What an amazing school! Full of wonderful teachers who encourage children to have fun and learn through hands on experiences. Everyday was filled with fun activities, cool projects and messy hands. TCP has been such an amazing experience for our family. We went to TCP for 5 years with my two boys and it was a great learning experience for them. TCP parents are very involved in the school which I think is an amazing once in a lifetime experience. I am so happy our family was able to go through TCP and meet so many wonderful people and that I got to share this experience with my littles. Having the memories of them growing up and watching them learn was something that I will cherish forever. It is a co-op so there were responsibilities within the school which I thought were very manageable. They are able to work with your schedule and find the right fit for your family. read more

Tustin Community Preschool - Preschools Near Me - Tustin, California

Preschool is a formative experience for young children and I don't know of a better choice than TCP. This is a parent participation program that is really worth your time. The teachers are so loving and fun. The community that is created at this co-op can enrich yours and your child's life for years to come. If you can spend a few hours each week, you can do this school. It is such a gift. read more

Tustin Community Preschool - Field trip - Preschools Near Me - Tustin, California

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This is the Village you know it takes to raise a child. The year Little turned 2, I signed her up for the parent-toddler sessions on the suspicion that the post-partum fog would clear if I had a reason to get out of the house before noon. "This is perfectly developmentally normal--" Mrs. Lynelle, in full Fall Basic Girl regalia reassured me as we watched my kid methodically destroy her cinnamon spiced bobbing apples sensory bin, one disappointed Styrofoam mouthful at a time. "Hey, some of us are getting together to hang and make edible diy playdough, care to join?" The year Little turned 3, we moved up to Mrs. Lizette's 2 day class. I am in awe of how Mrs. Lizette is able to end every other sentence with "My Friend" and genuinely mean it. Never mind that she just pried her Friend off the fence in the emotional bedlam of first time parent drop off or she just talked her Friend into rocking a pink velour track suit from the loaner clothes bureau so she could put the latest potty training mishap behind her. The year Little turned 4, we graduated to Mrs. Shelley's 3 day class. By then we were looking forward to TCP traditions that would be impossible to organize alone and are equally impossible to fully catalog here-- rehoming outgrown toys and securing extra play clothes at the fall yard sale, school and family pictures that double as holiday greeting cards, holiday scooter parades, petting zoos (sometimes with baby zebras, sometimes roof-eating camels), fill the playground with snow days, take your dad to school night, take your mom to tea, Santa, Easter Bunny and Silly McGilly visits, special birthday songs and stories, tie-dye shirts, field trips, and craft projects galore. This was also the year I came to appreciate that part of the magic of TCP is that you get back everything you are willing to put in. Sure, TCP isn't a fit for everyone, working a couple days in the classroom per month can be tricky to schedule, and not a possibility for every family. I flirted with some more convenient and corporate childcare drop off programs over the summer and to supplement TCP but found myself less at ease-- there was no opportunity to get to know the other kids and parents. There wasn't a chance to feel helpful using whatever special connections I have to solve a problem or make an experience even more epic. The art was all kinder readiness worksheets that came back in monochrome crayon with implausibly neat penmanship. But I digress. It is a comfort to know all her classmates and their parents by name. It is a relief to know that my kid can have a pet, sand, paint and glitter-abundant childhood without committing to caring for or cleaning it up at home. This year, Little turns 5. We could send her to TK for 6 hours a day, but it isn't clear what she would be learning-- TCP's play-based preschool has created a fluent reader that is comfortable with 1st grade math concepts. Besides, I'm not sure we could persuade her to keep her shoes on for that long. So we'll be back for another year of TCP while homeschooling on the side. We're looking forward to catching up with our old friends and making some new ones. Hopefully this gives you a sense for what you are in for. If you'd like to learn more, reach out to the parent volunteers who monitor the TCP website to set up a time to tour the campus. See you next fall! read more

