Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Salinas

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

40 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Monterey County

2022 median

$1,745

/ month

infant

$1,092

/ month

toddler

$856

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $717/month).

Salinas has 40 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 Salinas

Alisal Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Boronda Meadows Elementary Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 68 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Buckhorn Early Learning Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Church of the Good Shepherd Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 64 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Church of the Good Shepherd Ps at the Grange

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Creekside Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 52 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Crescita Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

El Gabilan Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 29 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Frank Paul Head Start Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Fremont Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Henry F. Kammann Elementary School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

La Joya Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Laura's Barn Preschool and Childcare Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Lincoln Elementary Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Loma Vista Elementary

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Los Padres Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

M.a.o.f. Mountain Valley Early Learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Madonna Del Sasso Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 36 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Maof Child Care Center Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Martin Luther King Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Salinas

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Salinas

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Salinas?

Salinas has 40 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 Salinas?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Monterey County is about $868 at a center and $956 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.