Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Oceanside

Top 20 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

42 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in San Diego County

2022 median

$1,642

/ month

infant

$1,166

/ month

toddler

$1,051

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $739/month).

Oceanside has 42 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 Oceanside

A Rising Star Academy Childcare Center, Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 68 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Discovery Preschools, Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 63 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

E.e.s. Mission Meadows Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 23 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

E.e.s. Temple Heights Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 23 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

El Camino Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 69 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Friendly Childrens Garden Preschool and Daycare

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Growing Minds Preschool & Childcare

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

La Petite Academy Incorporated

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 112 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Libby Lake Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Maac Project Oceanside Head Start #2

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Maac Project Oceanside V Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Montessori School of Oceanside

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Montessori School of Oceanside #2

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 57 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

New Song Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Renu Hope Foundation

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Royal Montessori School of Oceanside

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Village Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Child Development Center at Mira Costa College

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 126 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 160 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cfc Learning Center, Llc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Oceanside

Capacity: 29 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Oceanside

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Oceanside?

Oceanside has 42 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 Oceanside?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in San Diego County is about $1,070 at a center and $954 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.