KinderCare review My daughter has been attending KinderCare since January 2025. She is 3 years old. Prior to enrollment, my daughter was home with an au pair so this was her first experience attending a daycare or preschool. KinderCare on cherry has exceeded my expectations. I originally picked KinderCare for three main purposes 1) a safe environment 2) care that would cover my work schedule. I am a working parent and needed a daycare that was open all day, and had very minimal closure periods.3) quick access to BART after drop off since I commute to the city for work. While KinderCare checked those boxes, I have been pleasantly surprised by the high quality of education that my daughter is receiving. My daughter is only 3 so I wasn't as concerned with the educational component of the school. They have different themes every week and she has learned and grown so much. Other Strengths: - KinderCare sends loads of photos. I was shocked how many photos I receive during the day. - Drop off is quick and painless. Some kids do cry but the teachers are quick to comfort them. - My daughter is genuinely excited to go to school every day. I've never once needed to persuade her to attend in the 5 months she's attended. The teachers that she interacts with (Ms. Kathy, Ms. Rose, Ms. Nikki, and Ms. Mariana) all seem happy to see her every day and make her feel welcome. It has become like a second home to her. She comes home every day and talks about how much she loves her teachers. - Clean with minimal sickness. I was expecting my daughter to have to stay home sick pretty frequently for the first year. To date, we have not had a single illness other than a rouge runny nose with no other symptoms. I'm not entirely sure how it's even possible that we survived flu and cold season at a daycare with no sickness, but I'm guessing it's the high level of cleanliness here (also, I'm knocking on wood as I type this) - Food is good - my daughter has some dietary restrictions and they've been able to work around it. She likes the food there and seems to eat all sort of things that I can't get her to eat at home haha (they send pictures so I know she's eating at school!!) - Safety first - we haven't had a single incident of injury. My son is in public school TK and has them frequently so I'm sure this is due to the high level of supervision. Opportunities: - the only thing I can really think of is that I wish there was more of a community amongst parents. This isn't really a KinderCare issue, but it would be nice to get to know the other families beyond passing in the parking lot. read more

This is a small school with a big heart. Crystal Barrett, Center Director, is on top of her game, she's the heart and soul of the school. She took on this role in Fall 2018 with rock star enthusiasm, completely revamping the program giving it fresh energy. She takes care of everything, from payment issues to party planning, and she does it with grace, class, and impeccable organization. If there's an issue, she's approachable and genuinely concerned. My son was having difficulty getting along with another student, she worked closely with the staff to address the problem and brainstorm solutions. She made it a point to follow up with us assuring that my son has a positive preschool experience. Also, my son has a life threatening food allergy, if you're a food allergy parent you know how stressful this is. Crystal doesn't allow any outside food, and if there is outside food, she examines it closely, keeps it in a separate room, and keeps safe treats for my son readily available. There are NO mistakes under her watch. Crystal runs this preschool like a well oiled machine, a stark contrast from previous directors. Nicole Neely, Assistant Director, is also an incredible asset to the preschool. She's professional, friendly, and intelligent. She teaches phonics in such a fun way that my son thinks it's a game. I was floored when my four year old sounded out words that he read off a sign. Nicole also teaches the Friday cooking class, my son is a self-proclaimed "expert" at breaking eggs. (Haha) We get to take the food home and as my son serves it to our family, he explains to us how he made it and lists the ingredients! My husband and I are extremely impressed, we love to see our son beam with pride and confidence as he learns valuable life skills! Nicole's always smiling and joyful, she's got a natural positive energy which makes preschool fun. Miss Halimeh, (pre-kindergarten teacher) is warm, kind and patient, my son absolutely adores her. She's everything you'd hope for in a preschool teacher. She greets us everyday with a warm smile and compassionately asks how we are doing. She cares for the kids as if they were her own, she's calm and compassionate and the kids seem to respect her for it. My son is in a class with almost all high energy boys which does not seem to rattle Miss Halimeh one bit. My son has learned so much from her; yoga, MATH, language and literacy skills, sight words, the scientific method, they play games, garden, arts and crafts, they listen to music and sing songs, learn some basic words in Spanish, discuss the importance of kindness, and so much more. They also have a "What if" Monster that they take turns bringing home. It was very sweet how kindly my son treated this "pet monster" when it was his turn. He even made the "pet monster" a bed and tucked him in at night. Miss Halimeh has been able to bring out a softer side in my wild and crazy child. We're very happy with the education my son is receiving from Kindercare and we think that Miss Halimeh is the best at what she does. Now let's talk about lunch, which is PROVIDED by the school! Yes moms and dads, you don't have to make school lunches in the morning (doing the happy dance). Before we started Kindercare, my son would only eat cheese! Since he's been eating lunch at Kindercare, he's requesting green beans, chicken, tuna, oranges, black beans, broccoli, bell peppers... he absolutely loves trying new and healthy foods with his friends at school. Kindercare has transformed my sons eating habits and I couldn't be happier! The school parties are a blast, We celebrated Halloween with a "Trunk-or-Treat" event, there also was a "Thanksgiving Feast", there was a Winter Holiday party, Easter Egg Hunt and more. The holidays have been a fun time to get to know other parents in a silly and casual environment. This school requires no additional parent participation, nor are there fundraisers. As you can see from my glowing review, this is a well rounded school that genuinely cares about the children. Each child is treated like an individual and not a dollar sign. I highly recommend Kindercare on Cherry Ln. With Love, Christine read more

