I write this review from a unique perspective as I was actually a preschooler at this very…read morelocation. As a matter of fact, I was a part of their very first graduating class of 1993! It warms my heart to see that Columbia is still in operation after all these years. When I had attended, it was a brand new preschool and truly the best of its kind. The venue was a large room sectioned off into areas per age range. I recall the place always being immaculately clean and full of awesome, educational books and toys. The part I feel had impacted me the greatest was the wonderful, dynamic staff. I still remember my teachers by name, though I'm sure they have all moved on by now. Four year olds are total sponges when it comes to learning, and I feel that the Columbia staff did a commendable job at preparing me for kindergarten. My days were filled with educational activities which involved a good balance of learning, art, singing, and play. I recall entering kindergarten and being at the top of my class. I cannot comment on the preschool's structure as it is today, but can confidently admit that it was one of the best experiences of my early childhood years. When I have children of my own, I'd wholeheartedly enroll them here. Thanks for the memories, Columbia!

We couldn't be happier as the parents of a thriving 20 month old who absolutely loves his teachers…read moreand the daily activities at this wonderful center! Structure, education, socialization and the highest level of care. Look no further and reach out today!

This school has been absolutely amazing for my three-year-old daughter!! We recently moved here and…read moretried another school that was just not a good fit. After talking with Elizabeth, the school's director, I felt so peaceful and excited about the school's vision for teaching, and their approach to child lead learning. My daughter has thrived at school! She is a highly spirited, very vocal, and a quite lively child, and she gets everything she needs and more. They have a large outdoor classroom that they utilize every day, that lets children learn through play, and movement, which is so appropriate for their developmental stages. She is already learning math, and doing very well picking up Spanish. It has taught her independence, and build her confidence, and ability to self regulate. I cannot say enough great things about the school's approach to learning! Then there are the teachers, who are some of the nicest people we've met here in Santa Maria. They are patient, they talk to my daughter with respect and kindness. Every time I pick her up, I see teachers down on the kids levels, teaching them, and helping them to solve their own problems between one another. Whenever I ask, they are so quick to share positives that they see in my daughter, and ways she is improving (along with ways that they are helping overcome obstacles that are unique to her in the classroom). I cannot say enough good things. I was recommended through a mom I met at Trader Joe's, and have recommended the school to several of my friends, one of which has recently enrolled her daughter, and is in love with the school too.

I am the father of a 4 1/2 year old preschool student who was recently expelled/kicked out. I write…read morethis review because no child should be punished for their parents speaking up regarding the health of their own child. How did a simple request regarding keeping my child inside on a cold and wet day escalate to an expulsion? Our main concern was the fear of having our child get sick that would increase the severity of her asthma resulting in us having to give her regular breathing treatments. The owner Elizabeth didn't agree with our request to keep her indoors on a wet day because she operates an outdoor Montessori school. So, I picked up my child on a cold and wet day and soon a flurry of text messages between my wife and Elizabeth resulted in Elizabeth soon determining that her school was no longer a good fit for my child. Take into consideration that all of this was by text message, the professional courtesy of a phone call or a sit down meeting to explain the situation and work together to find a mutual solution NEVER took place. As a parent in Santa Maria finding a preschool is tough enough and the last thing we want to do is criticize or question our childrens teachers. Flaws were always there yet we choose to look the other way. But, sometimes a culmination of flaws must be addressed. We often wondered why other parents were leaving the school. Now I am that other parent looking in and I am speaking up. Multiple lice outbreaks in 1 school year is unacceptable. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, I will be glad to explain in detail my experience at Casa dei Bambini. Zero stars!!!!

I really like this center the teachers are great! The director, Crystal, is welcoming and answers…read moreall questions about the center. The teachers Miss. Kathy is great too, she teaches the kids manners and how to count in English, Spanish and French! My kid really enjoys coming here and the small class size is really nice for that one on one attention!

