Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Thousand Oaks

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

21 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

85% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Ventura County

2022 median

$1,839

/ month

infant

$1,177

/ month

toddler

$1,295

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $761/month).

Thousand Oaks has 21 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.

85% 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 Thousand Oaks

Ascension Lutheran Early Childhood Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 122 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Bethany Christian School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 92 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Carden Conejo School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Cvusd - Wonder Early Childhood Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 104 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Cvusd Preschool at City Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 104 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Cvusd Preschool at University

Excellent

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Fredrickson Family Early Childhood Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 57 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Honey Tree Early Childhood Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Kindercare Learning Center to

Excellent

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 84 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Newbury Oaks Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Roots & Wings Family Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 43 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Temple Adat Elohim Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 124 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Cummins Family Day Care Home

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Hillcrest Christian School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 168 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Segray at the Oaks

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 125 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Children's Learning Center Montessori

Excellent

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Camp Amgen

Good

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 324 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Temple Etz Chaim Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 210 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Notre Dame Learning Center

Good

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

First Baptist Church Day Care and Preschool

Good

Child Care Center · Thousand Oaks

Capacity: 78 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Thousand Oaks

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Thousand Oaks?

Thousand Oaks has 21 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 Thousand Oaks?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Ventura County is about $1,160 at a center and $1,012 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.