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I am updating my review because my previous review was written in anger over all the teachers that we loved quitting. Also, its been a little over a month and there has been improvements which I would like to note. I do have to say that the temporary director really had it rough, it was CHAOS for what felt like the first part of the year and yet she had to juggle it all. It is commendable. With that said, they now have what seems like a good base with perm teachers. Its all still a work in progress but its progress from the chaos of the last few months. There has been progress. The children are once again separated between age groups (under 2, 2, 3+). Its nice to be back with kids of the same age group. Crying kids seems less frequent or at least more manageable. There is always room for improvement but theres light at the end of the tunnel at least! read more

Be warned: This school, or at least this location, as gone way, way downhill in a very short time. We had our son here for nearly 4 years. The first 2.5 were gold. Then a series of unfortunate events began. It happens. The center Director was promoted, and while her successor (formerly Asst. Director) was a wonderful person, things slipped a bit with the regime change. Again, it happens. Then the new Director passed away after a long illness. I still miss her - wonderful, warm hearted lady. The center went without an 'official' director for some time, while the awesome new AD filled the role (which we all presumed would be permanent at some point). As corporations tend to do, they passed over the new AD (a former pre-K teacher at that location) for administrative reasons - she was apparently missing a class or two, and they wouldn't give her a temporary waiver or anything. A new Director was brought in from the outside, and everything went straight to hell. Long story short: New Director drives off all the best teachers, was a completely impersonal nightmare of a human being, and allowed at least 1 significant issue (which I won't go into, but bad, involving a kid) to occur. It became a zoo on a regular basis. We pulled the ripcord, and haven't looked back. Maybe they can regroup someday. Don't see it happening soon. Feels like they're going to close this location, but that's just an unfounded opinion. You can do better. read more

I have been taking my daughter to KinderCare Cherry lane since she was about a year old- my daughter is now 5 and will be going to kindergarten soon. It would be an understatement to say that this place is just a daycare, they're more like family.. Mothers to these children. The facility is secured. The front door is locked with a door code that only parents/teachers know and all doors that have access from the outside in have a sound system that dings every time it opens- very hard for an outsider to come in unnoticed. The facility is always clean and full of the beautiful artwork that our children create. It is also very wheelchair friendly, my daughter had surgery and had to be in a wheelchair for quite a while and the facility/teachers make it so easy to have a wheelchair at school. Now as for the teachers.. What can I say that will do them any justice? They are ALL so kind, helpful, knowledgable and understanding! Any issues/concerns/questions that I have ever had have always been addressed. They teach so much more than just your usual "school" lessons ie alphabet, counting etc.. They have music, Spanish, cooking class and they let children explore their creativity with a point and shoot camera..(my daughters favorite) just to name a few.. Everyone at the KinderCare Cherry lane family make you and your child feel like family. This was the best decision I've made for my daughter and I feel that she now has such a stable foundation for her future thanks to these lovely ladies. If you're reading this ladies, I can't thank you guys enough!! read more

