Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Pleasanton

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

26 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Alameda County

2022 median

$2,234

/ month

infant

$1,607

/ month

toddler

$1,768

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $833/month).

Pleasanton has 26 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 Pleasanton

Beth Emek Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Cape - Head Start - Hill 'n Dale Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Creative Learners Child Care

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 38 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Early Years Learning Center Llc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Engrace Montessori Academy in Pleasanton

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 116 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Genius Kids - Pleasanton Bernal

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 89 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Global Village Montessori

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 84 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Happy Friends Preschool of Pleasanton

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 49 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Learn and Play Montessori Pleasanton

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 181 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Little Flowers Montessori

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 148 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Little Flowers Montessori - Bernal

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Montessori School of Pleasanton

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Pleasanton Bilingual Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Pusd - Steam Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Safari Kid - Pleasanton

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 105 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Shining Light Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 76 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

The Little Butterflies

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

The Quarry Lane School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 122 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

The Quarry Lane School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 180 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Yang Fan Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pleasanton

Capacity: 95 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,850/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Pleasanton

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Pleasanton?

Pleasanton has 26 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 Pleasanton?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Alameda County is about $1,612 at a center and $1,356 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.