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I cannot even begin to explain the magic that is TCP! It all starts with Miss. Shelley! She is a ray of sunshine that has more energy than any of the kids there. She's patient, kind, caring, smart and so much fun, fun, FUN! She genuinely cares about the kids and all the families at the school. Next up is the the kindest person I have ever met Miss. Lizette! She is an incredible teacher! So patient, kind, understanding, and knows exactly how to make the kids feel comfortable. We just love them both so much and we know they are the reason that TCP is so special! My daughters first school experience was Tustin Community Preschool and we were lucky enough to be able to enjoy two amazing years here together! We were so sad when it was time for Kindergarten but we knew thanks to TCP that she was ready! I loved being able to work in the classroom & see what she does, help her and the kids with crafts, reading, playing games, playing dress up, doing experiments, running around the playground, and just enjoying feeling like a kid again! My daughter grew so much in those two years, made so many friends and was able to have such unique experiences such as snow days at school, visits with various animals through out the year (reptiles, bunnies, baby chicks, nativity animals and more), field trips, above and beyond for holidays and parties and so much more! She learned so much and all through PLAY! Tears were shed as we said goodbye but I'm happy that we will be back with my second child as soon as he's old enough! read more

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Very seldom do you experience the essence of 'community" like you do in TCP. Truly, one of the best experiences for my son and for our family. My son attended TCP for 2.5 years, and he loved it. He loved the teachers - who are immensely caring- the principal, Ms. Shelley, devotes her whole being to the kids. Thank you Mrs. Shelley. Parting ways was bitter sweet. More practically speaking, TCP allowed my son to be a kid, to run around barefoot, to play with water and make a mess, to be unbounded by 'rules', to be with his mom while in school. Yes, this is one of the unique treasures of this school, my wife had the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience our son's first school years in the classroom with him, to work alongside him as a parent volunteer, and she loved it. At TCP, she and I learned to connect with kids and to play like kids. Don't look elsewhere. This place is a gem. Join today! read more

Short story- Amazing school! It's a co-op so each parent works a few days in the classroom under the teachers and your child gets a preschool experience at half the price. Go tour it. Long Story - I was a preschool teacher for nearly a decade and have a master's in education. I love this school for so many reasons- the community feeling, getting an open invitation to stop by and see what my child is doing at any time, educated and dedicated long time teachers, the playground, child-led activities, low tuition, and lastly, she gets the messy hands on fun that I don't want to have in my home! My five year old left TCP knowing all but two uppercase and 4 lowercase letters. She can write her name and shows advanced math skills doing basic addiction in her head. She can tell you about nouns and knows the exclamation mark in a book means Ms. Shelley is going to get loud. Most importantly- she knows how to ask an adult for help when needed. She is confident in herself and stands up for herself with peers and adults. These are the skills TCP taught her. And it didn't include one single worksheet. Give your child the fun, hands-on approach to learning that they deserve. read more

TCP is truly a magical little place. As a former elementary school teacher, it was really important to find my son a preschool that made him feel safe, confident, and that inspired curiosity and ignited a joy of learning. TCP has accomplished all of this and then some. We started in the Parent Toddler class together last year which laid a strong foundation for my child to head into "big kid preschool" this year. Our family has loved growing into this community, and we are so thankful for the village that is at the heart of this little school. From Halloween parades to beach family days, this school truly offers its students and families an awesome, unique experience. I look forward to my shifts in the classroom and love knowing that I get to contribute to my son's education through this co-op. The teachers in every class truly create a child-centered, and play-based learning environment that promotes autonomy while fostering a sense of belonging. We could not be happier with the way this school has poured into our family into our lives. We are forever grateful for our experience. read more

We found this school to be beyond all we imagined that a little kid will experience at such a young age; the staff do their best and their maximum effort and creativity to provide a rich environment for kids to learn, have fun, interact and be exposed to new things. I think it's the best thing a child can experience at this age, kids will have time to learn discipline and structure later. read more

Love Tustin Community Pre school! My twin daughters and I just finished 3 years here and I can't say enough great things about this pre school. The teachers are incredible and so great with the kids. Ms. Shelly and Ms. Juliana is as best as it gets. My daughters loved them so much and remembers the times spent in their classes. As a co op pre school it's different then other pre schools in a good way. Moms of the children help make the school run smoothly and it feels more like a family then just dropping your kids off at school and picking them up. The mothers get to know your kids, treat them like their your own and will report back any growth they may have during their time at school. If you are considering coming here I would highly recommend signing up. Good luck on getting a spot! read more

