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Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Palm Springs

Top 13 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

13 preschool-capable facilities
0 top rated
85% 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 Springs has 13 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 13 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

85% 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 13 Preschools in Palm Springs

1

A Child's Place an Early Education Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Springs

Capacity: 15 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo
2

King's School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Springs

Capacity: 97 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo
3

Psusd - Cahuilla Elementary Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Springs

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo
4

Psusd - Cielo Vista Community Child Care Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Springs

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo
5

Psusd - Coyote Run

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Springs

Capacity: 51 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo
6

Psusd - Desert Highland

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Springs

Capacity: 34 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo
7

Psusd - Katherine Finchy Elementary

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Springs

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo
8

Psusd - Sunrise

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Springs

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo
9

St. Theresa Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Springs

Capacity: 65 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo
10

Creative Beginnings of the Desert

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Springs

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo
11

First School of the Desert

Excellent

Child Care Center · Palm Springs

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo
12

Creative Beginnings Montessori Center

Poor

Child Care Center · Palm Springs

Capacity: 53 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo
13

It's a Little Scholars Childcare Center

Good

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Palm Springs

Capacity: 90 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo
Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Palm Springs

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs has 13 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 Springs?
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.

Nearby Cities

Cathedral City
36 facilities
Desert Hot Springs
23 facilities
Palm Desert
27 facilities
La Quinta
19 facilities
Yucca Valley
13 facilities
Banning
21 facilities

Related Guides

Best Infant Daycares in Palm Springs
Ages 0–2
Best School-Age Care in Palm Springs
Ages 5–17
Best Daycares in Palm Springs
All ages

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