I write this review from a unique perspective as I was actually a preschooler at this very…read morelocation. As a matter of fact, I was a part of their very first graduating class of 1993! It warms my heart to see that Columbia is still in operation after all these years. When I had attended, it was a brand new preschool and truly the best of its kind. The venue was a large room sectioned off into areas per age range. I recall the place always being immaculately clean and full of awesome, educational books and toys. The part I feel had impacted me the greatest was the wonderful, dynamic staff. I still remember my teachers by name, though I'm sure they have all moved on by now. Four year olds are total sponges when it comes to learning, and I feel that the Columbia staff did a commendable job at preparing me for kindergarten. My days were filled with educational activities which involved a good balance of learning, art, singing, and play. I recall entering kindergarten and being at the top of my class. I cannot comment on the preschool's structure as it is today, but can confidently admit that it was one of the best experiences of my early childhood years. When I have children of my own, I'd wholeheartedly enroll them here. Thanks for the memories, Columbia!

We couldn't be happier as the parents of a thriving 20 month old who absolutely loves his teachers…read moreand the daily activities at this wonderful center! Structure, education, socialization and the highest level of care. Look no further and reach out today!

This school has been absolutely amazing for my three-year-old daughter!! We recently moved here and…read moretried another school that was just not a good fit. After talking with Elizabeth, the school's director, I felt so peaceful and excited about the school's vision for teaching, and their approach to child lead learning. My daughter has thrived at school! She is a highly spirited, very vocal, and a quite lively child, and she gets everything she needs and more. They have a large outdoor classroom that they utilize every day, that lets children learn through play, and movement, which is so appropriate for their developmental stages. She is already learning math, and doing very well picking up Spanish. It has taught her independence, and build her confidence, and ability to self regulate. I cannot say enough great things about the school's approach to learning! Then there are the teachers, who are some of the nicest people we've met here in Santa Maria. They are patient, they talk to my daughter with respect and kindness. Every time I pick her up, I see teachers down on the kids levels, teaching them, and helping them to solve their own problems between one another. Whenever I ask, they are so quick to share positives that they see in my daughter, and ways she is improving (along with ways that they are helping overcome obstacles that are unique to her in the classroom). I cannot say enough good things. I was recommended through a mom I met at Trader Joe's, and have recommended the school to several of my friends, one of which has recently enrolled her daughter, and is in love with the school too.

I am the father of a 4 1/2 year old preschool student who was recently expelled/kicked out. I write…read morethis review because no child should be punished for their parents speaking up regarding the health of their own child. How did a simple request regarding keeping my child inside on a cold and wet day escalate to an expulsion? Our main concern was the fear of having our child get sick that would increase the severity of her asthma resulting in us having to give her regular breathing treatments. The owner Elizabeth didn't agree with our request to keep her indoors on a wet day because she operates an outdoor Montessori school. So, I picked up my child on a cold and wet day and soon a flurry of text messages between my wife and Elizabeth resulted in Elizabeth soon determining that her school was no longer a good fit for my child. Take into consideration that all of this was by text message, the professional courtesy of a phone call or a sit down meeting to explain the situation and work together to find a mutual solution NEVER took place. As a parent in Santa Maria finding a preschool is tough enough and the last thing we want to do is criticize or question our childrens teachers. Flaws were always there yet we choose to look the other way. But, sometimes a culmination of flaws must be addressed. We often wondered why other parents were leaving the school. Now I am that other parent looking in and I am speaking up. Multiple lice outbreaks in 1 school year is unacceptable. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, I will be glad to explain in detail my experience at Casa dei Bambini. Zero stars!!!!

