My son attended his first season at Camp Adventurewood in 2023 - it was his first experience at a…read moresummer camp and he was a little nervous and shy but all his counselors made him feel so welcome and comfortable and after the first day he was hooked! He loved the variety of activities and made so many new friends. He came home with fun stories each day. I loved that they offered a variety of options from 2 days/week to 5 days. We returned last summer and an unexpected and sudden medical event threw our summer for a loop. They were beyond kind and accommodating. Michael, the owner, personally made sure we were taken care of at a very scary time and was just incredibly kind and communicative. I can't thank him and his staff enough for the support. I would recommend this camp for any family. Its like a classic, old-school summer day camp experience!

My son attended Adventurewood camp for the first time this week. For the most part he enjoyed…read morehimself -- particularly the characters they introduce throughout the week. However, we decided to pull him out for next week because of a very disturbing situation. He shared that a counselor had pushed him with both hands on his shoulders during a capture the flag activity. He had dropped his flag and was putting it back on when a counselor (he didn't know her name) pushed him back hard enough to make him lose his balance and fall. She also barked "you need to reset!" She didn't ask if he was ok or help him up. You'd think if this was an accidental push and he fell over she would say something like "sorry bud are you ok? Here let me help you up" but nope, not a word. A friend he's attending camp with witnessed the whole incident. Since I pick them both up in the afternoons they both recounted this situation to me and both of them noted how inappropriate her behavior was. I immediately reached out to Michael, the owner of the camp. He said he wanted to identify this counselor and get her side of the story. Understandable. My son felt uncomfortable going back the next day but I reassured him it would be handled and offered to drop him off in the morning and stick around to talk to Michael and the counselor. I wanted him to feel safe. Michael identified her (her name is Carson) and said he wanted to talk to her first, which he did a few feet away from me. I heard her say she didn't push him. They then walked over to me and she again denied everything. So we asked both kids to come over and recount what happened. They both did -- in front of her -- and reiterated she pushed him. She denied even touching him. So Michael suggests at this point that perhaps it was an accident and my son responds by saying "how do you push someone like that by accident?!" No response. So I ask her, are you saying these kids are lying? She again said she didn't touch him and at this point we send the kids away. I'm incensed because not only does she gaslight both of them to their face but tells this bold faced lie to her boss in front of the campers and me. I tell her I believe them and I think she's the one lying. At this point she gives me this dirty look - angry, irritated and almost rolls her eyes at me. I turn to Michael and say "and now she's giving ME an attitude?!" Unbelievable. In a follow up call, he tells me how good of a person she is and that this is shocking for him to hear but that she doesn't seem like someone who would do something like this...that she's getting her teacher credentials and he knows her really well. I am getting the vibe he doesn't actually believe any of this and he sounds very skeptical. I respond by telling him that it's almost always surprising when people exhibit bad behavior and that even teachers do bad things...that doesn't make her any more credible in my eyes. He acknowledged that. In fact, it's worse because I would be really concerned to have someone like that teaching a kid. Lack of empathy, accountability, and integrity. I mean, I think it's great he's trying to have her back but there are moments in life when you need to draw a line and act swiftly...these are one of those moments. Because ultimately, this impacts the reputation of your camp. I told him that it would be good to offer training to his staff in case this ever happens again in the future and honestly he sounded baffled and asked me to clarify...I said well maybe tell your staff not to give dirty looks to a mom who's clearly upset that her son just got pushed by a grown adult at summer camp?? I told him that the response to this situation could've resulted in a totally different outcome. Had she said something like "I really don't recall pushing you but if I inadvertently did and made you feel bad I'm sorry - I didn't mean to do that" - I would've went home that morning feeling fine about the situation. When I told him this he said that he's not going to police all her reactions, that she's still young, that she's still learning and made all kinds of excuses for her. Exhausting. Apparently she got a "warning" and will sit out of the flag activity (umm, ok...). He seems like a smart guy and wish him nothing but success in the future and I was earnestly trying to offer advice for how to handle a situation like this better but it fell on deaf ears. I really hope that some kind of learning comes out of this for both of them. Oh and to top it off, my son's friend told her mom that Carson was giving her looks several times throughout the day today and when she asked what kind she said "side eye" looks. NOT COOL. My son also said she was kind of mean to him but wondering why they were even in close proximity when Michael said they'd absolutely be separated and would not see each other? Validates we both made the right choice by pulling them both out. He offered a refund but I'm still pissed about the situation.

