Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Riverside

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

74 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% 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).

Riverside has 74 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 Riverside

Bethel Christian Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 100 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Catalyst Kids - Benjamin Franklin

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 23 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Catalyst Kids - John F. Kennedy

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

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

Catalyst Kids - Lake Mathews

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Riverside

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

Childtime Learning Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 16 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Collett State Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 39 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Eden Lutheran School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

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

First United Methodist Church Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 78 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Fsa - Highgrove Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 44 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Fsa - Magnolia Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 156 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Fsa - Rubidoux Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 144 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Howard Family Child Care

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Riverside

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

Islamic Academy of Riverside

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

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

Kids Time Montessori

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 31 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

La Petite Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 114 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

La Sierra Academy Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

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

Little Explorers Preschool Academy

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 144 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Myra Linn State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 16 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Nati Fuentes Centro De Ninos

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 144 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Ocs Our Lady of Perpetual Help Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Riverside

Capacity: 47 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Riverside

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Riverside?

Riverside has 74 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 Riverside?

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.