This is the second of a series of reviews I'm composing about small businesses in or around Fullerton that I've come to appreciate over the ~20 years I've lived in this town. The series is precipitated by the knowledge that I will be moving out of Fullerton next year, which already gives me a sense of loss. So let me tell you why Morningside gets all my stars, and a piece of my heart too. Presumably, if you are reading this entry, then you are a local parent in need of juggling a job and childcare, and, so, are considering Morningside. You might be a new parent feeling some anxiety about giving their child over to teachers and staff who they don't know from Adam. I know that I and my wife did. We made calls. We did site visits. Read reviews. But prepare and research as we might, the idea of handing the kids over--literally passing the children over the safety gate to the Toucans' Class--was something that we managed to keep at a distance until the day came. Now, looking back on that day, which happened years ago, I realize that what I was doing was handing our kids over to some of the most caring, loving women I possibly could, ladies who consistently kept the well-being of our kids at heart. Unlike so many yelp reviews nowadays that rate a business without even patronizing the business, this review is written by someone who has sent two kids through Morningside. To learn to care so much for kids who are, in the end, not your own kids, presents challenges that I've not even fathomed. It is easy to get grossed out when your own kid throws up or soils their diapers. It is difficult for me to contain my anger when I see one of my kids throw objects at the other with intent to harm. I challenge you to take a full minute to imagine the patience and compassion required of you to tend to these and other needs of *other parents'* kids, say, when that other kid gets diarrhea or when he bites you on the forearm. Teachers at Morningside succeed on this score. This is one reason I insist that Ms. Katie and Ms. Katrina, Ms. Erica and Ms. Kay, Ms. Kathy and Ms. Heidi, Ms. Julie and Ms. Amanda, Ms. Jenny and Ms. Kelly get all my stars and, yes, a piece of my heart too. Because they continue to love and care for my kids, and because of how they do this. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. read more

Yes it is great but in but where to older kids are some of them are mean but the workers are so nice

I have children that are enrolled in both the preschool and before/afterschool program. We have been so pleased with Morningside! The staff at Morningside are like moms to my kiddos. My son has made some of his closest friends at Morningside. It's great because they often get to meet kids outside of their schools. My daughter has thrived in the preschool program and just started TK in public school this year. Her new teacher commented on how well she's adjusted to new classroom norms. I really feel that it's partly from the direction and guidance she has received at Morningside. Also, they provide a lunch for the preschool kids! Do you know great it is to not have to pack a lunch?! This mom highly recommends Morningside! read more

My son is going on his 4th year at Morningside. He started at two and will now be going into 1st grade-he LOVES it here! As an educator we visited many preschools and fell in love with Morningside. As a busy mom it was awesome to have a homemade lunch provided in preschool. The teachers and staff are all warm and inviting and make you feel confident in leaving your child in their care. Now that he is in their school age program it is awesome taking your child somewhere they want to be. My son does not have to attend during summer but begs to! They have field trips 3x weekly and fun activities the other days. I can't recommend them enough! read more

After enrolling my son for roughly 3 months, I had to withdraw him after being bullied on a regular basis in front of staff while they sat and did nothing. My son came home crying begging me not to send him back after being bullied by a van full of students while the driver did nothing to help him. He was even physically attacked by another child while the staff member admitted to "watching to see how far it would go" and did nothing to help him. I wrote a letter to the management and they lacked the professionalism to respond. Given that this is a church facility I expected the management to hold their staff members to a certain moral standard. I was sorely mistaken, hopefully this review will help other parents to not make the same mistake I did. read more

Morningside is, overall, a pretty good choice for a preschool in Fullerton. We fully trust the teachers, who are simply wonderful, caring, warm, empathic and supportive. They also strictly follow protocol when it comes to your child's having a (hopefully minor) accident: you'll receive a written and typically also an oral report detailing how they responded to your child's needs/distress. A couple of things make this a 3.5- to 4-star, rather than a 5-star institution. One is that the kids, even when they are no longer nappers (they no longer nap at home, e.g., on weekends), have to lie down with everyone else and can't get up and play before 3pm. This has the effect, at least in our case, that the kids will do a lot of their sleeping there, not at home. We're frequently awake until about 10:15pm with ours because they are simply not tired enough to go to sleep. For us as working parents, this is a very exhausting and unsustainable situation. Another thing is that the preschool is a bit of a black-box, despite their use of the Seesaw app. There are no parent evenings or other gatherings, and there is no real exchange about your child's learning progress, their moral development, or anything like that. In other words, the trust I mentioned earlier is inevitable, as you don't have specific criteria to go on that tell you that your child is thriving or realizing their potential. read more