My son started at Kiddie Academy of Mission Viejo in January when he was just under 18 months old,…read moreand choosing this daycare has been one of the best decisions we've made as parents. Like most toddlers, separation wasn't easy at first--but what stood out immediately was that my son never cried here. The teachers, especially Ms. Lana and Ms. Delmy, made sure he always felt safe, comforted, and cared for. Their warmth and attentiveness truly set the tone for the entire school. Safety is clearly a top priority. From the secure entry system that requires a code to the constant supervision, I felt confident every day leaving my child here. Walking into the academy, you're welcomed by happy, colorful energy--it genuinely feels like a place designed for kids to thrive. The teachers do an amazing job creating an environment that is safe, playful, and joyful. Communication with parents is another huge strength. We receive detailed daily reports that include activities, meals (what and how much they ate), nap times, diaper changes--everything. The teachers are also very open and honest about what went well and what a child may be struggling with. For example, my son initially didn't know how to eat with his hands, and Ms. Joana and Ms. Katherine patiently helped him and made sure he was always well-fed and supported. After a couple of months, my son transitioned to a new class, and once again, we were so impressed. Ms. Liz and Ms. Tiana are incredibly caring and fun, and my son absolutely loves being with them. Every day, we get to see sweet moments captured from his day, and for those who choose it, there's even live camera access to the classroom and playground. The academy organizes so many engaging activities, and we're especially excited for the upcoming summer camp--it will be our first, and we can't wait. Another standout feature is that they have an on-site chef Mr. Miguel preparing fresh meals, which gives us so much peace of mind. He deeply loves and care for the children. The biggest sign of all? My son now dances to the songs he learns at school, and when we pick him up, he runs to us with the biggest smile--happy, confident, and clearly loved. What I also appreciate deeply is that feedback is always welcomed. If you have concerns or suggestions, they are received positively, and you truly feel heard. If you're looking for a daycare that offers fun, learning, kindness, structure, activities, love, and genuine care--this place truly has it all. I'm incredibly grateful for the team at Kiddie Academy of Mission Viejo and would recommend them without hesitation.

I can't say enough wonderful things about Kiddie Academy! As a parent, it means everything to know…read moreyour child is not only safe, but genuinely cared for and encouraged to grow--and that's exactly what we've experienced here. From the moment we walk in, Valeria, Delmy, and Lana always make us feel welcome with their kindness and professionalism. Miguel, the chef, does an amazing job making sure the kids are well-fed with meals my daughter actually enjoys, which is such a relief. Her teachers--Monique, Kamia, Liz, Kathryn, and Keily--are truly exceptional. They are patient, attentive, and so intentional about helping each child develop both academically and socially. I've seen such positive growth in my daughter's confidence, communication, and curiosity since she started here. What stands out most is how much they genuinely care. My daughter is always excited to go, and she comes home happy, talking about everything she's learned and the fun she's had. I'm beyond grateful for the entire team at Kiddie Academy. They treat my daughter like family, and that kind of peace of mind is priceless. Highly recommend to any parent looking for a nurturing and enriching environment for their child!

My daughter completed her first year at pillars academy and we are blown away at how much her…read moreArabic and knowledge of Islam has grown and improved. Aside from Islamic studies, they also offer the traditional math, science and English - all NAEYC accredited meaning they have met rigorous standards essentially meaning Pillars provides a high quality early learning experience for children. The teachers and staff are wonderful. They greet and walk each child to class and you can really see how much they care for your children especially with the big hugs hello or goodbye. Overall we've really enjoyed our experience here. My daughter is now back in session for kindergarten and we have nothing but good things to report back. Thanks Pillars for providing such a loving, nurturing and educational Pre-k/Kindergarten experience!

