Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in South San Francisco

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

33 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in San Mateo County

2022 median

$2,401

/ month

infant

$1,720

/ month

toddler

$1,893

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $964/month).

South San Francisco has 33 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 South San Francisco

2nd Generation Cabot (ps)

Excellent

Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 264 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Building Kidz

Excellent

Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Cssf Preschool Program - Little Steps

Excellent

Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Cssf Rec Dept-siebecker Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 55 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Cssf Rec Dept-westborough Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 99 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Dana Elizabeth Kerrigan

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · South San Francisco

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,800/mo

Franciele Lopes De Sousa

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · South San Francisco

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,800/mo

Genentech 2nd Generation @ Allerton

Excellent

Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 430 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Genius Learning

Excellent

Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 35 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Gretel B. Avendano

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · South San Francisco

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,800/mo

Happy Hall Schools-dolores Way

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 56 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Heydi Turcios

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · South San Francisco

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,800/mo

Hillside Christian Academy (ps)

Excellent

Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 90 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Intelligent Learning

Excellent

Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 38 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Jesus E. Toca Madrid

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · South San Francisco

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,800/mo

Little Hugs Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 36 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Parkside Day School

Excellent

Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 97 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Pfs- Leo J. Ryan Cdc (ps)

Excellent

Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Rosalba Quintero

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · South San Francisco

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,800/mo

Ssfusd Hillside Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · South San Francisco

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in South San Francisco

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in South San Francisco?

South San Francisco has 33 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 South San Francisco?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in San Mateo County is about $1,688 at a center and $1,550 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.