We had been looking for a Daycare facility for our 2 year old twins & after some research & visits to several facilities we knew we had found the one, when we where immediately welcomed through the doors of Morningside, it's been a year since they started & we are just amazed at how well they have came on with conversation, confidence, words & numbers & all basic aspects of education at their level, the Staff are amazing with our children they just love all of them can't say enough about this school read more

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I had a very similar experience to the woman who wrote about the school miraculously being full after a visit to the school with her in-potty trainer son - except mine was due to my daughter's allergies, and potentially because I was not white nor are we Christian. Last summer, I needed care for my then 2.5-year-old (potty trained) and I asked if they were nut free since my daughter has severe nut allergies. Cindy assured me it was nut free. Wonderful! I conducted a tour with my husband (white) first and then visited again with my daughter and loved the teacher we met in preschool - she was very nice. We went over the lunch menu, since food is included in the tuition, and I was surprised to see they served honey NUT Cheerios and trail mix as a snack. These are not nut allergy safe so I asked if I could send my own safe snacks when these items are served. Teacher said it was fine and they'd work with us. Cindy was less accommodating and said my daughter may feel left out if all the friends had snacks she couldn't enjoy. However, i liked the teacher enough and she told me she would learn what is safe for my child. When I was told they do a chapel visit once a week and asked if we could opt out since my family is Muslim, I was told my child would feel left out. I was told they just sing songs - so I told Cindy it would be fine if my daughter partook in the religious class. I came to the school one Friday to drop off my form after obtaining our vaccine records. First, I was shocked that no one was at the front desk -- and I was able to walk all the way into the building (no locked doors, no security!) and out to the playground to find Cindy there with the preschool kids. Still, I dropped off my application and was met with hesitancy only to be told they are full and I'll hear back, which surprised me because they were not full a few days earlier! My husband called a week later to check on our application and was again told we were on the waitlist. We didn't do the detective work the other mother did but immediately assumed we were not allowed to enroll because of our allergies and our race / religion. Truly this entire experience was a blessing because upon doing research I found a much better Montessori program for a better cost and zero judgement. My daughter is thriving there. With such fantastic schools in Fullerton and even nearby Anaheim, this shouldn't be at the top of your list. Thanks for also making this other mom feel like crap and giving my 2.5 year old a taste of discrimination so young. read more

I wish I could give zero stars. I was surprised to feel such judgment, and even worse, lied to. We were looking to enroll my three year old son in preschool. We informed them that we were working on potty training and the staff member replied "Oh he isn't potty trained yet? How old is he again?"...I said, we are working on it. If you know about children, boys are often later to the potty party than girls. I let them know that he was not on the phone and they said it was not a problem, they would just charge more and offer potty training support. Then, I saw where they do diaper changes. It was like an old school cramped space. Should have seen these red flags then, but the school was so close and had good reviews on Yelp, I guess I tried to overlook it. Here is the worst part. After our tour and we called to see their availability, we were told over the phone that they no longer had availability. Something was not sitting right. So...did a little recon Scooby Doo detective work and had my friend call with the same info I called with the same info I did, minus the potty training concern. Guess what???? They miraculously had a spot open for the same day and time we had requested! I had my sister call (because now I was really curious) and asked for same days/times, for a three year old unpotty trained boy. Again, another miracle! An opening! My sister said she was not able to get down to do paperwork for a couple of weeks and was told there were plenty of openings, so there was no problem at all!!! In case you were wondering, we had spoken to the same person on all occasions (I think she was the owner?). Were we profiled? Do they do this to pick and choose kids? Because my son was not white and I am? I don't throw that card out lightly, but there was something that was not inclusive and I can't rule anything out. I called them back to say yes, that a friend and my sister called and proceeded to let them know that I knew what was going on, and the same lady tried denying at first and then said "what three year old isn't potty trained?!?" I wish there was a way to get this information out besides just on Yelp, but maybe I can save someone the time of checking this place out. To say that I was surprised to see such shady practices at a Christian preschool is an understatement. We went on to go to another Presbyterian preschool in Fullerton that worked out just fine. And yes, my son is now potty trained. Thanks for making a mother feel like crap. read more

I couldn't have asked for a better place for my child to learn to socialize, learn about Jesus, or make absolutely adorable works of art. I love all the staff. They are kind and sensitive to each child's needs. read more

This has always been a facility that is great for our children and the staff does an amazing job keeping the kids engaged and active. Considering what the world has gone through in 2020 with Covid-19, I was curious how they would rebound from such large concerns. I can tell you that the measures they have put in place are practical and protect the health and safety of our children. I highly recommend Morningside Children's Center and can't thank them enough for how they help our family. read more

We've sent my daughter to preschool here for the last year and have had a great experience. The teachers are very nice and really engage the kids. My daughter has a lot of fun. They have been really flexible with our schedule and lunches and snacks are provided. read more

