My son was in the 2's half-day class with Mrs. Soares and Miss Maddie. We had a wonderful experience, and my son was so excited to go to school each day. The teachers were very attentive to each student's needs, and we loved their creative lesson plans. There was a follow-up email sent to the parents after each class with photos. This was very helpful for the parents to know what they were learning during each class. We also met such wonderful parents and other students. The Director, Sandy McCracken was very responsive to any questions that came up throughout the school year and is so passionate about the program! They have so many fun seasonal activities for the kids! Would highly recommend! read more

This preschool is such a gem. When I toured the site, I was very confident that this was the place for my child. It met my three non-negotiables: play-based learning, small class size, and quality educators. I am very pleased with the staff professionalism and home-school communication. The director, Mrs. McCracken, is very responsive to any questions or concerns, and she replies to emails so promptly. Responses are always more than adequate. The classroom teacher, Ms. Soares, is very knowledgeable and responsive, too. She sends weekly lessons plans and a daily recap of the children's day. Lessons and activities are developmentally appropriate. Also, she stays on top of kiddo's food allergy, especially when here are special events and the kids get little treats. Ms. Soares just has everything under control. The second classroom teacher, Miss Maddie, is always upbeat and positive. There are fun events for the children planned throughout the year, and sometimes there are opportunities for parent participation. It is such a treat to surprise my kiddo at school by showing up for a class party. My son just loves his teacher and is blossoming. CCC is truly a warm and welcoming community. read more

I enrolled my 4 year daughter at Clayton Children's Center in August 2022. She had been in day care settings before but not school settings so I was a little hesitant, especially since she was the youngest child in her class. However, all of the staff at CCC has done an amazing job helping her develop her social skills and educational skills. The school's director, Sandy, and my daughter's teacher, Miss Pousard, have been so caring, responsive and attentive to detail. This school has a great reputation and I knew that going into it, but after witnessing my daughter's growth the past several months, CCC has exceeded my expectations. read more

So we have continued to send our 4 year old here, and are planning on starting our almost 18 month old next year in the 2's half day class because we just love everything about this place. The staff is seriously the friendliest and probably the most capable pre-school teachers in the area. My daughter is absolutely blessed to have Miss Pousard as her teacher this year. She has so much previous experience as an elementary teacher, we are so lucky to have her helping to shape our 4 year olds minds with all her expertise. Miss Pousard is so patient, friendly and accommodating to yours and your child's needs. She sends very detailed and well thought out emails following every single day of school to make sure we, as parents, are updated in everything that's happening during their lesson plans. She puts together collages of photos of the kids and also provides opportunities for us to be involved with their days like field trips, gingerbread making and reading days when we can come and read a book to the kids. Sandy McCracken is an awesome director and is willing to help with everything you could ever need. She is friendly and cares about every single child in that school. Also notable are Mrs. Freddie and Miss Maddie who make it their mission to smile constantly and bring the most happiness they can to every child they make contact with. This is all without even mentioning the facilities which are spectacular, and keep the kids excited and interested with so many different things to play on or play and interact with. I know how overwhelming finding a preschool can be, but they'll make it easy and care free if you go here, it's absolutely worth it! read more

There are not enough kind words to describe how grateful we are for Clayton Children's Center and all their staff members. They are the village and truly know and care for each of the kids. CCC is a home away from home and an extension of family for our kids. We couldn't be more happy with the care our kids receive. read more

My son has been attending CCC and he is SO happy! He loves his teachers and everything that he is learning. This was my first time sending my son to any type of childcare and I was nervous, but I feel incredibly comfortable and safe with him attending this school. I feel that everyone there knows him and is keeping him safe and secure. I love the curriculum he is learning and all of the fun activities that his teachers plan for him to participate in. I will definitely continue sending him here for as long as I can! I highly recommend CCC to any parent who wants the best for his or her child. read more

My kids do not want to leave this preschool when I pick them up. That is how awesome it is! We moved to Clayton a few months ago and the family we bought our home from told us we had to enroll our kids in Clayton Children's Center since the teachers and director have all been there for many many years and the care they provide is top notch. After meeting with and touring the center I was VERY impressed. The director and the teachers really care for the children and engage the children. Also they have 3 different playground areas for the kids. A biggie for my two active kiddos. After giving two weeks notice to the preschool we had been commuting to, my kids started here this week. They love it. I love it. Did I mention Ertle the Turtle...my daughters fav. The staff is very educated and keeps you informed. I have already told several families I know about this place since it has been such a positive experience. It is one of those places that is so great you want to tell everyone but also kind of want to keep to yourself. :) read more

Clayton Children's Center - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Clayton, California

