False and misleading advertising to attempt hooking highly skilled and qualified, credentialed…read moreteachers sy a reasonable pay rate.! The problem is that they cap teacher pay at $21 per hour and the teachers they're trying to hook won't accept the low pay rate. Inadvertently, Catalyst Kids offers these same educators to the parent and school districts, whom they don't actually have.

I rarely post reviews on Yelp but felt I had to do so in this instance. We have had enrolled our…read morechild in kindergarten under the assumption of an after care pricing of $1000. This number was quoted in May and we were told the pricing goes up around 2% annually. However when we went to enroll we were told the price was actually $1500. It increased $500 in one year!! And there were no additions or improvements made to justify this. We inquired about this and we're told, we are disappointed as well and are pleading with corporate to lower it. They then told us they may lower it and to check back in. Fast forward literally 1 week prior to kindergarten and they STILL did not not have pricing. Ultimately the price did not lower and stayed at $1500. Remember this after school program is located in trailers in a park. This is not even a stand alone facility. The only saving grace was Maricela who was very nice but just seemed to have her hands tied. Catalyst kids should be ashamed of themselves for taking advantage of families in irvine. I cannot emphasize enough my disappointment in this company. I would steer clear.

IF you look any good review is from years ago.. No one has left a positive review for this awful…read moreexcuse of a center. Since CDC became Catalyst kids two years ago i think this place has gone down hill. The teenager down the road could engage better and spend quality time. IT is a shame my kids have been coming here for 8 years and I am DONE. Thank God. Anything good about this center is gone - nice teachers gone, positivity gone, no one talks to you so imagine what the kids are getting, no recaps the day or what you child did. They never take home any projects or activities nothing.. what ate they doing. Kids are on electronics no parent/teacher or teacher/ child interaction. They should be shut down. the director here is a joke I have heard her talk about myself and other parents over a walkie talkie to her team so no wonder everyone is rude, unengaged, disinterested and lazy it starts from the top. I caught her in a lie and she did call to apologize about the issue but she is the biggest problem here. She only talks about money money money. She sets the tone and clearly it is not one about customer service or care or even a passion for working with children. I even reported it to the district level not sure they cared either. absolutely pathetic. someone from the district should check this place out. The kids are getting nothing. the leave a QR code outside for parents so no one goes inside to see the utter lack of involvement. I miss the days of binders full of projects and notes telling you what you kids did or learnt. The old center did family days, or invited you in, talk to you, The kid had clubs, my kids started sports teams, businesses , competitions all sorts of creativity was encouraged. Now the only information sent out if for payment lol what a joke. The director never leaves her desk never comes out to say hello. Her lazy minions look like they hate kids. The way they talk to the kids is sad and they look right past parents. Save you money go to the boys and girls club, a neighborhood sitter, or christian or catholic on site day care. YOUR KIDS DESERVE BETTER. What a sad and pathetic end to my 8 year here. I am active in my children's schools, coach community sports and volunteer I will continue to share my shock at what a sad and pathetic excuse of a center this is to all who will listen. Kids need kindness, attention, involvement, creativity, smiles, interest, this place has none of it and it is not free so what are you guys doing there - get out for you kids sake. Shame on Catalyst kids for allowing this. Even the teachers complained during covid that they never did the required school work or home work. Teachers constantly complained about them. The good staff have left this place and it is left with lazy people who clearly hate kids and have no interest in them. I would attach pictures but we are not allowed in the center at all and are kept outside - so nothing to take a picture of but parents / kids/ staff all separate and no connection. They are the equivalent of taking your kids to a family member in an emergency who does not like kids but has to keep them safe with the least amount of engagement and they do the very bare minimum. Kids deserve so much more.

Both my kids attended the Tustin Ranch CDC summer camp last year after I wanted a change from the…read moreYMCA. I was hesitant in the beginning because of the pricing difference but I'm so glad they went. The kids had a blast and didn't mind having to go to camp at all. My older daughter, 8 at the time, attended the Adventure Camp and they were off campus all summer doing activities, she absolutely loved that she got to do activities without her younger brother! My younger son, who was 6, attended the Activity Camp and he had a blast as well, no tears to go from him. Ms. Claudia and Ms. Laura were such a pleasure to work with and the program itself was amazing. I really like the way they decorate the portables to have a homey feel for the kiddos. I also like how they group the kids by age so that they are around their peers and not all clumped in one room. We are signing up again this year and the kids can't wait to go.

