We absolutely loved being part of the Michelle's Backyard community, and we were genuinely sad to leave when we moved away. If we hadn't moved out of state, we would still be there. What I loved most was the love and care that Michelle and her team have for the kids and their families. Michelle is really intentional about building community among the families, and that turned out to be a beautiful source of support as we all navigated the highs and lows of raising little ones together. Michelle is also thoughtful and brings a real wealth of expertise to creating learning experiences for a multi-age group. My daughter loved learning about the life cycles of butterflies and ladybugs -- they actually grew them and watched them take flight! When the kids studied different types of transportation, they painted a big refrigerator box yellow and turned it into a school bus. Beyond the hands-on learning, the kids build cooperation skills, learn how to care for their space, and develop real self-reliance and confidence. We can't recommend Michelle's Backyard highly enough. If you're looking for a warm, thoughtful, community-centered place for your child to learn and grow, this is it. read more

If you're looking for a daycare for your kids, look no further. We fell in love with Michelle's Backyard the moment we met Michelle and knew this place was something special. Michelle is the best at this. She has an incredible connection with both the kids and the parents, and she's built a real community around both. The program itself is amazing. If you're looking for something unique, different, outdoors, and fun-inspired, where your kid comes home completely exhausted every day because they just had the best time ever, this is the place. There's not a single bad thing we could say. If you're lucky enough to find a spot, take it. read more

Our daughter started here when she was two and a half years old. And we are very fortunate to have her attend Michelle's Backyard! She loves all the activities (bouncy houses, reptile day, all the crafts during major holidays) and field trips to different locations around south bay and Los Angeles area. But most of all, she loves the teacher/caretaker and the group of friends that she interacts with daily. It is truly a family atmosphere. I would advice if you're interested, to email or inquire about open position asap. (We contacted Michelle before our daughter was born) read more

For me, Michelle's Backyard was the closest thing to having family look after our son that I could imagine, and we always felt completely safe and comfortable knowing he was with Michelle. Michelle cares very genuinely for the children and families, and always showed so much love and care for all of us - It was always clear that Michelle's Backyard is so much more than a business for her! It's a genuine passion, and she really is incredible at taking care of, nurturing and teaching children. The group is big enough that your child can learn to socialize and play with a variety of other children well, but small enough that they all build strong bonds and connections together as a group. Our son loved his time there, and always seemed to feel just at home at Michelle's as he did at our own home (which is the highest praise I can give!). Michelle also creates a true family environment among the children and community with the parents by organizing field trips, picnics, camping etc. throughout the year, which we loved being a part of, and goes way beyond any other daycare curriculum I've known. read more

Ah, where do I even start- there are not enough words to express how much we and most importantly our son loved it at Michelle's. It was more than a daycare, it was like our second home. Michelle has created a space that was so well balanced too in terms of growth and development and creative play. From the very start we saw how loving and caring Michelle was. We got lucky and Michelle had an opening after we had moved to Manhattan Beach from Santa Monica, we've confirmed the start date- Michelle learned of our daily long commute back to our Santa Monica daycare so she worked around her schedule for us to start earlier and not have to do that commute. We had to relocate to the Bay Area and sadly have not come close to finding a place like Michelle's. It has been the hardest thing about this move to have to leave Michelle's. read more

Michelle's Backyard is the best!! Our two year old daughter has been at Michelle's since she was one and absolutely LOVES it. There are a million reasons why Michelle's Backyard is perfect for our family, but these are some of the big ones: the kids play outside all day, learn through play and interact in a mixed aged environment. The big kids learn patience and the little ones learn new skills. There is always a new art project, monthly theme (dinosaurs, bugs, solar system, etc), field trip, dress up day or opportunity for fun, hands on learning. Our daughter loves showing off the Downward Dog pose she learned in yoga class. Michelle's Backyard is a very enriching environment run by people who genuinely care about kids and love what they do. One of the extra bonuses has been learning from Michelle - my husband and I are always picking up new parenting tips and tricks. If you meet her teenage kids you'll understand why we want ours to turn out like hers. They are amazing! Something I didn't expect was that daycare really like a family. Michelle really goes above and beyond to encourage parents to interact - whether it be group texts or throwing baby showers for pregnant moms! We toured a number of the larger daycare facilities and are SO SO happy we chose Michelle's. She really cares. I recently went on a work trip and was gone for a few days and she texted me pictures of my daughter and little messages of support throughout my time away. When I was busy and didn't have time to pick up rain boots for an upcoming storm, Michelle sent me home with her own waterproof spray. It's hard to drop your children off but I'm SO happy ours is here! read more

