This is hands down, THE BEST daycare facility you will find for infants on the Central Coast. As we…read moresoon as we stepped in the door we felt as though it had been bespoke for our daughter. Everything is so well curated to provide an environment that children will absolutely thrive in. It has a natural and Montessori vibe that provides a safe space that they can independently explore and learn. Honestly, it's a space that I could personally hang out in for a while. As first time parents, we were very nervous about starting daycare, but Sophie has made the transition so smooth and easy for everyone. Sending us updates through out the day when morning drop offs were rough and it seems like there is always a new activity or toy ready for the babies first thing in the morning. In the short time that we've been with Downtown Baby, our daughters physical, social, and mental skills have absolutely exploded. We feel so happy that she is learning so much and able to interact with other children around her own age. We can not recommend Sophie & Downtown Baby high enough.

In an effort to try to help this day care's rating I am going to review my walk through to help…read moregive info to others looking for a facility. My review is for the walk through only as I have not yet decided if I am going to enroll my little one. My choice, if i do decide not to enroll, is only due to my own personal reasons and nothing to do with the facility. I did not know what to expect during my walk through because there was only two ratings for this daycare. I went to the location in Shell Beach. It is daycare out of a home just thought I'd point that out for those interested. The home is very clean inside, like not even a spec of dust from what I saw. The toys are very minimalistic, it's not cluttered, and its very organized. The facility also has two bedrooms for nap time if needed, one for smaller kids, and one for older kids. Both very clean. I could not see the backyard/outside area because it was too dark to see. Overall my walk through was uneventful but I did get the overall feel of the space and the person who would be watching my baby. We did meet at 5:30 as the other rating did mention, but i'm assuming it's because the hours of the daycare are 8AM-5PM and its probably a safety concern to have an unknown adult in the space with multiple children and one caregiver. I would also not want anyone i don't know or haven't met allowed in the space with my child if my child was enrolled there. The location I was at was the home space so, I can understand if that's the only time they offer because of this. There is obviously no isolated room to keep the children in while someone walked through other than a bedroom and that's a little weird to shove kids in there while trying to accommodate an adult. Anyways- based off my first visit i'd say that it's worth checking out if you're looking into childcare.

I can't say enough great things about Wellspring. My son has gone there for 2.5 years, and my…read moredaughter has been there a year. Susan, the director, is a woman full of wisdom and love for these children. She has dedicated her life to helping young children grow well, and has always had a listening ear when I need child rearing advice. The kids get to play in THE BEST WAY! Everything is set up for maximum imagination in a totally stress free environment. They are allowed to get dirty, and always come home with the biggest smiles on their faces. Susan in a wealth of knowledge about child development and her philosophies on play make so much sense. Wellspring is also very community oriented. They have "family" gatherings as well as other events to cultivate community. My family feels welcome and at ease when we are there. And they sell farm fresh eggs for $4 per dozen- what a screaming deal! This school is such a blessing to our little community. It is also a non-profit organization, making it very affordable.

Wellspring is such an amazing preschool! Our son has gone there for the last 2 years, and we love…read moreit! Wellspring provides a loving, nurturing environment for kids to play, be creative, take risks and learn about relationships with other kids. It is really different than other preschools we visited, in a good way! First, Wellspring is truly "play-based." There is no required group activity except for lunch. All the kids have to wash up and sit together for a sweet, usually home-cooked healthy meal together. There is also a story time where a teacher will read books, and kids may sit together and listen, but this is not required. Kids really get to get into their play deeply. There are lots of places to play, and lots of things to play with, and the kids get to choose what they do. There is a mud hut (sand box with pots and pans, tools, shovels, trucks.) There is a place to mix colored water. There is a clay station. There is a little house with dolls, dress up clothes, capes, etc. There is a hay bale fort to climb on. There are musical instruments to play. There is an art studio. There are toys like plastic dinosaurs and cars, magna-tiles and blocks. There are so many creative things to do, it always amazes me! Kids are allowed to direct their own play. Kids aren't allowed to hurt anyone (physically or verbally. Kids don't have to share, which was a new concept for me at first. Now I am a fan! The kids know that they can play with something as long as they want, and when they are done, only then can someone else have a turn. That way, kids can really get into their play and not feel rushed. Everyone has this same right. Sometimes kids choose to share on their own, and sometimes not. The play I see at Wellspring is so creative! Second, kids are allowed to take risks. The director, Susan, set up play areas to be safe for kids. There is a deep layer of wood chips on the sand and things are set up in a very safe way. Kids are allowed to climb on top of the hay fort and jump down. They are allowed to play as their imagination directs them. This way kids get to explore their limits and gain self-confidence and skills like balance. My son is an only child, and he has gained so many social skills. He always gets dirty and comes home happy.

