This is a review based solely on our tour at this school. I cannot say enough good things about this place! First of all, it is not easy to find an Reggio Emilia school, which is the philosophy this child development center adheres to. The teachers are SO competent, nurturing and wonderful. I was amazed by how all the kids from all age groups were so immersed in what they were doing. The five year old class was fantastic, and it made me wish for a split second we had found this earlier (and lived closer). The director was obviously knowledgeable, friendly and open. I enjoyed touring with her and learning about the school. I also appreciated that they have a couple of different day options, and that there is hot lunch available. A few other things - the front door is locked and so is the gate, so there is acceptable security. The facilities are gorgeous, clean, and the activities look fun enough that as an adult, I'm interested in them! They follow the Atelier art curriculum and have great art supplies available. They had a tank of walking sticks - from large to newly hatched. The only thing that disappointed me about this school was that they don't have a program for 5 year olds in the summer - the 5 year olds are expected to attend the summer camp if childcare is needed for them (they graduate from the program at the end of spring before summer session). I really wanted my son to experience this school alongside my daughter. read more

CBI CDC is a wonderful preschool. The classrooms are beautiful designed and decorated to stimulate a child's natural curiosity, and create an environment of calm and self-directed learning. The outdoor spaces are natural, filled with animals, gardens and beautiful spaces. Every teacher at this school is amazing, and "gets" that children are individuals, each with their own unique likes, dislikes, personalities, gifts and challenges. This is a place that honors each child as an individual, lets them explore and develop into their own selves, and honors the wonder of childhood. If you want your 4 or 5 year old to bring homes worksheets to practice their letter writing, this is not the school for you. However, if you want your child writing out the names of the vegetables they planted today, or writing out signage for the airport that they built with their friends this afternoon, then you will be happy here. All of the children that go through the preschool are assessed for kindergarten readiness at multiple times throughout the year, and are very clearly prepared with the academic skills that are needed for kindergarten. More importantly, the kids at this skill are taught life skills that will take them further than kindergarten: creativity, critical thinking, conflict resolution, kindness, empathy for others and for animals, how to be a mensch! A great characteristic of this school is consistency. All of the staff works as a team to make the whole school function as a unit. The classrooms do not operate isolated from one another, but all work together like a family. The children feel a great deal of comfort in this environment, because they are familiar with all of the staff members and they feel ownership in the school. They help to develop and create it, and have a huge sense of pride about their school. Much credit goes to the school director, who maintains this team approach and consistency amongst the classrooms. She is extremely professional and passionate about what she does. Most importantly, she is strong enough to resist the urge to try to please everyone, all of the time (which is, of course, impossible). For anyone who is familiar with the phenomenon of the squeaky wheel getting all the grease (you know this happens in OC preschools!), be assured (or forewarned) that everyone is treated as an equal here. The teachers, children and parents are expected to follow the rules and treat others with kavod (respect). I've had my children at this school since 2003. Recently my 1st grader came with me to volunteer at one of the school-wide events. When she woke up, she told me how excited she was to help out at her brother's school. " I have such great memories of when I was there. It is a good school!" I couldn't agree with her more! read more

CBI is an absolutely amazing school! My two boys attended four out of the five classes that they offer, ranging from ages one through five. They both had a wonderful experience and so did we as parents. Our kids loved their teachers, loved going to school, and I couldn't drag them out at the end of the day. The school director, Sharon, is truly phenomenal, as well as so many of the teachers that we got to know. Sharon's door was always open to us and she made sure all of our concerns were met. The teachers are loving, caring, knowledgeable, kind, and they love their kids and treat them with great respect. CBI provided a loving, enriching and nurturing environment that became a second home to us. We moved when my older son graduated. He was well-prepared academically for Kindergarten, but above all- he is a confident, kind, curious, well-rounded kid who is respectful of others, enjoys learning, and is a good friend and a great team-player. I read reviews from as early as 2011 and I can attest that these are still very valid today. We loved CBI and I can't recommend it enough for new families considering preschool options. read more

We had the BEST experience at this preschool consistently over the past 3 years. Both of our kids went there and the teachers are so loving and engaging and attentive! They follow the Reggio Emelia philosophy of play based learning and it has set our kids up for amazing success! They love and appreciate nature and the world around us, they can socialize with other kids and understand how to cooperate and support each other. The playground is a natural space for the kids to use their imaginations with the teachers guiding them through their play. The classrooms feel like home and provide a comforting place for the kids. The parents and families are all so engaged - we have made friends for a lifetime. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this school to anyone looking! read more

