Elk Grove families with 3 to 5 year olds can choose free preschool through Elk Grove Unified for eligible families, a play-based rec preschool through Cosumnes CSD, and a long list of short daytime classes at the Wackford Community and Aquatic Complex and Castello Park. Here is what is listed, by type, with days, times and prices from each listing.
Preschool
- EGUSD Free Preschool: California State Preschool, Head Start and Title I preschool for ages 3 to 4, free for eligible families. Families qualify by income or school boundary, and sessions run from 3 hours up to an extended day, Monday to Friday.
- Tiny Tot Preschool: Cosumnes CSD's play-based recreational preschool for ages 3 to 5, led by early childhood educators. It runs the full school year, August 2026 through May 2027, and kids need to be potty trained.
- For full-day care, see the licensed preschool and day care centers in the Elk Grove daycare directory.
Daytime classes at Cosumnes CSD
- Little Architects: block building as a first taste of engineering. Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:00 to 2:00 pm, at Wackford, $31.53.
- Little Artists Studio: process-first art with color, texture and shape. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 to 2:00 pm, at Wackford.
- Music and Movement: dancing, singing and painting in one class. Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:00 to 2:00 pm, at Castello Park.
- Reader's Theater: reading, acting out and retelling stories, plus making puppets. Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30 to 3:30 pm, at Castello Park.
- Preschool Physical Education: games and active play for motor skills and coordination. Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30 to 3:30 pm, at Wackford.
Sports
- Lil' Ballers Basketball Class: ages 3 to 6, Fridays at 5:00 or 5:45 pm at Wackford, $38.62.
- Lil' Sports Explorers: a four-week rotation of soccer, flag football, T-ball and basketball for ages 3 to 6. Thursdays at 5:00 or 5:45 pm at Laguna Community Park, $40.98.
- Tots Golf: a four-week intro for ages 3 to 5. Thursdays, 4:00 to 5:00 pm, at Emerald Lakes Golf Course, $94.58.
- Future Stars Soccer: Elk Grove Soccer's co-ed beginner program for ages 4 to 8 at Hal Bartholomew Sports Park.
- Super Soccer Stars: non-competitive soccer, with the classic program for ages 2 and a half to 10.
Dance and gymnastics
- First Steps in Dance: a first drop-off dance class for ages 3 to 4 at Encore Dance Studio of Performing Arts.
- Tutu School Kids Ballet: ages 3 to 5 start in Ballet Storytime.
- Elevate Preschool Gymnastics: play-based gymnastics for ages 1 to 5, $108 to $110 a month.
Holiday camp
- Preschool Holiday Camp: a gratitude-themed camp for ages 3 to 4, November 23 through December 31 at Wackford, $94.58.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free preschool in Elk Grove?
Yes. Elk Grove Unified runs free California State Preschool, Head Start and Title I preschool for 3 and 4 year olds. Families qualify by income or by school boundary.
What classes can a 3 year old take in Elk Grove?
Cosumnes CSD runs Little Architects, Little Artists Studio, Music and Movement, Reader's Theater and Preschool Physical Education for ages 3 to 5, plus Lil' Ballers, Lil' Sports Explorers and Tots Golf. First Steps in Dance and Tutu School's Ballet Storytime also start at 3.
What is the cheapest class for preschoolers in Elk Grove?
Little Architects is $31.53, the Lil' Ballers Basketball Class is $38.62 and Lil' Sports Explorers is $40.98. Several other Cosumnes CSD classes post prices at registration, so check each listing.
Does Tiny Tot Preschool require potty training?
Yes. Cosumnes CSD's Tiny Tot Preschool asks that kids be potty trained.