My partner and I moved to Santa Maria in mid-May of this year, without knowing a single soul over…read morehere, and one of our biggest concerns was finding a school for our three-year-old. Let me say, we are over the moon about Grace Lutheran Nursery School. Within the first week, our child fell in love with this school. First thing she does in the morning is say "time for school!" and is upset on weekend mornings when she can't attend school. Within the first month, we noticed giant strides in her vocabulary, color recognition, social demeanor, and her attitude. Grace Lutheran has developed a love for school within our child which we believe will stay with her for years to come. The teachers are wonderful, always smiling, and helpful. We are very grateful for Grace Lutheran Nursery School and all they do for our child!

I am so proud to recommend Larsen Family Childcare. This is a licensed daycare built with so much…read morelove, patience, and intention. You can truly see the passion behind everything -- from the safe and welcoming environment to the structured, nurturing care each child receives. What makes this daycare so special is the genuine heart behind it. The children are treated with kindness, respect, and encouragement every single day. The space is clean, organized, and thoughtfully designed to help little ones learn, grow, and feel secure. As a parent, it means everything knowing your child is in a place that values safety, communication, and emotional development just as much as fun and learning. If you're looking for a trustworthy, family-oriented, licensed daycare in the Orcutt/Santa Maria area, I highly recommend Larsen Family Childcare

Our Happy Place Family Childcare truly lives up to its name. Amber does an amazing job running the…read moredaycare and creating a warm, safe, and welcoming environment for the kids. She is incredibly loving, patient, and genuinely cares about each child. You can tell she puts her heart into what she does. It gives great peace of mind knowing the children are in such caring and capable hands. I highly recommend Our Happy Place Family Childcare to any parent looking for a high quality and nurturing place for their child.

Outstanding curriculum that not only is fun and engaging but prepares our preschooler for…read morekindergarten. We love and appreciate the teachers and the director. Security is great which gives peace of mind too.

I have two kids that attend/attended PCS Preschool (with one more heading in next year). Mrs…read more Sauceda is the best preschool teacher around. Although our student is in her class, all of the teachers at the school treat him as if he's a part of their classes as well. Thank you for loving and nurturing our kids! I feel safe leaving them there in your caring hands. Since starting at PCS, our kids' have excelled in speech, art, reading, & math - among other subjects. If I could add a star to my already 5 star review I would! Thank you PCS for loving our kids like your own!!!

My oldest son has attended since he was 2 and he is now 5 and heading to Kindergarten, while my…read moreyoungest started a year ago and will continue until he is ready for kindergarten. I LOVE this school! The teachers are amazing and treat my sons like family. The structure is fantastic and the director is well educated, accommodating, and works very hard to advocate for every single child in her care. I cannot give this school enough kudos! My oldest is more than ready for kindergarten with the skills he learned at ACV and my 2.5 year old is learning so much from their teaching. Give it a chance and you will not be sorry!

We love Storybook Academy for our kiddos. Our two infants have had the best time and learned so…read moremuch while in their care. They are so accommodating and treat our kiddos like their own. I highly recommend Storybook Academy.

Always closing!  There's a tiny patio outside for the kids to play but other than that there's no…read moreoutside play space unless she takes them somewhere off site.  They literally only have a living room worth of space for 12 kids.  The "director" has a huge issue with working with parents.  Sometimes she oversleeps and you'll be sitting outside waiting for her to wake up so you can drop of your child.  The kids don't care for her all that much and she has a revolving door of workers who appear to do everything for her regarding direct to child interactions.  She will close with very little notice leaving parents to find child care at the last moment.  There's no close parking.  The neighbors don't like her and are actively trying to get her shut down.

If you want a place where your child is loved beyond belief then look no further than Educare! The…read moreplay based curriculum is so on target for development and age appropriate! Communication is one of the most frustrating things we deal with in life but NOT at Educare! Your needs, your child's needs and needs from Educare staff are always clearly expressed and heard. I needed a place where someone could be mom for me when I can't be. My little guy could not be happier there. We could not be happier as parents. I never worry about my little guys well being or happiness while I am away at work. That kind of peace of mind is priceless!