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Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Ventura

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

41 preschool-capable facilities
0 top rated
100% 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).

Ventura has 41 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 Ventura

1

Catalyst Kids- Juanamaria

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 25 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
2

Catalyst Kids- Mound

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
3

Catalyst Kids- Sheridan Way

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
4

Cdr - Benita Wallick Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
5

Cdr Westview Head Start Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
6

Coastline Bible Day School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
7

Community Presbyterian Church Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
8

Encounter Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 152 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
9

Great Pacific Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 91 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
10

Growing Minds Learning Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
11

Holy Cross Preschool at San Buena Ventura Mission

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
12

Johnson Family Child Care

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Ventura

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo
13

La Famiglia Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
14

Our Lady of Assumption Catholic School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 29 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
15

Sonshine Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
16

The Little Blue Creche

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 35 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
17

Tlc Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
18

Ventura College Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 95 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
19

Ventura Missionary Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 182 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
20

Ventura Montessori School, Inc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Ventura

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,350/mo
Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Ventura

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Ventura?
Ventura has 41 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 Ventura?
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.

Related Guides

Best Infant Daycares in Ventura
Ages 0–2
Best School-Age Care in Ventura
Ages 5–17
Best Daycares in Ventura
All ages

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