Do you want your child in a place where they are in an environment to learn about the world though hands on activity? Do you want your infant through pre-k child to be in an environment where they are loved and nurtured? Do you want your pre-k student excited about starting kindergarten because they have the skills they need to be successful? If this is what you are looking for in a child care or preschool program please visit CBI/CDC. We started CBI/CDC in 2002. At the time we lived in Aliso Viejo and although we weren't working nearby after touring dozens of secular and Judaic preschool programs we fell in love with CBI and their philosophy. Now 10 + years later, my last child is soon to graduate pre-k and start kindergarten and I am so sad that I will no longer be part of this amazing environment. Since they have a low turnover of staff, the same teachers that were there for my first child are there for my last, so the teachers get to not only know the child but the families as well. They have one of the most beautiful environments for children to learn. Each of the class room offers a low child to teacher ratio with age appropriate activities. The infant room offers a safe nurturing environment where each baby is left on their individual schedule, never put in a bouncer or swing and is loved and well taken care of until mom and dad can return from work. The toddler playground which is separate from the older children yard is a magical garden with many activities for your little one to explore from the hen, to the play house and garden your child has a magical experience. My pre-k child daily comes home with exciting tales of what she has learned that day. Some of the activities she experiences daily is growing their own vegetables and then eating them for snack, the "take apart" table where they get to take apart mechanical equipment to see how pieces are connected, the imagination center to make believe, the science table, the writing table, cooking, singing, piano lessons, yoga, gymnastics, team sports, and now photography.... and this list goes on. There is no doubt my daughter is ready and has the skills to be successful in kindergarten because of this rich environment, but beside the academics this school teaches the children to be "Kind and Respectful". CBI/CDC teaches and reinforces the belief that children should be kind, thoughtful and respectful to their friends, teacher, parents, and all living things and to the world and environment. So I know my daughter will leave CBI/CDC not only knowing her ABC, counting to 20 and writing her name, but she leaves CBI/CDC with the most important foundation one can have and will help her always be successful. We love CBI/CDC and can't recommend the school enough! read more

Great, friendly facilities that look like a home away from home. Small ratio of children to adults ensures children get attention and care.

We love CBI Preschool and there are so many reasons which I shall describe: Firstly, my daughter (who is in the toddler room) greets me with a big smile every time I collect her and is excited to show me around and point to all her favorite things in the classroom and garden. When we are not at school, she says her teachers name as well as classmates which couldn't be more of a sign of how much enjoyment she experiences in the preschool. I love the unique, individual and eco-environment of the school. All the classrooms have character which is created by the soft lighting, textiles, toys, table and chairs and as another reviewer wrote:" The classrooms are beautiful designed and decorated to stimulate a child's natural curiosity". The play yard for the toddlers is quaint and separate from the older children, it is gated only for the small numbered toddler class where the children can play and explore in the fresh air. The teachers are loving, caring and always share my daughters day with me when I come to collect her as well as by a weekly blog sent to me by email with photos, writing notes on a whiteboard about her diaper changes and sleep. I am very happy sending my daughter here and can see that this is a great place for her to socialize, have her curiosity and intelligence stimulated through play, paint, story-time and all the activities the teacher's have lined up (activities vary from week to week and are inspired on the Seasons, Jewish Holidays, Schools Pets etc.) The activities encourage her to explore and gain confidence to want to learn. I feel that since her time at CBI, it has certainly had a positive impact on her. There are many occasions when she will sing a song, say a word or behave in a way which I did not teach her ( this allows me to learn what her likes and interests are, for which I can develop with her outside of school). read more

This is an absolutely amazing school and I can't tell you enough about it... but I'll try! CBI CDC is a wonderful school that focuses in the development of each child based on their needs. Like the other reviewer said, if you are looking for a high academic school, this school is just not for you - and that's ok. We were looking for a school that was more developmental and CBI CDC fit the description to a T. Every item in the school has a purpose and a reason why it's there. Where else would you find a school where the kids have pets in each classroom including chickens and the children are able to watch how eggs are hatched and learn how tortoises hibernate? The philosophy of the school is to use experiences through interactions to be able to love learning. And I have seen through our years at this Preschool that every teacher truly LOVES working there, LOVES the children and truly care about each one of them. I also have to say that the Director is exceptional! The reason why the school is so wonderful and runs so well is because of what she has created. Both the teachers and parents have enormous respect for her. She gives 150% of herself to the school. She is carrying, thoughtful and very honest. She will treat every family enrolled in the school as her own family and strongly believes we function like a family. She always puts the interest of each child first and foremost. I have 2 children. One is in first grade and I have to say the school he went to specifically complimented how well prepared he was. He learned to be independent, responsible and ready socially to deal with the transition and life overall. He knew his letters and numbers and everything a child is supposed to know to enter Kindergarten. My younger one is in PreK and has been in this Preschool since he was an infant. He is already more than ready for Kindergarten. He has developed into a very well rounded child through the experiences provided by the teachers and the school. This school created the "home away from home" feeling I was looking for and it has become our extended family. We have formed friendships that will last a lifetime. I do have to say, I have to disagree with the reviewer (Robyn) that said awful things about the school and the director. The school, as you have read from the other reviewers is exceptional. Again, why stay at a school for so long if you are so dissatisfied with it? Sometimes you have to look within your family and your child instead of being quick at pointing the finger at others. read more

