Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Petaluma

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

22 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Sonoma County

2022 median

$1,053

/ month

infant

$867

/ month

toddler

$883

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $827/month).

Petaluma has 22 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 Petaluma

4cs Old Elm Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

4cs Petaluma Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 52 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Adobe Christian Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Annette & Anya Mcelroy

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Petaluma

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $800 – $1,100/mo

Charlotte and Cynthia Clark Fcch

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Petaluma

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $800 – $1,100/mo

Children's Corner

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 100 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Gan Israel Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 35 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Happy Hearts Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 61 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Kce Champions Llc @ Two Rock

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Little Shepherd Lutheran Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

North Bay Children's Center P/s - Mcdowell

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 39 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

North Bay Childrens Center-valley Vista

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Old Adobe Union School District Bright Futures Pre

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Open Arms Playgarden Inc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Petaluma Village Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 38 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Petaluma Village Preschool East

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

W. H. Pepper Preschool Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 25 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Willow Tree School - Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 27 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

You & Me Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 58 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Spring Hill Montessori

Excellent

Child Care Center · Petaluma

Capacity: 107 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Petaluma

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Petaluma?

Petaluma has 22 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 Petaluma?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Sonoma County is about $977 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.