Cottontail Preschool has been a fantastic experience for my children. My oldest graduated from there years ago, my middle recently graduated and they have both moved on, but they still love visiting their former teachers, which speaks volumes about the positive environment here. They communicated with me all the time and I really did appreciate that so much especially because I always want to know what my kiddos are up to while I'm at work. I've moved out of state for a year, came back, called Denise to take my babies back as soon as there was an opening because there's truly nothing like it & she always welcomed them back. The teachers.... Ivonne, Debbie, the newer staff, and Denise, are exceptional. They genuinely care about the children and create a nurturing atmosphere that encourages learning and growth. They have made my babies feel so welcomed and loved since day one. They have prepared my littles for their elementary school experience. My current preschooler is thriving, and it's clear that he feels safe and excited to go each day which makes me feel so happy! I will be so sad when my last baby leaves the school because it was truly our home away from home. I can't recommend Cottontail Preschool highly enough. If you're looking for a place where your kids will be well-cared for and loved, this is it! read more

Needless to say, the level of care and attention to detail at this Pre-School never seizes to amazed me day after day. Normally children would dread going to a daycare or school but not my son. He is always looking forward to going to Cottontail; learning and playing with his friends. He developed socially and expresses his hunger for knowledge. He is also always telling my wife and I all the things he did throughout his day. They have even went above all expectations and gotten him a birthday present. Definitely feel like an extension of our family. Staff members are always so helpful, understanding and reasonable. I never had a single negative experience with interacting with any of them. My son speaks very highly of each member of the Cottontail Team and I have to agree. You're definitely going to get your money's worth for the value of care you are receiving. Like I stated in my previous post, if you are looking for an OUTSTANDING, CARING and NURTURING environment to leave your little ones; this is the place. Service, Quality and Value all in one place! What more do you need? read more

Cottontail Preschool - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Chula Vista, California

This place is AMAZING, I cannot say enough good things about it. I am very much a helicopter parent and was hesitant to leave my child anywhere until I visited Cottontail. My child felt at home right away from the first tour. These ladies helped me potty train her, even after so many of us at home for months. They truly care and it shows, Denise the owner is always communicative and she really puts her heart into this place and it is very apparent. My daughter has now gone onto Kindergarten and opted to still attend Cottontail after school rather than the school's program. read more

VERBAL ABUSE & FAVORITISM. Every time I've interacted with VANESSA (teacher for the 2 year old class) she has been extremely rude & unpleasant - nothing like the rest of the staff at Cottontail. As an early childhood education teacher with her level & years of experience, I am shocked by her lack of communication skills - not to mention her total disregard for the emotional health & safety of the children in her care. Vanessa also happens to be the mother of one of the students. She allows her child to bully other children with no consequences whatsoever, and uses verbal abuse as a way to intimidate the other children. Using a firm & assertive tone is often necessary - I understand no parent/teacher is perfect. But this woman has no business being a preschool teacher. She has proven to be verbally and emotionally abusive towards children and that alone was enough for me to formally file a complaint against this school. Cottontail Preschool would greatly benefit from firing this woman. read more

Where do I even begin?! I found cottontail preschool a year ago and it's probably one of the BEST things to happen to my family and I! Let's start off with Denise! Denise is the owner of cottontail preschool and I trust her with my whole being. She is caring, loving, and truly is like a second mom to my baby. The love she and everyone else shows him daily, makes me never want to take my son out. It's been hard for me to put my son in daycare due to not finding someone who loves him as much as me when I'm away. My son brings back cute little art projects and tells me how much he wants to go back. Secondly, Mrs Vanessa was my sons teacher when he was in the 2 year old class. She always updated me when needed, never failed to talk to me when I had any concerns. We were very sad to move up to the 3 year old classes because Vanessa just exceeded my expectations as a teacher. When talking to my son, she is very calm mannered. My son had a really bad hitting problem and before anything she always gave me a call to let me know what was going on. Mrs Yvonne is just as awesome as well. She's always in such a great mood while she welcomes my son to her class. She always updates me as well. We love our mrs Ybonne( that's how my son says her name) the entire staff is just so wonderful. Idk what I'm Going to do when we have to PCS next year! If you want a LOVING AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT, look no further & send your kids here you will not regret it! read more