As parents of two boys attending the preschool, I'd say it's a hidden gem within the community, the teachers are very helpful and provide good information to parents and kids. There are always events via calendar monthly on the bulletin board, and children are able to play with one another without major problem. Although there is no school nurse available, the teachers do caught on quick and report to the guardians right away for something in between school. The tuition isn't the cheapest nor the highest, it's pretty fair and affordable. Be honest, you get what you pay for and it's not the best education you can give to your kids comparing to private institutions but the fundamental and the basic are presented with joy and fun; to me that's what you want to give your kids during their development phase. I want to say give this place a try if you're looking for local nearby preschool or transition pre-k. I believe there's also after school session available for elementary school with school bus for parents working until 6ish. Which means kids become friends and go long way ahead! Find out more by contact them while space is limited **we waited for half year until opening FYI... read more

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Love this school. All the teachers are fantastic. They are very flexible and work with our changing schedules. Our son loves it so much he calls it Fun School. We have had a great experience so far. Looking forward to more great years to come. read more

My daughter has been going here the past 2 years and I love it. Especially their summer camp. They go to all different kinds of places like the beach, museums, water parks, and other places too. I love Mrs. Katie, and the kids all love her. She works so well with the kids and she truely has a heart for them. read more

Our daughter has had a great summer at the camp. The staff organize fun activities each day, and they take the time to get to know the kids.

The Summer camp has been an awesome experience for my child. The teachers and staff are very friendly and welcoming. They also help the children with math and reading skills. Everyday they offer fun activities for the kids. I love it!! read more

My children are in their 20's now but our memories of Morningside are sweet. My youngest started at age 2 and my oldest was in the after school program at age 7 years. At times they were taken to school and picked up to go back to the after school program. The care and kindness shown each day made this transition so important to me. I remember the many fun trips in the summer to museums, Knott's and water parks! We are still in touch with the teachers and consider them family. My sons made lifelong friends at MCC and have many happy memories! ( I still have a lot of the artwork they made over those years too!) read more

My Grandson is enrolled in this preschool program & we and he are very happy with it. Teachers are really good and kind, caring and professional as well as the director. We had taken him out of a home preschool with concerns during this pandemic and we decided to look for another option, and we are so glad to have made this choice. Tuition is also very reasonable. read more

It's hard finding the right pre-school for your child. I was able to find Morningside and come by to meet the teachers and the staff and I was so happy because we ended up sending our son here. They have a very detailed monthly snack menu, activity report and list of upcoming special events. The teachers are very kind, nurturing and flexible with schedules. The pricing is quality for what you get with the school. My son loves going here (even if he cried at the beginning). They have great classes for 2's, 3's and pre-k. Since going here my sons vocabulary, speech and personality have developed ten-fold. Depending on your schedule and needs Morningside can help you with your children too. read more

Great daycare, 2 of our 3 go there and love it, the 3rd will soon be going too. Lots of kids attend and also convenient bus/shuttle to some local schools (Acacia and Raymond Elementary, i believe) before and after school hours. They also have summer daycare read more

We looked at many schools for our son before deciding on Morningside. Everyday was filled with lessons and laughter. The holiday programs were always my favorite time of the year, but nothing compared to the wonderful teachers that watch after the kids. Always felt like family and still maintain great relationships with friends and teachers alike. Will always be a special place for me and my family. read more

I've had all 3 of my kids go through the preschool program and 2 of them are in the after-school program. This place has been wonderful ! Quality curriculum, very loving staff, extremely flexible and have been willing to work with me throughout the years. Same teachers who really stand out that have been there for years have played a big role in helping my children grow and learn. I've had nothing but a great experience with this place read more

My daughter and my nieces attended this preschool and then after-school program. They were very well prepared for Kindergarten and the staff is so loving and caring toward each child. They seem to really go out of their way to get to know each child and their families. The girls really enjoyed their experience here and I recommend it to any reasonable person with young children. read more

Good preschool with reasonable tuition. My son spent his pre-school and pre-K there. Now that my son is in Kindergarten, I can see that the time he spent at Morningside prepared him with good start for Kindergarten. I love all of the staffs there. They were very helpful, friendly and informative. I disagree with the previous review that rated this school low. My son is a very active kid so he gets his minor "owwies" at home and sometimes at school . That is normal for every kids. I can't imagine there is any kid who does not have scratches or bruises through out childhood. We now moved to another city and it was hard to say good bye to Morningside. I wish I can keep him in after school care there. read more

Morning side has been a wonderful experience for my son. Reasonable tuition and a fun staff.