Tustin Community Preschool - Tustin Community Pre School St. Patricks Day Parade 2015 - Preschools Near Me - Tustin, California

My kids attended here 2021, before starting kindergarten but I wish we had gone sooner. Ms. Shelley is so amazing in how much she cares for the kids, she gets to know each child (so many details she shares at graduation prove this) and she is fun and silly with them. Their other teacher Ms Lyzette was also amazing, kind and fun. My kids had fun and it was a very positive experience that I am thankful for. read more

I have sent both of my kids to TCP and I'm glad I did. The staff have been amazing and very loving towards both my son and daughter. TCP helped prepare my son for kinder and they are doing the same for my daughter. One of the best parts of the school is how much the parents are involved - we are very much a big part of our kids' education - and it's great to be a part of the TCP family! read more

My family had 6 wonderful years at Tustin Community Preschool. The Cooperative Preschool experience was one that I was looking for, and this school turned out to be so much more. The Director Ms. Shelley is a true gift to this school. She puts her heart and soul into the program and is such a magnificent teacher. TCP is the true definition of a developmental preschool. The children learn through play, have the freedom to be who they are , and you never get tired of all the creative process art that you get to hang on the walls. All around TCP is a magical place. The amazing teachers, the hard working parents, the happy playful children, the bunnies, the wonderful family events, creating life long friendships, and your children always remembering their time there are all reasons why my family will always be grateful for our time at TCP. We wish we could do it all again! read more

This is what Pre-school should be... DEVELOPMENTAL. A great place for your children to grow. You will NEVER worry about your children being safe or loved. http://www.ccppns.org/tcp/index.html This is old-school pre-school...just what your children will love. Because it is a "coop" with only one paid person..it costs much less, and because you are the parents who run the program the program is much better.. Who knows better what your child needs then you. PLUS your child does NOT need to be potty trained... Remember old school..the director is still happy to change diapers. read more

Our young adults who are now 32, 30, ,28 went to the parent toddler program, then on to the 2 day then 3 day class. We made life long friends, learn from specialist in early childhood development and so much more. We highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a program in which your child will blossom, enjoy all the hands on activities, wonderful field trips and the list goes on and on. read more

The best preschool around! I was nervous signing my son up for preschool I wasn't sure if I was ready. We went for a tour and fell in love. I thought my son would cry and beg me to stay but within two minutes of signing him in on the first day he told me to go home, he was good! Our family was lucky enough to spend 5 years at this amazing gem of a preschool. The director (Miss Shelley)is AMAZING and Miss Jen in the office is great with all of the children. I couldn't imagine having my children go anywhere else. They were both always excited to get ready for school and I'm so glad we went with a developmental school like TCP. The curriculum is always changing while incorporating treasured traditions. My kids always felt loved and safe to be who they were. The school is not just for the children - while being a working parent I was able to learn from other parents and see how my children interacted with their peers. It was a wonderful experience for all of us! read more

I learned about co-op schools via a flyer for a different preschool. I then luckily found this one and immediately liked what they offered. What drew me to the school was it's philosophy of developing the whole child. Ms. Shelley 100% does this, and as a co-op parent, you get to be part of the magic. I loved that they had a parent-toddler program to get my children and myself used to the school and staff before leaving my kids there without me. Being able to do that was priceless. When you become a parent and have a young child, it's important to feel good about where you send them without you. This place and the people who run it are all so loving. The community aspect truly makes it different. The commitments can be a lot for families, but once you figure out your priorities as a parent and family, you figure out what's worth your time and energy. TCP was it for me! We just finished our 5th year there and I plan to be back for a few more for my younger child. I also love that they don't require kids to be potty trained or wear shoes (although they must still bring them), both of which speak to the philosophy. Parent education is another component of the school, and it's nice to get that, along with mentorship, from the teachers during your children's formative years. We love TCP! read more

Both of our boys attended this school and received the best preschool experience we could ever hope for. This is a co-op, which means parents are required to participate. This is one of the main reasons why we were attracted to TCP. It is very affordable and the children get to do many wonderful things; but most importantly, they get to be kids andLEARN WHILE THEY PLAY! My wife and I are educators and we see that when kids who have had meaningful preschool experiences (such as our boys did at TCP), they are well prepared when it comes time for them to go onto "big school." read more