Pros: Experienced, has ample play space for children (including her entire backyard converted into…read morea playground), prices are good, nice blend of structured and unstructured time, overall loving environment. When Leela is in a good mood, it's a pleasant experience for everybody. Cons: Leela has little to no system for dealing with toddlers acting out like toddlers sometimes do. Instead of working together with parents to develop a strategy, Leela is prone to just shouting at the parents instead, or booting their child from daycare altogether. She is also an antivaxxer, and threw a tantrum AT ME PERSONALLY because my wife and I vaccinate our child. The only thing that kept me from firing her on the spot was that, due to family health issues, making such a change without lead time to transition to a new provider would have been unfeasible. If your child is younger than "terrible twos" and you are comfortable working with an antivaxxer, it's a fine establishment. If your child could possibly act out or throw a tantrum, or if she gets wind that you have vaccinated your child, consider this fair warning that in exchange for the good prices, you will likely be shouted at at some point, and your child may get booted from the enrollment.

I am very very picky about who I leave my baby with ( he is my first). A Caring Place is a…read moreblessing. I drive out of my way to take my Child there. Nothing but excellence. Leela is a wonderful individual who was been running this business for 20 years. Her system is great, the children enjoy their time and I don't have a worry in the world when he is there.

Outstanding curriculum that not only is fun and engaging but prepares our preschooler for…read morekindergarten. We love and appreciate the teachers and the director. Security is great which gives peace of mind too.

My daughter attended the elementary school and I just took her out because in my opinion they are…read morenot teaching values and facts consistent with reality.

My oldest son has attended since he was 2 and he is now 5 and heading to Kindergarten, while my…read moreyoungest started a year ago and will continue until he is ready for kindergarten. I LOVE this school! The teachers are amazing and treat my sons like family. The structure is fantastic and the director is well educated, accommodating, and works very hard to advocate for every single child in her care. I cannot give this school enough kudos! My oldest is more than ready for kindergarten with the skills he learned at ACV and my 2.5 year old is learning so much from their teaching. Give it a chance and you will not be sorry!

I am a new member and I LOVE it! The classes are SO FUN AND HELPFULL. The pool and jacuzzi are…read moreawesome! Great place!

Well I hope this replaces my old review which was during the time when they had no hot water in the…read moreshowers. So this is a very nice place and considering how upscale it is surrounded by parks and very nice views right across from the airport in Santa Maria or orcutt, It's a bargain and a half. January gets half price membership fee, In the monthly fees are well worth it and adjusted for families and if you're over an age I don't know. And now the Hot water is back on. Staff is very friendly they have every feature for families that you would ever want. They have all the classes you would ever want. They have tiny dry and wet saunas. I have some great outdoor areas fantastic views I think I mentioned that, but I didn't mention the soccer field which can be rented but it's basically for kids leagues three to 12. And it's particularly nice it's completely enclosed and has artificial turf. They have a lap pool and a jacuzzi off to the side and four weight areas and two gyms with half court, a couple of fully enclosed handball courts which I love. One and a half pickleball courts I'm dying to try that once I get back into reasonable balance. It may be my good looks and personality but people are very friendly. And it's a great place if you got anything going for you to meet someone. So after one tour and 8 days later one try out which isn't much I'm giving it five stars. And it's my favoritest gym I think that I've ever joined maybe the Santa Barbara Y was close.

We have fond memories of Little Shining Stars Preschool. It was safe, small, and affordable…read more There were field trips and plenty of activities for the little ones. Ms. Laurel is the big shining star and models what it is to be kind, patient, and responsible. She is so approachable and there is no wonder why there is usually a waiting list. Don't knock on the front door of the house. During business hours, enter through the side gate to the backyard on Marlene and enter the preschool door in the backyard. Love this place!

Our family feels so incredibly fortunate that we found Little Shining Stars Preschool. Our daughter…read moreis currently a student there and the care and attention and education she is receiving is incredible thanks to Miss Laurel and her co-teacher Mrs. Biggs. It is so amazing to have found a school that is offering our daughter such a high quality education and experience and is still this affordable. We all want the best for our kids, and that's what each family gets at Little Shining Stars Preschool.

Upward Bound has provided a safe space for my daughter to grow and learn. She asks every day if she…read moregets to go to preschool. The teachers are creative, fun, and you can tell love for their job abounds. Can't recommend it enough!

Very good preschool. Easy for children to adjust because the staff are friendly and consistent…read morewith their schedule and attitude. It's great to have this preschool in our neighborhood!