Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Whittier

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

38 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Los Angeles County

2022 median

$1,113

/ month

infant

$956

/ month

toddler

$974

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $732/month).

Whittier has 38 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 Whittier

Aeolian

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Carden Academy of Whittier

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 46 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

East Whittier Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 63 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

East Whittier United Methodist Church, Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 64 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

East Whittier United Presbyterian Church

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Hadley Pre-school

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 105 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Lincoln Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Little Star

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Options State Preschool - Orchard Dale

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Options State Preschool - Scott

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Options State Preschool-la Colima

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Options State Preschool-mulberry

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Options- State Preschool- Mckibben

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Options-state Preschool-evergreen

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Options-state Preschool-laurel

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Rio Hondo College Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Shepherd of the Hills Pre-school

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 64 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

The Broadoaks School of Whittier College

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

West Whittier

Excellent

Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Whittier Christian School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Whittier

Capacity: 61 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Whittier

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Whittier?

Whittier has 38 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 Whittier?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Los Angeles County is about $1,063 at a center and $943 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.