Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Palm Desert

Top 12 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

12 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

67% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Riverside County

2022 median

$1,752

/ month

infant

$1,031

/ month

toddler

$817

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $652/month).

Palm Desert has 12 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 12 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

67% 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 12 Preschools in Palm Desert

Aleph Schoolhouse

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Desert

Capacity: 25 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Bermuda Dunes Learning Center in Palm Desert

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Desert

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Desert Ymca/jean M. Benson Cdc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Desert

Capacity: 101 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Lincoln Ece Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Desert

Capacity: 17 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Little Scholars Childcare Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Palm Desert

Capacity: 69 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Sacred Heart Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Desert

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Sadler Family Day Care

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Palm Desert

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Boehm Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Desert

Capacity: 66 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

First School-palm Desert

Good

Child Care Center · Palm Desert

Capacity: 74 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Tot Stop, Inc.

Good

Child Care Center · Palm Desert

Capacity: 107 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

College of the Desert Child Development Training

Fair

Child Care Center · Palm Desert

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

The Academy of Palm Desert Comm. Presby. Church

Good

Child Care Center · Palm Desert

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Palm Desert

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Palm Desert?

Palm Desert has 12 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 Palm Desert?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Riverside County is about $820 at a center and $857 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.