TCP is where good parents learn how to become great parents, where children learn how to be GOOD children, and where families foster timeless relationships with other families. Thank you to Mrs. Kayl and Ms. Shelley. read more

Tustin Community Preschool is not just a preschool, it's a "community." Thinking about our six years at TCP brings happy mama tears to my eyes. We had just moved to the area when my daughter and I attended the mommy and me program. The school embraced us and it soon became our community of thoughtful, kind, resourceful and wonderful families. My kids have the fondest memories of "their' school. It is a traditional developmental preschool that seems to run without limiting your child's imagination. My kids not only got their daily developmental needs met but thrived through their TCP experiences. As the curriculum coordinator, I was able to expand the daily curriculum with full support by the director, Libby Kayl. I wouldn't trade our time at TCP for any other school. We loved it so. read more

This school is pretty good especially if you have a shy child. It's developmental and that's wonderful but I wouldn't recommend for more than a year here. The curriculum repeats it's self every and there is very little difference (if any at all) from being in the 2 day class or the 3 day. My son did well here for the first year but unfortunately we were not pleased the second time around and moved schools mid year. They never tell the kids "no" so on any given day at any given time it pretty much organized chaos going on. We opted to move to another school so he could also rep the benefits of a school that introduced him to structure, because we he goes into grammar school he will not be able to decide whether or not he feels like learning math or reading a book etc. This school does great work developmentally but once a kid has a good solid experience with that method they also tend to get a little bratty (what would you expect when a kid never hears "no").....Another point that I must stress about this school is be prepared to give a ton of your time to the school. You are required to work in the classroom at least 3 times a month, there are extended days twice a week and you are required to work 5 or 6 times a year, you have to sign up for a committee which is another few hours a week all year long, they have a lot of special events throughout the year and you are required to work 2-3 of them (hopefully you set your own hours at work or have no other commitments because they always happen at a inconvenient time and day) there is mandatory dad work days 2 Saturdays a year etc etc etc. So basically what you save in tuition you work off at a rate of like$ 8.75 an hour. Like I said before, this is not a bad school but it's not enough to prepare a kid for kindergarten and grammar school by any stretch of the imagination. read more

I discovered this jewel of a preschool after transitioning to being a work-from-home parent and my second child was becoming starved for interaction with other kids. TCP offered my son experiences that border on fantastical. At what other pre-school can kids experience age appropriate science experiments, unlimited access to supplies for their art masterpieces, music in a variety of forms and the most incredible interactions with animals that you can imagine? TCP is a pre-school that promotes child development through experience based learning. It is all about active play, expression, and interaction. It is also a Cooperative. It runs on parents committing time to work in the classroom and assume "jobs" or supportive roles in the operation of the school. Parents roll up their sleeves, work together and invest time in the school and it's magic and, in return, their children benefit for an incredibly small financial cost. If you are considering enrolling your child at TCP, you should note, you will have to work for this amazing opportunity. It is not for everyone. This is not a place where you can write a check and deposit your child then go about your day. If you want a babysitter that will teach your child the alphabet, take them to KinderCare. TCP has two paid staff members. Libby Kayl runs the ship with a firm hand. She relies on 75 parent volunteers to hold up their end of the bargain to show up on time and perform their roles as outlined and she does it marvelously. She has high expectations for parents and holds them accountable. Those that can't or won't meet their commitment may have an unfavorable view of her but you will never encounter another person that will be as kind or as nurturing to your child as Libby Kayl. Her students love and revere her for decades after they have left TCP. After attending TCP, my son has moved on to Elementary school where he thrives. I truly believe that his time at TCP fostered his excitement about learning, stimulated his imagination, developed a strong sense of compassion for others, fostered creative problem solving and loaded his mental toolbox with everything he needed for a successful transition into an academic learning environment. If you have the time to invest, there isn't a better place to place your child than with Libby and Tustin Community Preschool. read more

