Best Preschools in Santa Rosa, California (2026)

Maintained by the California Daycares editorial team Last updated November 5, 2026

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).

Santa Rosa has 56 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 Santa Rosa

4cs Apples and Bananas Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

Capacity: 69 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

4cs Bennett Valley

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

4cs Paulin Creek Child Development Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

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

A Special Place

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

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

Achievers

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Bethlehem Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

Capacity: 85 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Brush Creek Family Services, Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Casa Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

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

Childkind Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

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

College Oak Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

Capacity: 86 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Early Head Start - Lewis Infants

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

Capacity: 34 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Early Head Start - Vince Harper Toddler

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

Capacity: 16 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Elaine Thomson Family Child Care Home

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Santa Rosa

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

Franklin Park Pre-School Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

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

Head Start - Barbara Daniels-Love

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

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

Head Start - Lincoln Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Jewish Community Center Soco Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

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

Jody Vogt Family Child Care Home

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Santa Rosa

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

Little Legends Learning Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

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

Lytton Rancheria Education Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Rosa

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Santa Rosa

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Santa Rosa?

Santa Rosa has 56 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 Santa Rosa?

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.