READ THIS BEFORE YOU ENROLL!!!…read more When I first found this school, I was happy that my 3.5-year-old son would not only attend preschool, but also learn Islamic studies. He is very social and has been attending childcare since he was 1.5 years old. After moving to a new state, he missed being around other children and was very excited to start. However, from the very beginning, our experience was disappointing. Staff were not welcoming during drop-offs and pick-ups. Initially, they complained about his uniform (which we purchased immediately), and later about his shoes. I explained that my son has sensory issues and only feels comfortable wearing Crocs. Despite this, they insisted we follow their strict policy. After much effort, my son eventually agreed to wear sneakers. In a very short time, three serious incidents happened: He fell and injured his arm -- at least this was reported properly. He came home with scratches on his face and neck. When I asked, the teacher simply said my son was still learning about personal space and they didn't see what happened. The most heartbreaking: I picked him up to find him crying alone in the bathroom. The teacher was across the room and had left him there alone. When I asked my son what happened, he told me the teacher hit him on the head. I immediately addressed this with the director and assistant. At first, they denied everything and claimed a student hit him (even though the student was asleep at the time). At the follow-up meeting with the director and teacher, their explanation was shocking. The teacher said my son woke up crying, so she sent him to the bathroom without even trying to comfort him. Leaving a crying child alone in the bathroom is unacceptable and dangerous. When I asked why no one comforted him or tried to find out why he was crying, the answer was "she had to take care of other children." My son does not usually cry like this and does not make up stories. Regardless of who hit him, it is clear that he was left alone, distressed, and ignored, which is unacceptable in any childcare setting, especially an NAEYC accredited center. Other concerns: Poor communication: No daily or weekly reports, no photos, and they do not allow parents into the classroom at pickup time. Teacher-student ratio issue: The teacher herself told me she was alone with 15-16 kids. For ages 3-4, NAEYC requires a ratio of 1:10. Low-quality curriculum: Only 30 minutes of Islamic studies and the rest is mostly coloring worksheets. There is little focus on meaningful, process-based learning. This has been the worst experience I have had in the U.S. with early childhood education. I do not recommend this school to any parent who values a warm, inclusive environment where children and parents feel respected and engaged. This is not a place where children feel safe, supported, or happy to go every day.

My 5 year ols daughter attended the summer program here at the Arroyo Vista YMCA even though she…read moreattended another school. It was such a life saver for our family since the hours went until 6 and most summer camp's only went till 4. Cierra the director was so sweet and great with the kids. My daughter enjoyed the weekly fieldtrips they went on and the special event days. I felt 100 percent comfortable leaving my daughter in their care when I worked.

From the owner: YMCA child care provides opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive as they make their…read moreway from K-8th grade in a before school and after school setting. We provide daily physical and educational activities like sports & recreation, homework and distance learning support (to assist students in meeting their teacher-assigned requirements) and arts, science, math, and technology that allow students to engage in programs often underfunded in public schools; all while socializing with friends in a safe and healthy environment. License#: 300614092

One star is too credited for this particular YMCA here in Ladera ranch!…read morePoorly uneducated staff, unacceptable condition of dealing with older children, extremely badly managed, staff are, to say the least unapproachable. If issues arise with your child, there will be absolutely no logic or common understanding to be able to deal with that issue with the staff. Be warned, your children are not in safe hands!!! I am extremely disappointed as a resident and a proud member of this community.

My daughter has been going to the Ladera YMCA for the past two years after school and during the…read moresummers. This is her second summer here, and she loves it! The field trips are great (especially the trip to Knotts), and she loves all of the activities during the day. Whenever the Y offers movie nights for the kids, she always wants to go, which helps us parents have a much needed date night. Kylie and all of the Y leaders are so friendly and fun, and my daughter loves them all.

I loved coming here very much because I had a lot of nice teachers and friends. They were super…read morenice and friendly to me, good value, and I enjoyed kindergarten.