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Denise and her team are fantastic. We enjoyed our time at Cottontail and you will too. All of the teachers pour their heart into the kiddos, and it shows! read more

Denise and her staff go above and beyond for my daughter. I can't say enough wonderful things about cottontail. I get updates on her day and pictures of her having fun at school. The teachers know us all by name, which is something I can't say about previous schools my kids attended. They've been very accommodating when I've been in a bind and care my daughter as if she was their own. I will always recommend this preschool to anyone looking for childcare. read more

Cottontail Preschool hands down is the best school for my baby girl. My son attended cottontail preschool when he was my daughters age so I couldn't wait until til she turned 2 to go there. It's a very nice, clean and safe welcoming environment. I never have any worries when my little one is in there care. I definitely recommend 10 out of 10! read more

Update: My son occasionally cried at drop offs, but a scream at the top of his lungs? No. The director was informed of his speech delay and assured that he would be in great hands and well taken care of. He is both talking and thriving in an establishment that offers more than just bare minimum care. I apologize for not writing a review fast enough for you but facts are facts regardless of the date. It took me this long to file a formal complaint with DSS. I recieved the incident report the day after the incident occurred which is not how it works. The pictures of the tire sent to me and the pictures of my sons cuts do not match. My caseworker agrees. I was descriptive with Debbie so as not to confuse her with any other "trusted teachers." Descriptions are not discriminatory... Again, I had no huge issues until Debbie was on the other side. I wish I would have trusted my gut about this place. read more

When we began looking for a daycare I was nervous because it had been so long. We found Cottontail because of its great location near the 54 and the 5 fwy, that alone made it is to commute to work. We moved further so unfortunately we couldn't stay ..my daughter loved her teachers & classroom, she had Mrs. Vanessa, and their whole staff was always friendly. Denise was such a charm to work with from the second we met her, and throughout the time my daughter was there she would respond to our messages & questions promptly. We were blessed finding them. The way they set up the school was very welcoming to our toddler. We couldn't be more grateful for having found them and welcoming our daughter. We never had a day where our little one didn't want to go to school. We will miss having her there. read more