I absolutely love the team here at Catalyst Kids Hicks Canyon. Our son has had the best time here…read more The teachers are super communicative and super sweet. We love Ms. Susie, Ms. Melissa, Ms. Raya, Ms. Kimberly, and the site director Ms. Natalie! They are all FANTASTIC! My son always wants to stay longer because he has such a blast. Additionally, the snacks are great- super healthy! I totally trust the Catalyst Kids team here to take amazing care of my child and highly recommend! Thank you, Catalyst Kids Hicks Canyon for providing the best care full of love and joy for the kids!

This is a great place for after school day care. The people here are very caring, and the create…read morea safe and enjoyable environment for children. My two kids went here after school for a couple of years, and they had a great experience. The leaders help with homework, and they also prepare many arts and crafts for the children to enjoy.

We did summer camp here at Catalyst Kids Orchard Hills and we absolutely love it so much! Ms…read more Christine, Mr. Ben, Mr. Leo (and Ms. Kimberly and Ms. Melissa) and the rest of the summer camp team are fantastic! My son never wanted to go home when we picked him up! He was so happy and had so much fun! Ms. Christine, the site director, is really quick at responding to emails- she's absolutely amazing! As a helicopter parent, I definitely felt comfortable with sending my son to this Catalyst Kids and know that my child is well cared for and happy! Thank you Catalyst Kids Orchard Hills for a fun summer!

My daughter has been attending this CDC for a year now. She loves it. The teachers (Rachel and…read moreAlicia) are wonderful and the director Amanda is great. They make it feel like a home away from home. I like to know that my daughter is in a safe place where she can do homework and hang out with some friends after school. They have great snacks and I LOVE that they have sport activities. They are often outside playing some kind of sports when I arrive to pick up. Rachel has also organized teams within the CDC to compete against other CDC's in the area. My daughter loves this. She played on the soccer and volleyball teams. Overall this is a wonderful place for kids to come after school.

Our daughter has attended 3 different daycares and this one by far has been the best experience…read more Ms. Iris (the director) is so responsive, patient, and overall great with the kids. She has navigated COVID with grace and care while prioritizing the health and safety of both the kids and staff. My 2yr old daughter was excluded for a few weeks during the height of Omicron and when she returned to school, she ran up to Ms. Iris and gave her a hug. That gave me so much reassurance that my daughter is both safe and happy at this center! I also appreciate that they keep you updated on meals, activities, potty stops, etc through the app. Also, my daughter has some special medical needs and they have never treated us like an inconvenience. Lastly, I have been blown away by how much my daughter's vocabulary has expanded. She is speaking well beyond my expectations. It's great to see her blossoming and engaging with her environment with curiosity and an eagerness to be independent. Overall, this has been a wonderful experience and I'm so glad we found this center :)

We are so lucky to have a spot at this daycare. My little ones loves Ms. Raquel and Ms. Silvia so…read moremuch. When he sees them he gets really excited. Ms. Iris and Ms. Ivie are wonderful. They are very professional and organized. The facility has a schedule but they work with you to make sure that your little one gets what they need. They also have an app that shows pictures throughout the day and gives updates on feeding and diapering. I highly recommend this daycare!

We love Spectrum Montessori at Woodbury. My son is being attending for 2 years now and we are…read morepretty satisfied with the education and the manners he's getting there. Teachers are very kind and understanding at the same time they can be firm and inspire respect. They have a lot of fun activities and a week balanced time for play and work. They offer the chance to nap also for older kids that is something my son still do. The director and the front desk admin are extremely nice and kind and always on top of everything.