This school is AMAZING and the only after-school care in Clayton I would trust. My son attended the school for 5 years, age 3-7 and our experience the entire time was outstanding. The difference between CCC and other schools is the staff. Mrs. McCracken and Mrs. Freddie pour themselves into making sure every child flourishes. I will forever be grateful for them and what they have done for our son, our family and the rest of their students. read more

I LOVE this preschool and every single teacher that is part of it. I have looked at dozens of preschools in clayton and Concord and I know I'm super picky but my 3 year old daughter is my everything and the thought of giving her in the care of strangers freaked me out ( I don't even use babysitters). I almost gave up and decided to keep her home until I got the note that clayton children's center has a spot open. This place literally has everything you could think of...but my favorite part by far, well beside the gigantic outdoor play area is the fact that the relationship between my daughters teachers and her is a generous one... I can tell they really care about her. The groups are small and there are teachers and helpers everywhere to keep them safe and watched at all times. They do different subjects every week and it makes me so happy to see her thrive and enjoy learning new things. Honestly if I could I would give that place 10 stars! read more

When we needed a preschool for our first born, I looked at over 20 schools. I wasn't 5 minutes into my tour of CCC when I knew that it was the perfect place for our kids. I waited 6 months to get in because it was that great. We've been there 3 years and I'm Grateful every single day that our kids get to learn from and be loved by this school. Everyone on staff goes significantly above and beyond to care for the children on a daily basis. Both my kids have severe allergies and I NEVER worry about their safety when they are at CCC. Their communication with parents is wonderful & so appreciated. Can't recommend this place enough! read more

Such an amazing school!! Our first born attended and we got lucky with the part time Pre-K class with one spot left and of course I signed up late thinking preschool started after Labor day. So she missed the first couple of weeks but she fit right in. I love how the kids are hands on and play in the dirt (something I had to get use to). I love the weekly communication since every time I asked what she did in class her response would be "I don't remember" . Because of the school she does so well in kindergarten. Our second child now attends the part time pre-K class and because she already knew the routine from her sister, she's a pro! The staff is amazing, caring and compassionate towards our kids and their education/ experience. read more

I cannot say enough good things about CCC! I was a nervous nelly to send our son to school and I surveyed my whole client list about what preschools they would recommend in the area. About 25-30 clients said CCC and that over the last 20 years they have all had wonderful experiences. I contacted the school, did a tour with Mrs. McCracken and fell in love with everything. We signed up for Fall, and all my clients were amazed there wasn't a huge waiting list! (Maybe there was just spaces available or maybe Mrs. McCracken loves me as much as I love her?!?!?) Mrs. Soares and Miss Maddie are our wonderful teachers, and we also enjoy playing with Mrs. Freddie's class too! All the other teachers I've met in passing have always been very kind and helpful. I love getting the class recap with pictures of my sons day, it makes being away from him a little easier seeing how much fun he is having. He has learned so much and I often use "okay I'm going to tell Mrs. S you are doing that" as a way to help him remember he has rules, and it works, so shout out to CCC because it LITERALLY takes a village to raise these kiddos and I'm lucky that Clayton Childrens Center is part of ours!!!!!! read more

When my first born was about 2, I inadvertently came across an in-home preschool facility. I toured it, loved it, and knew we'd send him there. Just for giggles, I also set up tours on two other preschools nearby, one of them being Clayton Children's Center. We came for a tour, met with Mrs. McCracken, and before we left, I knew THIS was the place for my son. I didn't even bother touring the other facility. I was a little apprehensive about how he'd do on the first day, after never having been cared for by anyone but his parents. A week or two before the first day of school, we went for orientation and he had a blast playing there and didn't want to leave. It was just enough to get him to look forward to returning and, to my surprise, he did not look back at me once that day and has always looked forward to going to school in the two years we've been attending. The teachers put together a curriculum for each week, and send updates and pictures of the children learning and playing together. Everyone is so friendly and feels like family in how they look after our children. My youngest will be old enough this Fall to attend the 2 year old class and I can't wait to see how she does! read more

We're so happy to have found Clayton Children's Center! We recently moved to the area and were looking for after-school care for our daughter, who begins Kindergarten later this year. I started the search months in advance because I wanted to guarantee a spot for her as early as possible. CCC was the first to respond to my inquiries and our first, last, and only center to tour. Our daughter responded well to all the staff members and children, and she didn't want to leave at the end of the tour. The director, Mrs. McCracken, informed us of an immediate opening in their full-time pre-K program, and although our daughter was currently enrolled at another preschool, we decided to take the opportunity and switch schools mid-year to secure our spot and help her acclimate as soon as possible. We're so glad we took the leap. In the few months she has been at CCC, she has really flourished, academically and socially. CCC provides a warm and welcoming environment in a beautiful facility, which is lovingly and meticulously cared for. I give it my highest recommendations! read more