Michelle's Backyard (MB) deserves all the stars in the universe, and every child and family deserves a daycare/preschool environment as supportive and enriching as this. I can't overstate this enough... MB is as much support network for parents as it is developmentally enriching for children. Expect to play, chat, hang out, connect, and carry relationships on for years to come. Our child started at 7 months old, and will continue until aging out at 3 years 7 months. WHAT INITIALLY DREW ME TO MICHELLE'S: * The play-based, learning-as-fun philosophy, as outlined on the website, coupled with maximum time outdoors. This is a place where kids are encouraged to explore, get dirty, and express themselves. * Meeting Michelle's own two children, who were 14 and 16 at the time, and who impressed me with their ability and willingness to engage in easy conversation, while also demonstrating caring interaction with the young children. I figured if she could raise two teenagers like that, she must be doing something right. * Being accosted by hugs as soon as I walked through the gate for my tour. There was a huge vibe of love and compassion. * The little potties sitting right there outside for easy access, indicative of the no-shame, honest environment it is. WHAT I THINK ABOUT IT NOW: CONS : AGING OUT. You will have to transition to another place for your child for 1-2 years before they are old enough for Kindergarten. If you are like us and have a winter baby, they will age out the summer before they turn 4. Definitely sad. CLOSURES. MB is closed a total of 4-5 weeks a year, which can be difficult for some families if they do not have work flexibility or other alternative care options. HOURS. 8am-5:30pm can be difficult if you definitely need to start work by 8am. PROS: MICHELLE, JOCELYN, GRAMMA. Not everyone can be upbeat, positive, excited, and endlessly compassionate at the end of nine hours with 12 kids under the age of 4. Their personalities, attitude, and philosophies make this place special. CREATIVITY. Learning is definitely made interesting and fun, not rote. Example: The kids had one hand wrapped in Crisco and plastic wrap to simulate blubber, then stuck both hands into a tub of ice water to understand how a thick layer of fat might help polar bears, whales, seals, and penguins to thrive in frigid environments. Who thinks of stuff like that??!? MESS. Sandbox, garden, mud kitchen, painting parties, cooking... enough said. BOUNDARIES. For all the freedom the kids have, clear boundaries are set and adhered to. Safety and behavioral rules are clear and consistently enforced. Whining and fits are not tolerated. Your kid will also get onto a clear routine for nap and eating times. PERSONAL CARE. That said, if your kid is having a rough day, they will figure out a way to hold and cuddle your kid, without lessening the care given to the others. They push kids to get better at areas where they struggle, while also respecting unique preferences and personalities (they let my child watch sports class for months to get used to the idea, before finally pushing participation). The uniqueness of each child is emphasized and celebrated. They will also accommodate food allergies. HONESTY. Michelle will tell you what she thinks is best for your child, bluntly, no easing into it, often unsolicited. It comes from a place of helpfulness and experience, not judgement. What I appreciate is that Michelle will often work with you, even if she isn't a huge fan of your decision/method. When she told us she thought we were tackling potty training too early, we were afraid she might just put our kid in a diaper, but instead she gave it a shot, and helped make the transition happen successfully. SICK POLICY (some people may consider this a con for germ transmission reasons). You won't be getting a call every time your kid has a slight fever or a dripping nose. EXTRAS. For the kids, MB has regular programming like sports class, music class, yoga, on a weekly basis, plus field trips or other special on-site enrichment (animal visits, egg hunts, etc.) usually monthly. For the parents, MB offers babysitting nights from time to time so parents can get out, or Mom Night/Dad Night activities hosted by her to help parents get to know one another better. For families, there are weekend outings or potlucks, usually quarterly, where extended family can participate, too. Michelle is also known to give random gifts... a new Plasma Car showed up on our front porch one day, with a note telling us our child enjoyed riding them at Michelle's Backyard, and that one might be enjoyed at home, too. What other daycare does that? read more

Michelle's Backyard Preschool & Daycare - I love that my kid is allowed to get this dirty in Michelle's Backyard! - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

My daughter was 2 when she began at Michelle's. We found this gem through our good friends and neighbors. We had visited a few other daycares and we did not like any of them for different reasons. The second we walked through the gates at Michelle's I already knew that this place was so different. I immediately loved the outdoor set up and emphasis on play based learning. The different rotating stations (library, Science, dress up, gardening, mud kitchen, etc) themes of the month, and field trips based on the monthly units was so impressive to me. I am a teacher and this was exactly the type of environment I wanted for my child. In addition, Michelle's ability to connect with each child was evident. She has a calm, direct, and loving way of communicating with the children and managing conflicts among them. I appreciated her honesty and communication with the parents as well. It truly is a family atmosphere at Michelle's. She plans events for the moms and dads to hang out and connect so I have been able to meet so many incredible people. Not to mention, different potlucks for all the families to come and celebrate holidays and events. My experience here is better than I could have imagined. My daughter has developed into a strong, brave, assertive little person with problem solving skills. Michelle is the best and we are so thankful to have her in our life. read more

