Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Oakdale

Top 8 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

8 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

75% clean record

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).

Oakdale has 8 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 8 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

75% 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 8 Preschools in Oakdale

Creative Christian Learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oakdale

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Heritage School of Discovery, Llc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oakdale

Capacity: 66 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Oakdale Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oakdale

Capacity: 25 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Oakdale Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oakdale

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

Oakdale Learning Tree

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Oakdale

Capacity: 73 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

House of Tykes

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Oakdale

Capacity: 46 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Little Star Preschool and Center

Fair

Child Care Center · Oakdale

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

Children's Crisis Center-guardian House

Good

Child Care Center · Oakdale

Capacity: 26 Est. preschool tuition: $650 – $900/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Oakdale

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Oakdale?

Oakdale has 8 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 Oakdale?

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.