Best Preschools in Modesto, California (2026)

Maintained by the California Daycares editorial team Last updated November 5, 2026

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Stanislaus County

2022 median

$1,370

/ month

infant

$945

/ month

toddler

$741

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $592/month).

Modesto has 62 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 Modesto

A+ Academics Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bethel Christian Daycare & Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Big Valley Christian School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bret Harte Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Bright & Rooted Llc

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 57 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Burbank Family Learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

C. F. Brown Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 53 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Capistrano Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 62 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Cccds - Stonum Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Cccsc, Inc. - Audrey's House

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 18 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Centenary Christian Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Children's Crisis Center of Stanislaus County

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 8 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Chrysler Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 52 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Davis Park Christian Academy

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 54 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Ece Wawona Mcs

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 16 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

El Vista Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Everett Child Development Centers

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 90 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Fairview Elementary

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Family Promise Cdc

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Franklin Family Learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Modesto

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Modesto

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Modesto?

Modesto has 62 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 Modesto?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Stanislaus County is about $764 at a center and $906 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.