I absolutely love this preschool. I spent a very long time looking for the right place to send my 2 year old and I could not be happier with my choice. My daughter is now turning 3 and getting ready to move into the preschool program there and we are all very excited. Sense joining the school my daughter has blossomed. She has gained confidence, independence and is academically beyond her peers. The staff is amazing! They are kind, supportive, flexible, accommodating, fun, passionate, very well educated/qualified and make KinderCare Cherry lane a joy to be at. We cannot wait to send our second child! This school was exactly what I was looking for; it is most definitely a school where my child is learning, being challenged and being prepared for her future education. It is also a warm loving environment that believes in the power of play. We love being part of the KinderCare family. read more

I've been meaning to write this for a while. We started sending our daughter to the toddler class in February. I had read the older reviews and was a little nervous about what we would encounter. She had been with a one-on-one nanny and the school transition went very well. Miss Patty, the toddler teacher, was new to the school at that time, but she has definitely proved how much she cares. All the teachers have (see other recent review). I also love the diversity here- in families and staff. My daughter has developed her language and social skills very well. Most importantly, she excitedly runs to the door in the mornings (repeating in her baby voice, "school?") when I ask her if she wants to go to school. read more

Toddler gulag : sick two year old coughing and freezing outside, no cameras, parents dissuade from visiting, psychopathic looking toddler age "teacher". This was not a "surprise" visit, and I am not a fussy parent. We scheduled a walk through appointment one week in advance for them to put up their best face, and they were waiting for me all smiles, with extra part time staff (although there were only four toddlers, they had an extra P/T and admitted that usually there is only one). I was a little early and noticed one of the secretaries was fixing the front lock (what a coincidence). They say there is a log and parents can walk in "Anytime", but for the child's "psychological well being" parent should also leave with the kid; in other words, unless you are planing to spend the day or take your kid don't come checking up on us. Off-course there are NO CAMERAS. they seemed to have been surprised that I asked. with all the child abuse going, and many other facilities even having IP cameras for parents to see their kids, these guys don't even have cameras for internal monitoring of these helpless 18 month old toddlers who cant even communicate on any meaningful level. Then I meet the "Teacher" - but not with the kids. she said they are on a break (two year old on a break? isn't playing all they do? ) perhaps she was referring to herself. Just looking at her I got a cold chill down my spine, one of these bad feeling you get when you meet someone with aggressive expressions, with a face that is not accustomed to smiling, forcing a smile while her eyes are clearly not. but I said hey, you are being protective... you cant judge by looks... lets stay objective. We went to see the classroom which was conveniently empty (the toddlers are "on a break", remember?). 10:10AM on December 18th 2012 10:10AM- that morning it was 36 degrees, and by 10 it might have been around 40 (so said my phone). Four babies outside in the cold around a play table, clearly not comfortable, watched statistically by a P/T worker (names Azima). my son and I were wearing Heavy coats, with sweaters underneath - we were comfortable, and the first thing I noticed was a toddler wearing a thin hoodie - and that is it. I asked the director how long have they been out? and she replied about ten minutes. I brought the toddlers visible level of undress to her, and let my son go and interact with the kids - that is until I started to hear the heavy coughing. a little blond girl, smaller than my 18 month old son, had red runny nose, and was coughing heavily - on my son who promptly imitated her. I immediately yanked him away (they assured me before that they do not let sick kids stay) and asked the director for the meaning of this - here is a helpless little girl, obviously sick, standing outside in the cold! the director replied that yes she "Was" sick but she is "recovering". we went in, the teacher came and I again pointed out to them what seemed to me child abuse, they said they will bring the kids in. Remember, this was a scheduled tour. they were waiting for me, putting up their best face - so I cant even imagine what is going on in there when they don't even have to pretend. Now the pros: (No chance in heck that I am putting my son there, but for objectivity sake here goes) - They seem to be keeping logs of everything (not surprised as they are a branch of a large corporation) - The area seemed clean (again, it was a prescheduled tour) - The older preschool kids seemed happy and their teachers seemed fine - The pricing is reasonable and the terms are very flexible - Three out of four toddlers were wearing coats while outside and I don't know what the fourth one was wearing underneath - perhaps he has a northface or bodyarmur... - The staff was smiley and seems professional - This is Walnut Creek, so the kids population seemed well behaved - They had a computer at the entrance for the parents to log in in addition to the actual paper log book read more