It has been an awesome journey for my daughter and for us as parents. Our daughter was at the…read moreschool for almost 5 years. The staff Ms Lura and Ms Kayley have been there for years and are phenomenal. They have always gone the extra mile, friendly and professional. The teachers are simply the best and love their students. They all have a long tenure with this school. We see all the students at the school learn so much from the teachers. Our daughter was lucky to have Ms Beatriz as a teacher. She is spectacular! Her previous career was as a programmer in Java and found her true passion in teaching. Because of her when our daughter was 4 she could identify all the continents, say the pledge of allegiance, name the human organs/body parts, name the planets, life cycle of caterpillar to butterfly, read books, add numbers up to twenty, subtract numbers up to twenty and when she turned 5 she was able to begin multiplication of zero, one, and two. Our daughter has learned so much social skills and leadership skills. The children take turns being the leader for the day and are so excited when it's their turn. The fun activities are off the charts with water days, foam party, animal/reptile visitors, police and firefighter day visits, weekly music classes, trunk or treat, Christmas and Christmas in July and art activities. The students perform in front of parents for Christmas, Mothers' and Fathers Day celebration. There were also extra curricular activities such as weekly soccer, hero sports (11 different sports were taught) yoga, dance, gymnastics. Over time our daughter got to try all these out. The only advice we would offer is to read everything the staff and teachers provide and send to you. Also listen to the teachers' advice and recommendations and to follow their leads. Working as a team with them made it flow easier. Thank you to all the teachers and staffs at Spectrum Montessori Woodbury!

This is our second year with Catalyst Kids at PCE, and we are very happy with the program provided!…read moreMs. Alicia and the staff are very friendly, helpful, communicative, and organized. There are activities, crafts, homework help, etc as well as family events. My son feels very at home there and he is always happy when I come to pick him up! :) I can tell the other children feel taken care of, too, in how they interact with each other and Ms. Alicia. I am grateful to know my son is looked after with care while I am at work!

My daughter attended Catalyst at Peter's Canyon & we have been beyond satisfied with all services…read moreprovided. The staff Ms. Alicia & Melissa were so thorough & walked us thru the application process as well getting our daughter in right away! They are hands on with the students & our daughter absolutely loved the program! Ms. Alicia is so kind and treated our daughter as she was her own! Catalyst was such a wonderful experience for my little girl & she would come home from school each day raving about how awesome the program was. This program definitely made us feel comfortable and provided the peace of mind parents need when leaving their children for work. So sad to say goodbye due to schedule change in work. We will miss you guys! Keep up the great work!

We have been so happy with our experience at Chiquitines. My two kids have been enrolled for nearly…read morea year. They previously went to a large preschool center that had high kid-to-teacher ratios and felt too impersonal. We're so happy we enrolled them here instead. They are part of the family, have best friends, and are very actively cared for and supported. Miss Evelyn and her teachers are in constant communication with us, sharing pics, videos, and updates on what they are learning / are interested in. Also, her homemade meals are delicious and I'm so thankful knowing my kids are eating healthy meals and snacks with her! We are so happy and will keep our kids here until they are ready for school.

Very unprofessional!!! Why be in a line of child care if you're not going to treat children right…read more She was very neglectful to my niece. My niece is the sweetest baby ever. She has her moments, just as any child. Evelyn was very unwilling to meet the needs of children with special needs or child that has issue with regulating their emotions. She does not have the patients to deal with children. She is not educated when it comes to child development. She was intentionally neglecting my niece. She refuse to put shoes on my niece in 95 degree weather. The ground was really hot and she put on every child except my niece. She would send videos of my niece locked in a highchair crying. Showing an ounce of compassion would have calmed my niece. She tried to delete videos and photos of the intentional negligence that she sent to my sister. If she didn't do anything wrong why delete that footage? She tried to leave my niece with her husband, who my sister has never met. My sister expressed her concerns with leaving my niece with a man she has never had a conversation with. Previously, my niece seen her husband and ran crying the other way. Instead of understanding my sister's concerns. Evelyn chose to address my sister in a group chat with other families. All because my sister didn't want her to leave my niece alone with her husband. After my sister addressed her concerns with leaving my niece alone with her husband. She told my sister that my niece cannot return with no notice and no explanation. Leaving my sister with no childcare!! My sister has also had issues with Evelyn when it comes to feeding my niece. My niece was the only child her age being seated in a highchair when it was time to eat. She told my sister that it was because my niece was trying to eat the other children food. My sister offered to send my niece with food and Evelyn refused because " the other kids would want her food". She refused to add my niece to the dinner list and refused to allow my niece to bring her own food.