Martinez

Excellent

Child Care Center · Martinez

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Forest Hills Preschool and Child Care Center

Fair

Child Care Center · Martinez

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

St. Catherine of Siena Preschool

Good

Child Care Center · Martinez

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Morello Hills Christian Preschool

Fair

Child Care Center · Martinez

Capacity: 35 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Childtime Children's Center

Good

Child Care Center · Martinez

Capacity: 102 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Kindercare Learning Center

Fair

Child Care Center · Martinez

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,750/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Martinez

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Martinez?

Martinez has 11 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 Martinez?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Contra Costa County is about $1,509 at a center and $1,260 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.