Great place! My daughter attends Acacia and is picked up and dropped off from Morningside just about everyday. She is always happy and looks forward to her day. Great staff!! read more

My son has been attending since he was 3. The preschool program is fantastic. They have a great caring staff of teachers that has remained pretty much the same since we started. They serve hot, nutritious, kid friendly lunches and snacks. My son was well prepared for kindergarten. The after school program is good. They pick up from the local schools and feed them snack. They do homework and play outside. On days the elementary students are there all day, they take the children on field trips to a wide variety of kid friendly places such as the equestrian center, beach, California Pizza Kitchen, Fullerton Airport, and more. All for a reasonable price. They also have Wi-Fi for the older students on the IPAD progam coming from Acacia. read more

I looked forever to find a school as a single working mom. I couldn't be happier with Morningside. The teachers and staff are loving, caring and respectful. We had a rough patch with my son and his outbreaks and we as the adults in his life all sat down and found a plan to help him find his groove. They are all a blessing and know they love my son too. Also get price for the quality. read more

Morningside Presbyterian Children's Center is a great place to have a child grow their creativity and imagination. My son has learned so much and everyday he comes home with something new to share with me. The teachers are a true blessing and always understanding. I have grown to love this center because it has been able to allow me the flexibility of my hectic schedule and the peace of knowing that my child is in good hands. read more

amazing childcare!!! my daughter has been here for over a year and a half she's learned so much. The teachers are great.

All of our kids attended Morningside Presbyterian Children Center. We highly recommend this preschool. The teachers are very loving. By the time Kindergarten starts, my kids were more than ready and were very well prepared for it. We also love the fact that the kids get some teaching from the Bible. Experiencing the Christmas and Easter season while attending the school was wonderful as well. read more

Just wanted to share my family's awesome experience with Morningside Day Care. My daughter has been going now for 4 years. She loves it. All of the teachers are so hands on. Miss Katie, Mrs Nikki, and all the other wonderful teachers have helped shaped her growth and development. They help teach our children how to be good humans in the world. They do charity for Meals in Wheels. Wednesday's she gets a little "churching up" at chapel. During Christmas my daughter participates in the Holiday Show each year that the Morningside teachers put together. They help with homework or remind her to get her soccer gear on before we pick up on certain nights. It's just very personalized and I trust my gal is safe and having fun. The summer camp program is the best. Tons of fun outings, and never a dull moment. Now we are counting down the days until my 1.5 year old is old enough to start. Thank you Morningside! read more

I love this after-school program. My girls can't wait to go their. they have so much fun. they always have activities for the kids and it's very structured. but that's just the things that my kids look forward to the thing that I appreciate the most is that my kids don't come home acting out of control they have a lot of structure there and are very firm with disappointing they make sure that the kids know right from wrong and teach them the moral aspects of life that they need to continue on into their adulthood I have had very bad experiences in the past at different facilities, but my kids constantly talk positive about their friends the staff and they love going to mass on Wednesdays I can't say that I have had anything bad to say about this place and it's been about a year since they've been attending I can for sure say that when I'm at work I feel at ease knowing that my kids are safe and that they're having fun. home work is always done neat and correctly. love it read more

I have had my son at Morningside for over 3 years. He was there for preK and when he went to Kindergarten he was completely ready from Morningsides PreK preparation. I now use Morningsides before and after program which is absolutely a God sent. They take my so to and from school for me and will even do his homework with him. Makes my like easier as a single parent that works full time. Very reasonable tuition and wonderful staff. I will be continuing to use Morningside until my son goes to Junior High. read more

My child has been attending for almost two years, she gets picked up after school and I pick her up when I am off work anytime before 6pm (allows me to have peace of mind and not worry if I will be home on time etc.). They also help her with homework another plus for busy parents. :) read more

horrible place to bring any child, completely aweful director, has no clue how to communicate with staff, staff don't communicate with each other, numerous and numerous accidents that hurt my child practically daily scratches, daily bumps bruises, and they call them "owwies", just aweful, dirty hallways, dirty floors, dirty toys, everything old, a gravel pit they call a sand box, un-attentive staff, un-attentive teachers, always some sort of crisis there, never any positive resolution of issues, only negative feedback from the director, their way of resolving issues is to sweep them under the rug and ask you to leave and move your child to another school, JUST AWEFUL, I recommend no parent ever bring their child to this place, parking lot is a crumbling asphalt mine field, NO SECURITY what so ever at this school, ANYONE can just walk in, walk into any classroom, kids are hardly protected and with little protection, many routes of stranger entry and egress, very scary school, and even worst staff, there is also NO CHRISTIAN studies for the kids, they just learn regular songs, NOTHING CHRISTIAN based, this place is nothing more than a state run school, under state guidelines, state dictated meals, state dictated curriculum & NON-attentive teachers...and for the price, almost $700/month, kids deserve better, i hope more parents boycott this school, just aweful, and watch out for the scouts they offer, broken equipment, very dangerous, hardly any supervision, aweful, aweful. read more