Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Merced

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 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).

Merced 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 Merced

Ada Givens Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

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

Alicia Reyes Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Charles Wright School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

Capacity: 21 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Danielson Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

Capacity: 55 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Dina's Daycare Before and After School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Merced

Capacity: 19 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Farmdale Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

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

Franklin Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

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

Galen Clark Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Galen Clark Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

Capacity: 64 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

John C. Fremont School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

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

John Muir Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

Capacity: 21 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

John O'bannion Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

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

Leontine Gracey

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

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

Luther Burbank School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

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

Margaret Sheehy Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

Capacity: 21 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Mccaa-merced Child Development Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Merced

Capacity: 84 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Merced College Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Merced

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Merced Early Learning Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Merced

Capacity: 93 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $850/mo

Merced Montessori School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Merced

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

Merced Montessori School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Merced

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

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Merced

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Merced?

Merced 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 Merced?

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.