I'm back several years later with my second son. If it's even possible I love this preschool even…read moremore. It's all the same staff which I think speaks highly of their love for their career and the children! They are at a new location and have made incredible upgrades to the outdoor play area. My son is always happy at drop off and pick up, so I know he loves it. Also, the use an app to communicate throughout the day. Which is updated with pictures of your child and if the fell asleep at nap time or not. Love love love. If I could give more then 5 stars I would!!!

Ms kathy is amazing. My son loves this school and has learned so much!read more

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.

We love VCA, the teachers are so great! they have so much experience and love kids so much, it's…read moreeasy to see. We've been there over a year, our little angel was having trouble at her previous school, hitting kids and teacher's biting etc.. within weeks she was on the straight and narrow! She loves it there! there fees are VERY reasonable! There's even a Coffee Shop when the school is in session. Everybody is super nice and professional. They actually teach kids how to read and write as well as nurture them.

We have been going to valley christian preschool since my oldest was 4 and he is now a 2nd grader…read moreat VCA. My middle son is now in the 3 year old class and I can't say enough positive things about this school. Every teacher is wonderful and sweet to my son and Mrs. Wilson is very sweet and always accommodating with schedules (as much as possible) and my son loves going to school. It is decently priced and they offer an amazing curriculum. 5 stars all around

Amazing school Go to this school is so amazing and so…read moremuch better than any other school is go to this school

There is no option for zero stars. Anyway, kinder was fine for my son. It wasn't until 1st grade…read morewhen things got bad. My son was getting beat up at school. Not like pushing and shoving type, but he was held down by 2 boys at recess and beat by a third. Another time, he was on punched in the groin. There were other times when he'd get punched for no reason. Told his teacher. She did nothing. Told the principal and had 3 sit downs. Basically, they said there are too many kids and they can't watch all of them. They suggested he punch them back. They also said the other kids come from bad homes and get beat themselves or don't always eat. That is very unfortunate, but in no way is it an excuse to beat my kid whenever they please. Wrote an email to the district superintendent and got no reply. That was 2 years ago. IF YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR CHILD GETTING BULLIED AND BEAT UP, THEN THIS IS THE SCHOOL FOR YOU.

The director (Robin) is amazing and her touch can be observed through the teachers and with enough…read moretime the children. As with any preschool some of the teachers will not stay long(1 year or 2), however there are some that are more consistent. I was very hesitant of Montesorri at first however after having both my children go, I am sold. It is not for all parents as it is a different way of talking and thinking however the children thrive in it and that's what matters. Best money I've spent on education for my children. It's location isn't as visible as other preschools and the outside area isn't as nice as other preschools however what's in between the walls is what matters most and I've never heard a child complain about the outside area. If you live in SLO county you should be looking at this school, if you want a top notch preschool (and education) for your child.

This is a review for the parent participation preschool classes but this school has so many…read moredifferent classes - from fitness to languages and computer classes. These classes are amazing. It's like preschool but with the parents there giving the parents a chance to talk to others about issues with their little ones. These classes incorporate play, reading, songs, outdoor play, renting library books, crafts, field trips, snacks...and the list goes on and on! For the parents they have speakers, kids clothing exchanges, The classes are also very inexpensive for what you get - over 2 hours once a week for 10 weeks. We will continue to come here!! Love it!

I've had experience with the parent participation class and the Tiny Hikers. Both of which were…read morewonderful! Melissa was a great teacher for our 0-6 month parent participation class. We covered a wide variety of topics and the community it provided was invaluable to a new mom. Seriously, new moms, you need to be with other new moms. Validation is amazing. Also, Liz is a fun leader for the Tiny Hikers group. So fun to be out and active with your little one. It's encouraging that you can continue to hike as they grow older!