PreSchool Suggestions for Tustin/Irvine Area

I live in Tustin Ranch and both of my kids have attended Children's Village (previously called Country Village) in Orange (714 - 633 - 3133). It's a preschool as well as a day care and accepts children starting at the age 18mos. It is a wonderful nurturing environment. They have chickens, tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs and more. The play grounds are wonderful and the setting is charming. I'd call and arrange for a tour. Good luck! -jessica

My son attends Turtle Rock Preschool. Although it is called a Preschool, they have children from birth through 6 years old. They also offer Kindergarten, so you can enroll and have your daughter attend the same Kindergarten as her friends. My son love school, and the teachers and staff are wonderful. They are geared towards learning, and fun. www.turtlerockpreschool.com

Good Luck.

I send my son Sawyer to Good Shepherd Preschool in Irvine. I work full time so he's there 5 days a week (he's almost 14 months and has been going there since he was 4 months). He absolutely loves going - the moment we pull into the parking lot and he sees the yellow door to his classroom, he can't seem to get in there fast enough. They have a great curiculum and have activities that I don't think I would have ever thought to do with my son. One of my colleagues' son is transitioning into the 2-3 year old room this month and he loves it as well.

When I was looking for childcare I also liked Mariners but it was a little far from where I worked. Hope that helps.

With no disrespect meant I think interraction with peers at that early age is overrated. She is still bonding and if there is any way I'd spend as much mommy time with her as possible. i know this is not a popular notion but if she is doing well with Mother In Law and getting good attentive care that trumps any child care. I think it is all about security rite now...save some money too. There is plenty of time for school in the future!

I have had my son at ICDC (Irvine Chile Development Center) for 3 yrs now (he's 4). It is AMAZING. You owe it to yourself to check it out! It's on Civic Center Drive. They're also online at www.icdcoc.com.
C.

K.,
I went through this with my daughter as well at 2 and after having her in child care for about 9 months decided that she was getting much more learning activity and involvement with my mom and through play dates I set up with kids in the neighborhood.

Here is something to keep in mind: The better learning centers in the area have waiting lists of up to 1 year plus. If you really want to get your child into a preschool you need to start calling places now.

If you go to the Irvine Child Development Center (next to the Irvine Police Department) they have a flier listing all child care places in and around Irvine.

Good luck!

Salvation Army's Creator's Corner located top of Jamboree at Pioneer in Tustin Ranch.