Our child started at Debbie's at 4 months old and continued to go there until they started kindergarten. By the time she got to kindergarten she could write and sign her first and last name, could count in English and Spanish, and easily made friends in her new school. When we attended Debbie and James were flexible to accommodate changing work schedules, and provided the children healthy meals and snacks during the day, making it easier for our family, as we didn't have to pack food to take to school. The days at D and J were structured with learning time, outdoor play time, and naps. Debbie is equipped with the skills to get your child on a consistent nap schedule. Overall I felt like our child was engaged the whole day, with plenty of opportunities to learn and play. We had a wonderful experience at D and J. read more

We were lucky we found D and J here on Yelp when we were trying to figure out where to send our son. We had previously checked out a few different places but ended up here because we really liked Debbie - she is so patient, fun, laid-back, and clearly cares about the kids a lot. We liked that it is a small group of children of all different ages so that our son could learn how to play and interact with older, younger and same aged kids. We were also looking for something that was more than just a daycare so we really loved that there was a set schedule that involved various lessons and activities, including music time. Our son has learned so much already and is always excited to see his friends. One more thing that really drew us to D and J is that they provide all the meals/snacks which was really helpful for us. Many of the families here have sent multiple children through D and J and I think it really speaks volumes to how wonderful Debbie and James are and how they are teaching, shaping, and growing these kids in a very special way! read more

The pandemic hit, and with another baby on the way, we needed help with our 2.5-year-old son. D&J came highly recommended by the parents of one of our son's friends. We had previously tried to get in when our son was 1.5, but as D&J only takes eight kids at a time, openings are very limited. Thankfully when we tried again in August 2020, they had an opening, and it has been a godsend for our family. Debbie and James offer the best combo of daycare and preschool - the day is structured so that the kids know what to expect, and there is also lots of outdoor/free play time. The children learn how to behave at mealtime, how to sit still for story time, and how to pause their outdoor play when it's time to move to the next structured activity. Because Debbie and James keep a small caregiver-to-kid ratio, they can really work with each child to help them develop at the pace appropriate to their age and competencies. Our son (now 3.5) has blossomed in their care. He learned how to spell his name in sign language as well as how to write his first and last name, and he's learning how to hold his crayons in the "correct" manner. James plays the guitar, so they'll have music days where the kids learn about instruments and sing songs. Our son now knows all kinds of songs and stories he didn't know before daycare. They also do projects - for Mother's day, our son painted a terracotta planter, planted a seed, and grew a Mother's day plant from scratch. Social development - Our son often comes to Debbie and James to solve a problem with other children. (Often, it's because he wants a toy that another child has, or another child took a toy from him that he had been playing with.) Debbie coaches him to see if he can work it out or talk about it with his friend first. She and James do a good job of coaching the kids to see if they can sort a problem out on their own before intervening. This has been so wonderful because our son is getting better at articulating his feelings when he's mad. (Which any parent of a toddler can appreciate!) At the same time, they also keep a close watch on the kids so they can intervene if there is any behavior that needs prompt attention. In that case, the child usually gets a warning, and if the behavior continues, they may have a time-out where they are away from the other kids to calm down and redirect. Toys - there are lots of different types of toys - blocks, cars, dress-up, cash register for pretend play, puzzles, etc. Outside they have lots of different vehicles and trikes for the kids to ride around in. There's a picnic table and benches, swing, small slides, playhouses, basketball hoop - lots and lots of fun outdoor play. Also, there's a nice balance of sun and shade, and their backyard is fully enclosed. Food - Debbie and James provide a breakfast, morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack, at regular times so the kids get used to the schedule. They don't do juice or sweets (unless it's someone's birthday/special occasion). Breakfast is usually fruit and yogurt or oatmeal, the snacks are goldfish crackers/graham cracker or fruit, and lunch is chicken nuggets with carrots/peas. Our son comes home beaming with pride when he gets to help with the littler kids' lunch. Naps - all the kids, even the older ones, have nap or quiet time from 1-3p. Some kids rest in a pack-n-play, others have mats. Debbie and James provide all the bedding/equipment, so there's nothing to take home and wash regularly. Reliability - Debbie and James are two of the healthiest people we've ever met - in the last year, they have never had to close the daycare unexpectedly due to them being sick. At the beginning of the year, they give out a set schedule of vacation days. If there is any change to it, they give at least 30 days written notice. Communication - Debbie and James are very responsive. We normally communicate by text, but they're also available by phone and email. Sometimes it's hard to exchange detailed information during pick-up and drop-off, so we've had a few 20 min phone calls over the year to touch base, almost like parent-teacher meetings. Those have been very helpful, and we'd highly recommend doing that. They also take photos of the kids, and periodically there are updates to a private Shutterfly site that are always so nice to see what the kids are working on. About once a month, our son comes home with various worksheets and art so we can see how he's developing. One of the things we were most impressed with when first talking with Debbie and James is how long the kids attend their program - often the children at their daycare come in when they are a baby and stay until "graduating" to kindergarten. Based on how they've cared for our son this past year, we can see why! We highly recommend the D&J program, and if one of the limited spots are open, you should jump at the chance to get your kids into this high-quality daycare. read more

