How Much Does Preschool Cost in Los Angeles? (2026 Guide)

The short answer: full-time preschool and childcare in Los Angeles commonly runs somewhere between about $1,400 and $2,800 a month, depending on the child's age, the hours, and the type of program. Care for younger toddlers costs the most; part-day and home-based programs cost less. California is one of the most expensive childcare markets in the country, so it helps to understand what drives the price — and where the real value is.

What drives the cost

Four things move the number more than anything else:

Age. Infants and young toddlers require the lowest ratios and the most hands-on care, so they cost the most. Prices ease as children reach the 3-to-5 preschool years.

Hours. A full working-day program (roughly 8 to 9 hours) costs more than a part-day preschool of 3 to 5 hours. Your schedule is often the biggest lever on price.

Program type. Large branded centers and academic preschools sit at the top of the range. Licensed home-based family childcare typically costs meaningfully less — often 20 to 30 percent less — while offering a lower ratio and more individual attention.

What's included. Meals, diapers, supplies, and enrichment are sometimes bundled and sometimes billed on top. Always ask what the monthly number actually covers before you compare two programs.

Is home-based childcare really cheaper?

Usually, yes — and that surprises people, because a smaller group with a lower ratio sounds like it should cost more. A home program has far less overhead than a large center: no commercial lease, no layers of administrative staff. Those savings pass to families. So you often get both a lower price and more one-on-one attention, which is why a well-run home program can be the best value in the whole market.

Help paying for childcare in California

If cost is a barrier, you have options. California offers subsidized childcare and preschool through programs administered by the state and by local agencies, and resource-and-referral organizations can help you find them. First 5 California and your local First 5 county commission are good starting points, and the state's childcare.ca.gov resources explain eligibility for fee assistance and the California State Preschool Program. It's worth asking every program you tour whether they accept subsidies or offer sibling or sliding-scale discounts.

Questions to ask about price on a tour

Before you compare two monthly numbers, ask: Is this full-day or part-day? Are meals and supplies included? Is there a registration or deposit fee? What is the notice period if we need to leave? Do you offer any discounts? The lowest sticker price isn't always the lowest true cost — and it's rarely the best value.

What it costs at Growing Garden

We're a licensed, home-based Reggio Emilia family childcare in Eagle Rock for ages 2 to 5, and we publish our tuition openly: $1,160/month for 2 days a week, $1,580 for 3 days, and $2,200 for full-time (5 days). A low 1:6 ratio; breakfast, lunch, and snack; and materials are all included — the only extras are a one-time $200 registration fee and a $1-per-minute late-pickup fee. You can see the full breakdown on our tuition & pricing page.