I wish to apologize for not writing a review sooner. My daughter attended this school last year from August to November 2022 and she dreaded going to school. She would full on cry and every time I would address my concerns through messaging the director Denise was always argumentative. To one day I saw her full on scream at a distressed parent with her child crying over a toy that the child claimed she left there at the school. The way that she handled the situation by screaming at another parent was absolutely unprofessional. I had given them multiple chances but at the time they had way too many young toddlers to teachers ratio it was completely not okay. It was very easy to tell how stressed one of the teachers was frantic at pick ups, others lack of paying attention, being on their phones or talking amongst each other. Every day I would hear a child crying constantly at pick up. I do think that another parent in her review is correct that there was favoritism going with other children over low income families like myself. My daughter always at pick had dry lips from constant thirst. At the time my daughter had a speech delay and she barely was able to communicate and she became even more shy. One day I picked her up she had a wound on her face from another child attacking her. When I took her home my daughter informed me that someone stomped on her stomach and scratched her face. I was shocked because Denise told me a different story but I knew I should have trusted my gut and my daughter. The damage done to my daughter was proof that they didn't address it right away nor prevented nor paid enough attention to my daughter to stop the act. I am a very friendly person, was always very polite and tried to give them the benefit of the doubt. However, it is this exact reason why I need to write this review. I couldn't believe not one staff member called me to inform me what happened and not only that not at least putting on a band aid of my daughter. Denise claimed that both children were at fault and I could not believe that she would blame my sweet kind daughter as the problem. Not to mention I also noticed that the bathrooms near the playground were completely dark with no light how do you expect a child to use the restroom and see. My daughter one day cried hysterically about not wanting to go to the teachers house. She was always very timid and scared to go to school. She hated it there and my only regret is allowing her to continue to stay there. The final straw was when I picked her up and noticed she was left in a diaper that was fully wet soaked like it had been sitting there for a long time and it caused such a severe rash when I went to address it my daughter was screaming in pain. I was completely in tears and when I still politely messaged Denise she made excuses after excuses and tried to blame me that it must of developed after you picked her up. I messaged her within the hour after picking up my daughter that day and had to address my daughters needs pardon me for not checking my daughters diaper right at the door at pick up and believe me that was not the first time. I would make it a habit every day to put cream on her every morning to help this issue but I knew it was not me. The lack of accountability that they had was unbelievable. I hope that from this year they have improved I have had family members telling me that I should have reported them to social services but again I gave them the benefit of the doubt and all the more I wish I stood up more for my daughter during her time there. After enrolling my daughter in a different school this year she blossomed through VIP preschool and she always insisted on going to school. She has been happy and content and her speech delay improved so much that she is now above average in speech and language. I have never been more happy as a parent with caring and trustworthy teachers who are capable of anticipating and addressing the child's needs. Not only that the constant communication and capability of speaking highly of my daughter when she was doing something well, where she could improve, and even everyday getting crafts every time at pick up made me as a parent feel more secure to leave for work in peace. My daughter is friends with all the kids and I would even witness her holding hands with many kids and everyone would yell her name in unison with ecstatic tones. That's how a school should be for children Cottontail Preschool failed us completely. I hope this school hired more teachers with better knowledge, patience, understanding of child development and child care because it was a completely unacceptable experience. Every child deserves the quality care not NEGLECT! I beyond angry for allowing my daughter to attend such a terrible school. Do better. read more

We love Cottontail! My daughter attended for about 7 months before we had to move out of state. That was about 6 weeks ago and my daughter still asks about her "old school" and when she will see Miss Vanessa, Mrs Denise and Ms Debbie - she misses them so much. They were so good to her and it showed when my daughter would want to hug them goodbye everyday! Their focus on learning is great considering many places for her age group (2 yrs) are more like a daycare than a school. Cottontail cares about teaching and making sure the kids enjoy their time spent there. Within a few weeks my daughter knew how to count to 20 and recite her ABCs (most of the way through ;)). If we ever move back to Chula Vista I will definitely be enroll ing my daughter again! As for Jane C.'s comment about being unfair with regard to registration fees - of you've ever signed your child up at a professional preschool or daycare facility you would know that once you pay your registration fee it holds that spot for your child and is forfeited if you choose to send your child elsewhere. And to complain about $35, really? It's not like you paid a $200 registration fee, like some places charge. It's $35! That's cheap so cut your losses and next time maybe you will listen to the terms surrounding the payment and read what you're signing before you try to put down a good place like Cottontail on a public forum due to your own mistake, change of heart, or lack of common knowledge. We love you Cottontail! read more

My son went to Cottontail from age 2.5-5 years old. We had nothing but a positive experience throughout. The staff is so loving and so patient, my son loved going to school every day. I work extended hours and they worked with my schedule. They throw parties for the holidays and just make the kids feel so special. I really felt like the staff truly loved and took care of my child and didn't just see him as a paycheck. He still asks to visit the school to see his teachers now that he's in kindergarten. I recommend this school 100% read more

I enrolled my daughter in Cottontail for preschool and it was heartbreaking for her to not be going back this year. They supported and really set a foundation of school being fun and a place you want to be and in my opinion this outlook should be what every Preschool aims to do for kids. Everyone that works there is so attentive to the kids and works with the parents to ensure they are aligned with their needs and wants. This is an amazing Preschool/daycare and I would recommend every parent enroll their kids there. read more

Cottontail Preschool - Preschool teacher Ms Debby - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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My son was so shy at 2 and I thought it was going to be hard for him to adjust being in day care . He felt comfortable after the first day because the staff are so sweet. He is now 5 and he has grown so much academically and socially the past 3 years . Thanks to the staff at cottontail preschool ! read more