We are so relieved to have found such a welcoming, warm place to send our 4 year old daughter for preschool. She has been attending CCC for 2 years and has really flourished there. The teachers are excellent and they have a wonderful weekly curriculum with a different theme each week. The director, Mrs. McCracken, really looks out for the best interest of every child and runs the school with the highest level of professionalism. Our child has learned through play and loves going to preschool! read more

My Son has been going here for nearly 3 years now, since he was 2. Everything about this school is wonderful and it's been a pleasure to send him here. Every teacher he has had each year, have been caring and supportive of my son and provided him with an excellent start to education. When he started to develop some anxiety, staff worked with him and myself to guide us through it. When thinking about sending my younger child to preschool next, there isn't anywhere else I'd consider sending them. read more

All three of my children have worked with the wonderful teachers at Clayton Children's Center. I cannot say enough about them! They are the best in the business! Their extensive training in early childhood education and development ensure that each child receives excellent curriculum and instruction while also supporting each child's unique abilities and personalities. The grounds of the school are fantastic, with plenty of room to run and play for the children. When my oldest was ready for preschool, I toured many different schools in the area. None had the special warmness and "home away from home" atmosphere that Clayton Children's Center has. The school offers transportation to and from the local elementary school and is open from 7 AM to 6 PM. My children never want to leave, and I am always confident that they are safe and well cared for. read more

I have had my oldest at 3 different preschool/daycares and I was happy with all of them until I came here. Clayton Children's Center is exceptional! It is a gem! When I drive up to pick up my children they are upset because they are having so much fun. They don't want to leave. There is before and after school care, busing to and from school, three separate playgrounds, and the most important, fantastic teachers. The teachers are understanding on what is developmentally appropriate as well as what is expected when the enter elementary. You can't find a better daycare than this! read more

Clayton Children's Center is the best preschool in our little community. After 6 month of waiting, my 3-year-old girl got lucky to be enrolled. I simply love all the teachers there. It is such a family feeling. Our kids are being loved, taught and taken good care of. Every afternoon I can not wait to check my email for the photos of activities kids are doing at school. Highly recommend! Be ready to be in the waiting list:) read more

After having taught preschool at another school in the area, I had certain personal standards about where to send my daughter for her last year of preschool.My daughter loved this school from the very second we toured it and it was hard to get to her to leave the playground! I knew after that, I HAD to get her in there. I cannot say enough about how wonderful the staff at Clayton Children's Center is! I'm sad that she'll only be there for a year before she goes into TK because this place is an absolute gem in our community! read more

Clayton Children's Center is an amazing preschool and day care! My kids have been attending for over 10 years combined between them and each year has been outstanding. The programs available for each age level is perfect and starts your child out with a love of learning. My kids loved going to school everyday and wanted to stay longer when I got there to pick them up! All of the teachers are loving and fully understand child development and education. They assure you that your child is doing the right thing at the right time. Even with my potty training woes with my youngest, they continued to encourage my child and me that it will all come in time. There was never any pressure - only love and respect. Mrs. McCracken and Mrs. Freddie are wonderful directors / co-directors and between them, the environment is always welcoming and loving. We will truly miss it when our youngest is too old to go anymore! read more

Clayton Children's Center is an outstanding preschool. Four of our children have attended here. The teachers are nurturing and provide excellent curriculum. Additionally the daily communication that goes out to parents is very helpful and keeps all families involved in their child's day. We highly recommend Clayton Children Center! read more

Best daycare! They offer that smaller home-like atmosphere, and have ave great curriculum and wonderful outdoor play areas. It's a perfect blend of academics and loving care, with emphasis on each child's individual development. read more

When we moved to Clayton, we heard so many great things about this center - we now have our son in pre-k here (he also went to preschool here last year). We can not say enough great things about this center - it is by far the best facility around. Mrs. McCracken - the director is so fantastic - she truly cares about the children and goes above and beyond to satisfy the children and their families. Ms. Freddie - the pre-K teacher is absoloutely amazing...the BEST! We highly recommend this school for any age - even for school age children to go after school. WE LOVE IT!!!! read more

