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Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Wilmington

Top 11 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

11 preschool-capable facilities
0 top rated
91% 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).

Wilmington has 11 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 11 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

91% 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 11 Preschools in Wilmington

1

Broad Avenue Elementary School Cspp

Excellent

Child Care Center · Wilmington

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
2

Child Lane

Excellent

Child Care Center · Wilmington

Capacity: 36 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
3

George De La Torre Jr. Elementary School Laup

Excellent

Child Care Center · Wilmington

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
4

Happy Harbor Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Wilmington

Capacity: 132 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
5

Iglesia Bautista/friendship Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Wilmington

Capacity: 130 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
6

L.a. Harbor College Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Wilmington

Capacity: 96 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
7

Small World Learning Ctr No 2

Excellent

Child Care Center · Wilmington

Capacity: 100 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
8

Voa/cesar Chavez Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Wilmington

Capacity: 34 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
9

Voa/robert F. Kennedy

Excellent

Child Care Center · Wilmington

Capacity: 35 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
10

Wilminton Park Early Education Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Wilmington

Capacity: 165 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
11

Hawaiian Avenue Early Education Center

Fair

Child Care Center · Wilmington

Capacity: 117 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Wilmington

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Wilmington?
Wilmington has 11 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 Wilmington?
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.

Related Guides

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

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