This preschool is so sweet. Everyone is friendly and the children all play so nice. It has a large yard and lots of fun play. My Granddaughters go here and they love it! Small enough to have quality care and very clean. read more

I went in for a tour a couple of weeks ago. The owner showed me around and gave me the registration paperwork and an emergency contact form and told me if I paid the $37 reg fee, it would hold my son's spot until Friday. I did so (paid $40 actually because she had no change), but then something happened that next morning that caused me not to need the preschool anymore for my son. I contacted the owner right away that next morning and asked if I could have my money back and she said no. She said the form I signed stated it was non-refundable. I told her I was calling right away though and that I had not filled out any enrollment paperwork. She said that didn't matter because the emergency contact form that I did fill out (only form I did fill out), stated it was non-refundable. I asked that she make me a copy and I would come pick it up because she did not ever give me a copy. I felt really disappointed in her and the school. Why take someone's registration fee when the child isn't going to attend and never did attend? I left the preschool at 5:50 p.m. that night and called 8:30 am the next morning. It's not like I told her a week later. She claimed someone had come in 10 min. after me wanting a spot (strange because they close at 6pm), but she had to turn them away even though she had two spots open with two different teachers. As we were touring, she couldn't make up her mind where she was going to place my son so how could she tell the person they were full. I find that hard to believe. This says a lot about her character and that they are in it more for the business than the children. read more

Cottontail is very good preschool. Our kids (boy 5 and girl 3) love it. They got lots of hugs, storybook reading, singing, dancing, funny art projects (Now we don't have any empty space on our refrigerator), firm but gentle discipline (timeouts), reading, math, excitement. read more

What everyone should know "Cottontail" is a great place for your child. My nieces and nephews all went to Cottontail and I've seen them grow with knowledge and respect their teachers as well as love them. So, my daughter was ready to go to preschool and absolutely loves her teachers. We started her off part time but she wanted to go to school every day. She would hug her teachers when she comes in and when she leaves. Great, amazing teachers there, Thank you Cottontail for a great Preschool experience for me as well as my daughter. Highly recommend this Preschool. Sincerely yours, The whole Ahumada Familia read more

Cottontail is awesome. They have very reasonable prices with flexible programs. The teachers are great, they have a ton of experience and patience. They were great at working with my son he has made alot of progress in both social skills and book knowledge and he will definitely be ready for kindergarten next year. read more

My daughter has been attending this school since she was 2, she is turning 5 on Sunday. We love this place, the teachers ,staff and every one is very attentive. I Wish they had a pick up drop off day care for once my baby girl goes to kindergarten. Hopefully one day. We will miss cottontail preschool, but in the meantime,we are going to enjoy it till they last day. read more

My son has only been at the preschool for 2 months but it has been the best decision i made. All the teachers are amazing and very loving to the children that attend. read more

My family loves Cottontail preschool! The school is under new ownership and they have made great changes. The staff is warm and caring. I would definitely recommend Cottontail preschool! read more

This is an exceptional school! My son have attended Cottontail for 2+ years and it was the best decision I've ever made when it came to the welfare of my son. Their very nurturing and loving! Everyone there! You would not be disappointed or have to worry if you enroll your child into this school! read more

I drove all over town and met many other daycare providers. I would show up unannounced to see how these places operate when not expecting visitors. I was appalled by what I saw at many places. Cottontail has been a godsend for us. The women that work here are the kindest, most patient, and trustworthy of all the places I visited. You can tell they really care for the kids and are very good at making sure that my kids are safe, have fun, and get to learn in their preschool type of setup. My kids love coming here and run and hug the women each morning. I know they wouldn't do that if they weren't sooooo happy with the way they are cared for every day. We even pulled our 5 year old from a free after school program because he was miserable when we would pick him up, now he is much happier to be back at cottontail. If you can't afford to stay home and take care of your own kids, this is the next best thing. read more