Lucky is the child who has the opportunity to be a part of D and J Creative Care. Serendipitously, my nephew began attending in the summer of '22. He was only 2.5 years old. In a matter of weeks he was not only counting in English but he was also counting in Spanish. He made friends, ate vegetables daily, and discovered a love of dinosaurs. I never had to worry about packing meals, naps, or potty training because all of that is part of the day to day at D+J. Debbie was a gift to our family. My nephew (and, quite honestly, I) gained so much from the experience. I am beyond grateful to Debbie and James. They came into our lives at a crucial time and I know the impact of the experience is lifelong. The answer is yes. Yes, this is the right place. Thank you, Debbie and James. read more

I can't recommend Debbie and James more. They were highly recommended to us by friends after both of their girls went from infants through preschool and were more than prepared for kindergarten. And, I couldn't agree more as our oldest is still at Debbie's and absolutely ready for kindergarten later this year. Our infant is there now. Both girls started at around 4 months and we plan to keep both until kindergarten. Thanks so much Debbie and James! read more

We love D and J! Our daughter has been going there since she was 4 months old and is 20 months now. She is leaps ahead of other children her age and not only do we feel that she is learning something new everyday, but she is having fun. How do we know this at only 20 months? She is so excited every morning to go to school she nearly runs right in without saying bye. Debbie and James have worked with us since day one on any issue she has had and always communicates with us openly. You can tell that Debbie really cares about each of the children and makes sure they can feel it. We are so lucky to get to be a part of D and J. read more

We love Debbie! We have been taking our son, who is 2 now, to Debbie since he was 7-months old. Debbie is kind & sweet, dependable, and amazing with caring for kids. We are so grateful for her and we know our son loves going to Debbie's to be with her and to play with all of his friends :) She does lots of fun activities & crafts with the kids. Our son has learned so much from her, she really does a lot to help the little kids with their developmental skills. She doesn't just "watch" our son, she helps him learn, play, socialize & develop. I would recommend Debbie to anyone who is looking for great child care for their children!! read more

Debbie is absolutely great. Returning to work after 4 months on maternity leave was less daunting because we knew that our little one is in loving care. She is truly committed to the children: happiness and positive development. She communicates well and she is so easy to talk to! She is very organized. Professional at managing her business at the same time she shows warmth and kindness to the kids and parents. She's flexible and is open more than any other daycares/preschools out there. Other parents and children at the daycare are kind and friendly also :) Thank you D and J Creative Care! read more

Impossible to get a hold of. I called three times and left messages. Nothing. I wrote an email using the email address on their website and it got bounced back as undeliverable. Not sure how else to contact this place, but not a good first impression. read more

If you are lucky enough to spot an opening at D & J Creative Care, take it. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for a loving, educational environment for their children. Debbie and James are very responsive to any of our questions and always seem available. Our oldest has been going here for over two years and now our youngest does as well. Our children learn so much here - much more than they would at a larger, corporate daycare setting and they get so much more attention. From our perspective, children learn how to count, spell, and read at a much earlier age than average and that has a large part to do with Debbie and James. When we pick them up, our children are so excited to share something new they learned and Debbie's cheerful personality always shines through. Importantly, we feel that D & J help teach them how to be polite, patient, and confident children. Debbie and James were also so helpful supporting potty training and all of the other baby and toddler milestones. We are so thankful for Debbie and James and look forward to keeping our children here until kindergarten. read more

Debbie is great with our little one. She is caring attentive and provides a very positive daycare and learning environment.

Great day care! Debbie is very patient and great with children. My kids always get excited when they know they are going to D and J's. I am very impressed with the care they give my children, they even make sure they brush their teeth after their meals. Their schedule for the children is so organized too! They allocate time for arts and crafts, learning, and more. I recommend this day care to all my fellow moms. read more

D and J Creative Care - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Our son has been attending D & J Creative Care for almost 2 years. Our experience has been nothing but positive. We appreciated everything he learned from sign language to numbers and letters. Debbie was great at making his time in her care about education and learning which was a huge factor on why we chose this daycare. Debbie provided a safe, healthy environment that assisted in his development. If you are considering an in home daycare this is a great one. read more

D and J Creative Care has been a place of learning and growth for my son for nearly 4 years. It has become a "home away from home". There is an emphasis on learning and my son learned to write his own name at an early age. The children do crafts and outdoor play. Debbie always seems to generate creative craft ideas, which means my son has brought home a lot of adorable work in his years there! read more

I started my daughter at D&J Creative Care when she was 3-mnths old. We interviewed 3-4 other child care providers. The process of elimination began with the first call. The owners at D&J Creative Care were pleasant, and inviting. The daycare is a safe, and fun place. My daughter experience that learning is fun at an early age. She is shown warmth and respect, and taught to be independent and to be respectful to others. The daycare assisted in every stage, from sleep training to potty training. It's amazing that many of the children were walking by 12-months. Children between 2-3 were able to say & identify all letters in the alphabet & count to 40 / 50. I feel that the Daycare provides a solid baseline for a child's success as they transition to the next phase in their life. I highly recommend D&J Creative Care! read more