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I searched high and low for a day care to send my son when I went back to work. He was 11 months at the time and had spent all his time with me. After leaving most day care centers, I was in tears because I just didn't feel like he would get the attention and care that I had given him. When I found Michelle's Backyard, I knew it was a perfect fit. I loved that it is out of a house and had a small enough program where he could play and socialize but still be loved and cared for as he would at my own home. I highly recommend Michelle's Backyard. (Oh and a bonus is she helps potty train!!) read more

My daughter started with Michelle when she was just 9 weeks old. I knew as soon as I met Michelle that this was the perfect home and daycare for my daughter! Michelle is passionate, loving, thoughtful, and easy going. The pictures and videos I would get daily were the highlight of my day while I was away. Her backyard is incredible and filled with activities. I was also fortunate that if my work meetings required me to stay late at work, Michelle was always willing to assist when her schedule allowed. Her kids embraced my child as if she was their sibling. I can't say enough wonderful things about Michelle and the fabulous families we met as a part of attending her in home daycare. Even to this day (she's now 4 1/2 and in preschool) when we drive by or are in the vicinity my daughter always wants to stop in and say hi to her pal, Michelle. She will always be part of our family! read more

Michelle's Backyard is the best childcare program available in the South Bay. She is amazing. We were enrolled at a daycare center prior for about 8 months and it was awful. I feel sick just thinking we were there that long! My baby was sick almost every week with something new. They never went outside and the staff were not attentive. I was ecstatic when I was accepted into Michelle's. It changed our family! My kid has so much fun there. She gets so much love and attention while there and I have peace of mind. Cant ask for anything more. Each month has a new theme of learning and activities, they go on field trips... she treats every kid like they are her very own. Another great part of Michelle's is the support you get not only from Michelle's family but also the parents of the children enrolled. I could go on and on telling you why she is simply the best. I m so in love with this place. We have another one coming and she will also be enrolled and I am actually excited for her first day. The kids have so much fun there I actually feel guilty when I keep my child home for the day to hang with me. 20 stars if I could. Life changing for us.. read more

Michelle's backyard has been an absolute blessing for my son. Our 3.5yr old son loves it here and has made so many great friends. His last daycare he would cry every time we left and beg us not to go, but not here! He comes home excited to tell us about his day. He has grown so much since he has been here. We are so happy we found Michelle's backyard and Michelle truly cares about each kid and their family. This is the best place you can send your kid. read more

We can't express how happy we were to find Michelle's Backyard. One of the hardest things to do as a new parent (first time or third time like us) is to start day care after an extended period of staying home with your baby. But, Michelle helped make this as an easy a transition as possible. The key really is all of the love she showers on the children. It not only makes them love to come to daycare, but it also creates a community that we hold dear to this day. It's really something you have to see to appreciate. Walk into Michelle's Backyard and what do you see? Happy kids! There is an energy about the place, a happy homey vibe, that draws you in and makes you want to stay. Michelle is extremely caring and does a great job teaching the children to play cooperatively yet develop a strong sense of independence and responsibility. She has an excellent mix of indoor and outdoor activities in her fabulous backyard. Children get plenty of time to run and play and be active, coupled with more low-key activities. Michelle invests her heart in every child and creates a community for the families that doesn't end, even when it is time for your child to move on. Our daughter made wonderful friends, and my husband and I were fortunate to make friends with their friends' parents. We still go back to visit Michelle and the other kids as often as we can. We recommend Michelle's daycare without reservation! read more

There are a lot of childcare choices out there. You can find plenty that will take good care of your kids and provide them an environment to learn and grow. However, it is harder to find a place where they will be a mother to your kids. That's exactly what she provides to the kids she cares for - an extended mother and family. Considering kids can end up spending more time at childcare than they do at home, this is invaluable. You will be so glad that you left your kids in her care. read more

I can't say enough wonderful things about Michelle's Backyard Preschool. It's a great play-based alternative preschool. Before Michelle's I had my son enrolled in a conventional preschool. There, he had a hard time adjusting to their curriculum and expectations. The more the school tried to push my son into doing school work and "homework' (assignments he didn't complete in class) the more he would shut down when it came to learning, even it at home. But at Michelle's he is more engaged in the activities because it's of his own choosing and isn't being coerced into it. Here, he is allowed to make his own choices and is allowed to find his own way of learning. I love that at the end of the day my son tells me all the things he's done and learned and is excited to go back the next day. I'm more thrilled that he asks to sit together and read books or that he wants to do his " work" ( Pre-Kinder/ Kinder activity books that I've bought); that he's eager to learn. Ultimately, not everyone learns the same way. With that being said, I love the philosophy at Michelle's: Learn by playing. The concept that my son is learning while he's having fun playing is wonderful and has proven to me that this learning/ teaching method best suits him. Michelle is someone who loves and enjoys what she does. She is loving and caring and treats everyone like family. I am so glad I found Michelle's Backyard. read more