WE LOVE COTTONTAIL! They are amazing teachers and amazing group or ladies. My eldest has been there 3 years and our youngest 2 years. My kids love it sooo much. I know that my kids are safe and cared for and very much loved. We couldn't be happier. Thank you ladies for all your hard work and amazing dedication and love to our kids read more

VERY DISAPPOINTING. There was a very high teacher turnover while my child attended which caused confusion, stress and anxiety with the younger kids. Very low teacher to student ratio (at times 1 to 10, or sometimes higher if a teacher was absent, which was often). The teachers were often unprepared and I doubt some of them hold the required education or preparation to work with children. Unless your child is extremely well behaved and will stay put, stay away from this child care facility! It is unorganized and unprofessional and at times hazardous due to the unbalanced teacher to student ratio. They would also very often, not monitor the facility doors and leave them open. I trusted the care of my child there and it turned out to be a very negative experience. I do not recommend Cottontail Preschool. read more

Before enrolling our son to Cottontail Preschool, he was at another known preschool. When I would drop him off at the other place he would be crying hysterically. When my husband or I would pick him up he would run to us and begin crying. It was heartbreaking for all of us. I don't know what ever happened there, but we took him out right away. I grew up in Chula Vista and I had already seen Cottontail Preschool. So, we checked it out and immediately enrolled him. Mrs. Denise, the director was super nice. The first day I dropped him off, he immediately waved bye to me, it brought tears of happiness and relief to my eyes. I knew we had found the right Preschool. When he first started he wasn't saying a word and before we knew it he was talking, counting and much more. All of the teachers are WONDERFUL, ATTENTIVE and PATIENT!! He is now going on to Kindergarten and thanks to Cottontail Preschool he is more than ready to move on. THANK YOU to Mrs. Denise (director), and teachers, Ms. Debbie, Ms. Yvonne, Ms. Ana, Ms. Linda, and Ms. Miranda. read more

I enrolled my daughter in Cottontail's 2 year old class last year. Absolutely the best decision my wife and I made. When we were searching for preschools, we went to the newer and more popular Chula Vista preschools... we were not impressed. The staff members at two of the locations seemed uninterested and were not friendly. We went to Cottontail and immediately noticed the exterior of the building is dated and needs a fresh coat of paint. Once we got inside our impression totally changed. We were greeted with a smile from the director Denise and got an instant tour of the school. The interior of the school and classrooms had a home-like feeling and we loved it. I signed my daughter up for their full time program that day. It was an easy decision to make! We Love Cottontail! read more

My son has been in a home day care since he was a baby. Since he will be three soon, I felt that it was time that he be around other Children his age, so I enrolled him in Cottontail Preschool. When I first toured the school, I expressed my concerns about my son to the Center Director. I explained to her that he had tendency to throw tantrums and that he was not used to being around other children. She assured me that he would do fine and that there was never a child that she couldn't deal with. Her enthusiasm convinced me to enroll him in a 3 day a week program. His first week I called at least twice a day to see how he was doing. Every single time I called I was told he was doing "great" and that he was doing very well with playing with other children. I was happy with the progress he was making. On the last day of his first week he came home with a big gash on his head. The teacher explained to us that he threw a bit of a tantrum and was banging his head on the carpet. The more I thought of it, the more upset it made me. How long must have he been doing this in order to get a huge gash on CARPET! Why was I not called immediately?! ?! This was out of my sons character and it concerned me. I received a call the following week from Center Director telling me how bad my son did the first week and that he may not be ready for preschool. I explained to her that I would call to talk to his teacher at least twice a day and never got any bad reports. Her response "sometimes teachers get scared to tell parents if the child isn't doing good... I'm sorry you were told that.. I will talk to her." She explained to me that it was better to start of in a smaller setting for him and hopefully he would come back when he was ready. Being as that I was Blatanly LIED to and that my son was not watched closely, I definately NOT take her up on that offer. I am just baffled with the poor communication between the teachers, the director, and the parents. Wouldn't recommend this school to ANYONE! read more