The Goddard School has been a truly transformative part of our family's life. From the moment Zoë…read morestarted, we saw her confidence, curiosity, and joy blossom in ways we never imagined. Every teacher she encounters brings warmth, creativity, and an incredible level of care--we always feel like she's not just looked after, but truly loved. When Zoë sees her teacher in the morning she lites up and smiles. As parents, the peace of mind we get knowing she's in a nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment is priceless. The communication, thoughtful curriculum, and strong community have made us feel supported every step of the way. We're so grateful to have found a place that pours so much love and intention into our daughter's development. Goddard isn't just a school--it's a second home, and a partner in shaping Zoë's bright future.

Isabella has been going to Happy Minds since she was 2 years old, today was her last day, since…read moreKindergarten starts tomorrow. I'm so greatful to have Mrs. Fas-hana Afaz and Ms. Rashmi as part of Isabella's memory growing up. All the teachers are respectful and caring I felt very comfortable since day one of having a tour, I'll always hold a spot in my heart for all the faculty members - Ms. Fas-hana, Ms. Rashmi, Mrs. Yvonne, Ms. Maddy, Ms. Crystal, Ms. Clarissa, Mrs. Diane, Ms. Maricela, Ms. Israa , Ms. Rosie as well! Everyone kept in contact with me throughout this entire time with emails and an app called 'Remind' about events and changes so I knew Isabella was in good hands and I had nothing to worry about. I personally love that they are peanut-free school, you need a special code to enter the doors, and I love that the school only has female staff! As a first time mom I am cautious of who I leave my Isa with, there's nothing more I could ask for! I recommend Happy Minds Kids Academy for anyone who is in the area, if I have a second child and I'm still in the area I wouldn't even consider other options for care. I love how each class is designated for an age group, and I love how when they move up, their current class moves up as well and they all continue to grow together and I like how each class puts together a school Binder of their arts and crafts with a few pics of friends. THANK YOU Happy Minds Kids Academy for welcoming me, and Isabella in your arms and thank you for the care we've gotten since day one! -Natalie Alvarez

Happy Minds Kids Academy has been amazing for our family! Two of my children attended from 4 months…read moreold through Junior Kindergarten, and the experience has been wonderful. The teachers are loving, attentive, and truly care about each child's growth and development. The curriculum is engaging, the facility is clean and welcoming, and the staff communicates so well with parents. I'm so grateful for the foundation this academy gave my kids -- highly recommend!

We absolutely love Evelyn's Spanish immersion preschool! Our daughter, Alexandra, has the best time…read moreevery day--she comes home singing songs, teaching us new Spanish words, and always excited to go back. Evelyn is amazing with the kids, making learning feel like play. It's so fun to watch Alexandra pick up Spanish so naturally and with so much joy. We couldn't be happier and highly recommend it to any parent looking for a fun and engaging way for their child to learn Spanish!

We were looking for a center that was Spanish only, we've been so happy with the Spanish immersion…read moreclass with Ms Evelyn (thats what my little calls her)! She creates a warm, engaging environment. Her center is one of the cleanest I've ever seen. Evelyn's passion and care truly shine through. More importantly, my little loves to go back. Ms Evelyn also sends pictures of the activities they do every week so we feel very involved.

Our daughter attended Kindergarden at the Manzanita campus and boy do I wish we could have packed…read moreup this delightful school and brought it with us when we moved to the east coast. Intimate and beautiful, the campus is a gem. Our daughter was instantly enchanted by all the stained glass, trees, flowers and chickens. Every classroom has its own outdoor space where home cooked family style lunches (often featuring food grown on Miss Anneliese's ranch) are served. The staff is equally nurturing and professional. The academics are solid: phonics based reading, Singapore math and handwriting without tears. My daughter started kindergarten not knowing how to read and tested into her new school one year above grade level. Weekly (or more) French, Spanish, German, American Sign Language, Music, Handcrafts and PE lessons are taught by specialty teachers. The school also hosts numerous social events throughout the year that help to foster a fun and active parent community. We remember our daughter's year at the Anneliese Manzanita campus with great fondness and wholeheartedly recommend it to any family looking for an enriching school experience.

We love Anneliese's Our boys learned different languages, practiced music and art and gardening…read more All of their teachers have been excellent. And they really love the food at school.