Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Monterey

Top 10 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

10 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

80% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Monterey County

2022 median

$1,745

/ month

infant

$1,092

/ month

toddler

$856

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $717/month).

Monterey has 10 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 10 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

80% 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 10 Preschools in Monterey

Monterey Peninsula College Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Monterey

Capacity: 96 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Mothers Morning Out

Excellent

Child Care Center · Monterey

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Santa Catalina Pre-school

Excellent

Child Care Center · Monterey

Capacity: 31 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Serendipity Pre-school

Excellent

Child Care Center · Monterey

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Teddy Bear Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Monterey

Capacity: 44 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Upper Campus Great Beginnings

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Monterey

Capacity: 39 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Monte Vista Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Monterey

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Shoreline Pre-school

Excellent

Child Care Center · Monterey

Capacity: 36 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Great Beginnings

Good

Child Care Center · Monterey

Capacity: 57 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Ryan Ranch Children's Center (pre-school)

Poor

Child Care Center · Monterey

Capacity: 104 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Monterey

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Monterey?

Monterey has 10 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 Monterey?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Monterey County is about $868 at a center and $956 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.