I can't say enough about CBI CDC. My husband and I both work full time and there is nothing better than knowing that not only are your children being cared for in the traditional sense of child care, but they are learning every day about core values and morals. The environment that the school provides, encourages children to treat people, animals and nature with respect and kindness. It is clear to me that if a child is engaged, they inherently learn. The teachers do an amazing job of picking up on the children's interests and fostering those interests into learning experiences. I was so surprised when I realized that my 5 year old son could read as that was not something that I was "teaching" at home. The teachers are amazing and I am comfortable saying that they have helped my husband and I become better parents. I find myself picking up on their phrases such as telling my strong willed, yet clingy 3 year old son that he has a choice in the morning when I drop him off. He can either be sad that I am leaving or happy that he gets to play with his friends. Drop off used to be a dramatic event with him screaming as I left. However, once I gave him the choice, he has always chosen to be happy and our goodbye is enjoyable rather than dramatic and stressful event for us both. If someone is looking for a preschool, this is one that needs to be visited. read more

As an early childhood educator and school administrator in Orange County for over 16 years I feel very confident giving CBI CDC five stars. I have had the privilege of interacting with many schools in the area and CBI stands out as an exceptional choice for children and their families. It is very trendy to use catchphrases like "reggio based" or "child centered" but this school puts it's money where it's mouth is. From the classrooms to the amazing outdoor learning environment to the dedicated staff, I can't think of a better place for children to experience the joy of exploration and discovery. read more

I totally disagree with the review written by Robin W. My son, now 7, was in the same class with her son, and her description could not be further from the truth! After sending my three children for 8 consecutive years to this preschool, I never witnessed a "mass exodus". In fact, in the past few years the classes have grown in size, and most have waiting lists to attend. This school has been such a warm, loving, and ENGAGING environment for my three children. My older children have since graduated from the preschool and are excelling socially and academically at their elementary school. I believe that CBI CDC helped lay the foundation for them to become confident and inquisitive learners. No doubt, this developmental preschool is not for every parent (and I stress "parent"). Parents who feel the need to drill their young children with math facts or sight words BEFORE Kindergarten will not appreciate the value of the "Emillio Reggio" approach to which this school's curriculum adheres. At CBI, the teachers work in tandem with the parents to foster each child's individuality and curiosity. If a child loves to role-play or dress up, he/she is encouraged to spend time in the "Imagination Center". Those interested in cooking can help make pancakes or bake delicious challah bread each week. They measure the ingredients, knead and shape the dough, and take part in the entire baking process. My youngest child, who currently attends CBI, really enjoys building things and gravitates to the "Block Center". Not only is he thrilled to build with gigantic wooden blocks, he is encouraged to think logically. Equally important, he and his friends are required to listen to one another and work together as a team. Inside the classroom, children spend time in many individualized centers to foster their interests such as "Writing", "Music", "Reading", "Photography" and "Art", to name a few. Outside of the classroom the children grow vegetables and help raise the school's newest chickens. And if the children just want to play in the sand or ride a trike, they can do that as well. What I love most about this preschool is that kids get to be kids. Playing is their "work", and while they do it they learn a lot of valuable life lessons such as respecting others, working as a team, and how to be a contributing member of society. I would never trade this learning environment for them. There is plenty of time for children to learn their ABC's and multiplication facts and take standardized tests. What's the hurry? read more

I am a professional educator and know what to look for in daycare as my school had an add on unit. CBI offers everything you could want in a loving and warm atmosphere. The activities are intellectually stimulating, yet fun. The physical plant is more like a home than a school. The staff is of the highest caliber and Lisa Heller, the director is an excellent driving force to guarantee a superb experience for your child. My grandson is thriving there as are the other children. Remember, I know what to look for and have found it I. Abundance. Exceeds all expectations for a day are facility. read more