I love, love, love Clayton Children's Center. I have the perspective as a teacher but also as a parent. I started working at the center at the age of 19 and only planned to stay through the summer.  I absolutely fell in love with this center and never left.  When you walk into the center you feel the sense of a family. The staff have all known each other for years and work as a team to take care of all the children. Every teacher knows each child's name and their family. The teachers work together to help problem solve and celebrate every child's progress.  All the children are happy at the center and look out for one another. The older children are always excited to read a story, play or say hi to a younger friend.  We have three awesome playgrounds where the children can be creative with large play structures, water, sandboxes, dirt/digging, outdoor chalkboard, musical/performing stage, swings and a giant hill.  The opportunities for learning and exploring are endless.  As a parent I feel the curriculum is developmentally appropriate and provides hands on experiences.  We believe children learn through direct experiences and spend a lot of time on their social development.  Once children develop their social skills, the academics start to follow. We foster growth in every area of development with fun and engaging activities and the children don't even realize how much they are learning.  My children are very happy to be at school and have a great foundation built for their school careers. read more

This is one of those preschools you want your kids at! I have had my little ones at 3 different preschools and always thought they were just fine. It wasn't until I discovered this place that I realized, you could LOVE a preschool! Nestled in the heart of Clayton, it's an old farm that's been transitioned to a school. The grounds are amazing! So much room to run and play and swing and I could go on and on... When I pulled up in the parking lot, I was almost sold based on this alone. My kids are always playing outside and never want to leave the fun. We don't have a big yard at home so this was a big plus for me. The playground is divided too so that they can separate the age groups if needed. Now go inside, where you immediately feel at home, and meet the fabulous staff! One conversation with these ladies and you won't want anyone else teaching your preschoolers! They are sweet, caring and nurturing yet firm and authoritative when they need to be. I believe it takes a special person to teach preschoolers and these teachers are some of the best! My kids adore their teachers! This school also caters to the working parents schedule. They have before and after school care for elementary school students and offer bus transportation to and from MDE. This was another must for me and it's hard to find after school transportation without going the corporate preschool route. They are open 7-6 and accept kids over 2 (if potty trained or close to it). I only wish they took infants too so my youngest could attend but he'll be there soon enough. I hope this review helps and I highly encourage you to set up a tour. You won't be disappointed! read more

I just moved to Clayton over the summer, and was in the process of finding a new local preschool/after care center for my children. A friend of mine recommended this place to me, and I fell in love when I drove up for my tour! The playground alone is a kids dream! Not to mention the minute I walked inside, the staff was so warm hearted, and accommodating to the needs of my kids, as well as the needs of a house of working parents. Bring open from 7-6pm, as well as bus transportation from MDE has been a god sent for a working mom. I have now had my children at this school for the last 5 months, and I couldn't imagine them being anywhere else! They are learning so much on so many different levels; academically and socially. The teachers are so great at one-on-one time with both of them at different ages. I highly recommend checking this place out. Very warm, welcoming, and accommodating on all levels! read more

Clayton Children's Center is amazing! After touring multiple preschools, this is the only one that just felt "right" immediately. My daughter yelled "my school" as we pulled up and has been excited to go ever since! It is a warm, welcoming environment. I've never left my children with anybody but family and this school provided instant comfort/reassurance. Halfway through the year, I'm happy to say that they continue to impress me. Picked my daughter up yesterday (this week's lesson is about "healthy bodies") and she was wearing a pedometer...SO cute...adorable and hands-on learning! Great space for outdoor play, too. From riding on "bike side," racing each other down the hill, creatively "baking" in the outdoor kitchen, exploring the big toys, participating in sensory activities, this place has it all! The director and teachers are awesome. They truly KNOW and care about each child. Clayton Children's Center definitely knows how to make learning fun! read more

Deciding which school is best for your child will always be one of the hardest choices you have to make. Knowing they are in an environment where teachers support them, encourage them and love them just as they would their own children makes Clayton Children's Center a much easier choice. You know it's a good sign when your kids don't want to go home because they are having too much fun! This school provides age appropriate enrichment, works closely with the local elementary school to make sure preschoolers are prepared for kindergarten, but most importantly the caring teachers and director nourish your child's spirit. My first child went to Clayton Children's Center at age 4. She is now in 7th grade and still has a great rapport with her first teacher Mrs. McCracken. That is the kind of magical place this school is...Amazing local teachers who are invested in the children's future for the long haul. read more

I have two children enrolled at Clayton Children's Center, and this place is truly the BEST of the best! I looked at dozens of daycares in four different cities before someone told me to check this place out. I immediately fell in love! I love the playgrounds; I love the classrooms, but most of all, I love the teachers! These teachers are exceptional! They are fully dedicated to providing every child with a loving, supportive and respectful learning atmosphere. My children have grown in every positive way, and I am so appreciative of the hard work these teachers put in every day. I also love having the opportunities to get to know the other parents. Because so many kids never want to leave, many of us let them continue to play while we socialize. I love the fact that there's transportation to and from the elementary school. I love the holiday show with the kids singing, the parent's night out, the literacy parties, and most of all, I love their commitment to community outreach. My kids and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this center!! read more