I am very surprised to see the negative reviews... wondering if they are for KinderCare in general, or for the Cherry Lane location. My son has been there over a year, and I work 2 blocks away. I pop in unannounced all the time & I have never seen anything negative - they are always happy to see me. My son LOVES the teachers & is really having a positive learning experience - he was so shy before attending this school & now he has just opened up so much. But honestly, I gave them 5 stars because I love the teachers - really they care about each child (and each family) so much that they really feel like extended family. There is a good core group of kids, with some turnover, but the core kids all know each other & play pretty interchangeably (meaning not clique-y). The first day my son was there, he was so worried and not sure how to wash his hands & one little girl came up & showed him how everything worked. Really it was very touching. They are currently enrolling & always open to setting up appointments - give them a call!!! read more

Our son Zachary has been attending this kindercare for about a year now. I can honestly say that they do a great job with Zach. His social skills, motor skills, and everything in between have been outstanding! Cassie & the staff have a genuine interest in seeing all the kids succeed. Zachary is our only child, and i would not entrust him to just anyone, or leave him anywhere that either my wife or i, or Zach for that matter, did'nt feel comfortable in. Cassie is easily accesible, and we truly appreciate the fact that Zach is'nt just being "watched"- that Kindercare has a curriculum that ensures that his skills are honed, so that when kindergarten comes up, he will not only be ready, but that he will excel! Thanks to every one there! Cassie,Chrystal, the Assistant Director, Yolanda, and LeAnn, and Carrie as well!! A great team! read more

Both our kids go here (one for almost 3 years since she was 2 and one for almost a year). We love this place. The teachers are very caring and engaging and the place is very well managed. Unlike other day cares we've used the teachers engage with the parents which makes a huge difference. Both our kids love it. The place is clean, well organized and the outdoor area is huge and wonderful. I'd recommend this place for anybody. read more

This review is a little late because I was so upset about it initially. We had been coming to this location for several years with our youngest and LOVED the teachers. However it became clear that Kindercare doesn't care about their teachers given the poor rate of pay and overall lack of professional treatment. In fact it got so bad when they overlooked many qualified members of the team to bring in a crazy director by the name of "Stephanie" - probably the rudest person I've ever met - I have no idea why anyone would hire her (let alone let her interact with children). The final straw was the day we went to drop off our son in the morning and they were so short staffed that other locations had sent over management (three people) to watch 40 kids. I hear things have improved (which I personally can't speak to because we left), but the bottom line is the Kindercare corporation does not take care for their employees and therefore that causes chaos and lack of care for the children there. One sweet little girl got locked outside on the playground one afternoon! I would not recommend this location or any Kindercare locations. read more

Amazing preschool, caring teachers, clean facility. My toddler has been there for a year now and just loves it. He feels connected to his teachers and their focus on learning and play has been very successful. The home-cooked meals every day are an added bonus and we absolutely love the gigantic yard. Nothing bad to say about this center - my child (and I) love it! read more

So I decided to check out KinderCare. Same as any daycare with poopy babies, snotty babies, crying babies, and a baby who hit another on the head with a toy maraca! Well actually these were toddlers. A kid also pushed me when we went outside to see the yard! He was in the pre-k group! I just said, "No pushing". I liked the director and the teacher and the huge yard and the program. The place is clean and they have a pet rabbit. read more

We are the parents of a 2 year old boy with special needs named Alex. This Kindercare Center at Cherry Lane has been absolutely fabulous in working with Alex. Director Cassie, then Amanda, have completely accepted Alex into regular care, without treating him any different than a regular youngster. Teacher Jenny and Crystal are happy whenever they see him and they seem happy with the challenges Alex might present. Also, Alex is super-happy and smiles when he is there, and has a lot of excitement on the premises, with the facilities. They have accepted all the special arrangements we have for Alex. They allow Alex's special therapists to come in and work with him WITHOUT any reluctance or animosity. They truly want to see Alex develop and succeed. We know Alex is happy when we see him out in the yard, and in the rooms. Anyone would do well to have their precious children cared for at the Walnut Creek Cherry Lane KinderCare Center. read more