We have our 2 kids enrolled at Michelle's. They love her, Angie, and Gramma and they care for them as their own. Play based learning environment, no age division so kids learn to interact with older and young. Although almost all my paycheck goes to tuition, there is really no price for our kids well being and our peace of mind (esp. when we were first time parents). We are dreading having to look for another place since the limit is now 4 yo. read more

I don't know where to begin on how wonderful Michelle and her Preschool/Daycare have been to our family. Making a decision about where to send our son for daycare was NOT easy for us and I am so grateful that Michelle was able to care for him and later for our daughter as well. Our son started at Michelle's when he was 18 months old and is now graduating at 4 years old. Our daughter started at 6 months and is now 2 1/2 years old and will be staying until she graduates. Michelle has treated our children like family and they have grown and learned so much from her. Our children love her, and we love her! She's created an amazing environment there. They've been able to experience field trips, outdoor play, arts, crafts, music, yoga, exercise, learning numbers and letters, sharing (our son is very slow in that department and she has been extra patient with him ;) the list goes on and on. As new parents, she's also taught us a lot and has been very patient and caring with us! She's created a loving and nurturing environment that is like a family. It is a truly special place. We trust her absolutely and feel blessed to have her in our lives. I can not say enough about Michelle and her Backyard. read more

My 3 year old son has been attending Michelle's Backyard for almost 2 years and I honestly cannot imagine a better preschool/daycare for him. He has had difficulties in the past adjusting to new people and places but not here. He actually would cry when he had to leave in some cases which is NOT like him at all!!!! He comes home with stories about his day and projects that he made that just fills our hearts with joy. Not only has he grown mentally and emotionally but his creativity is off the charts!!! This place started as my son's preschool but has since grown into our FAMILY! Everything from being flexible for the parents to helping us out in the toughest of times....Michelle has been a true blessing to our family. IT DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN MICHELLE'S BACKYARD!!!! read more

Michelle is the most caring wonderful person I have met. I wish my son could be there through high school. Her own family is around in the afternoons and they treat the kids like their own family. She has the most amazing son and daughter, truly beautiful souls so I trust that whatever she is doing is the best thing for my child. My son still loves to visit Michelle's and gets mad at me when I visit without him. I LOVE THIS PLACE I would never send my kids anywhere else after having been here. read more

Michelle is the best. She is very caring, structured and giving. My son spent his first three years in there and he was the most happy child in the world. Michelle was a second mom to him. I highly recommend Michelle's Backyard. read more

The hardest thing as a working parent for me was trusting someone else to love and nurture my little girl when I had to be away from her. I found Michelle when my daughter turned one and I was looking for a smaller, less structured daycare where my daughter could be a kid and roll around in the dirt, grass and water if that's what made her happy. From day one I have been happy with Michelle and all that happens during my daughter's days at Michelle's Backyard. I have many pictures and videos sent from Michelle to document the fun, learning and nurturing that goes on all day long. The kids learn and explore throughout the day as they climb, play in water, paint, ride scooters, read, imagine and socialize with the other children. After a year (she is two now), my daughter can count to 10, knows her colors and shapes, is communicating well and most importantly is caring, empathetic and learning to share and be a part of a wonderful community. For the parent who is looking for their child to be loved, respected and nurtured in an environment that supports their emotional and social development as well as early learning through play, Michelle's Backyard just may be what you are looking for. read more

My kids have been attending Michelle's backyard for about a year and a half. Michelle does lots of activities with the kids and takes them all on field trips. When I pick up my kids at the end of the day, they ask to stay longer. So glad we found her and will continue trusting her with our children. read more

Michelle has been incredible. She really cares for your child and does her best to make sure they are happy, supported, and well taken care of. I don't think we could have found a better daycare for our child. I highly recommend Michelle's Backyard. read more

Our oldest son "graduated" from Michelle's Backyard a year ago and is a confident, happy and thriving 4-year old today. Michelle certainly played a central role in shaping his social and emotional development. We were fortunate enough to find Michelle as first-time parents. She immediately put our novice parenting jitters at ease and quickly earned our full trust in caring for our son. Well, sons, really. Our second child is currently in Michelle's care and like all the kiddos there, feeds off of her boundless energy and infectious positive spirit. We LOVE Michelle and consider her an extended part of our family. read more