My oldest daughter graduated from TCP after being in parent toddler and 2 years of preschool. I love the co-op, family type, laid back atmosphere...It's a great place for a little one to start to grow up! Ms. Shelley and Ms. Christina are both amazing and loving teachers. So much time and dedication is put in by both teachers, and it shows with all of the cool projects the kids bring home. As a full time working mom, I treasure the time I get to spend with my babies. Being hands on in the classroom was such an awesome experience, watching my baby blossom into a "big kid" by being creative and playing with her friends. Not only did I get quality time with my daughter at TCP, but I also made some lifelong friends and learned a lot about parenting. Our monthly parent meetings are so much fun, and a nice "adult" night with great keynote speakers. I highly recommend this amazing little school, and I am counting down the days for my next baby to start at TCP! read more

Tustin Community Preschool - Brought home the school bunnies - Preschools Near Me - Tustin, California

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This wonderful school is just right for raising healthy children in an emotionally safe environment. As parent educators for over 16 years we love the philosophy of the school. Parents will feel supported and comforted by the community!! read more

We LOVE TCP! My son and I were in Ms. Shelly's parent-toddler class last year, there couldn't be a more kind and loving teacher. We are really looking forward to working with her again next year, and having our new teacher Ms. Juliana this year! So many exciting changes are happening, both with staff and curriculum. Our beloved amazing school is about to become even more amazing. read more

To say we gained a lot from our preschool experience at TCP would be an understatement. Our teacher and director Ms Shelley gave our son the best first school years of his life. His kindergarten teacher has some pretty big shoes to fill. Not only did our son get to enjoy his early years and learn at his OWN pace, we gained the best families as our new close friends/family. Being a new mom I had no idea what to expect from a preschool. We started at TCP in the parent toddler program (I was thinking that maybe we could meet a COUPLE parents and make a couple friends). Get him socialized. Right? Well, our son has SO MANY friends, as do we as parents. I have gained the closest friendships here at TCP and I wouldn't give that up for the world. Watching our big boy get ready to move through the stepping stones of life and leave TCP is most definitely bittersweet. However, he was without a doubt set up for success by attending this school. TCP rocks!!! read more

I came to Tustin Community Preschool because I wanted my son to have a hands on learning experience. I wanted him to have a foundation of confidence, and pride that he would carry on with him for the rest of his life. TCP offers such a great experience for children to be themselves, and to grow at their own speed. What I didn't except to get out of the school was the community of parents, now friends that I will have for the rest of my life. Not only did the school open its arms to my son, but the lessons that I have learned are forever. Mrs. Kayl is the leader of a school that thrives on parent participation, and to stay a float with 70 parents plus is quiet a feet. Sometimes I think that people mistake her curtness, and are not aware of the strain that she is dealing with on a daily basis. Trying to get a group of people to do anything coordinated at the best of times is hard. I hope that you will at least come and take a look at TCP. I can promise that it will be worth your time. read more

The BEST experience we ever had with our now 12 yo daughter. I still consider the parents/children the best friends we have in Orange County, and the ONLY ones we trust our daughter with outside of family. We learned much about being parents while there, and our daughter had FUN...something sorely lacking in most preschools now. They have forever to be academic...for goodness sake...let them play. Yes, the curriculum is much the same year after year...but that's part of the charm...hearing a sibling or a friend's child talk about the elephant, the Mom's Day tea, Dad's night, visiting the Kayl house at the holidays...it is NOT easy. You are expected to work when it's your time there..but it seems to attract like minded parents. I still interact with many of these kids, and they are usually socially well balanced, respectful, friendly kids...even now as tweens. When I had a major surgery the entire school came together to bring me meals, etc. We STILL try to attend alumni events such as sugar cookie decorating, Franklin Haynes Marionette show, etc...Mrs. Kayl HAS to be tough..otherwise she would have parents chatting, not paying attention to the kids, etc. I've since been a team mom, Girl Scout leader, etc, and I have this problem and find it hard to be tough...she has to be. And, they don't let the kids run wild...they play...if they are not acting appropriately, they will be "invited" to sit aside, they learn to use their words, etc. I still tear up thinking about those days...and I know several young ladies (still in my Girl Scout troop) who say it was "the best time of our lives." (this coming from girls all of 12 now!) read more

My son attended TCP for 3 years and I can honestly say it was the best decision my husband and I made! It is a wonderful developmental preschool that prepared my son for Kindergarten in so many ways. Today he is a confident, creative, and secure 6 year old who is thriving in Kindergarten. The co-op experience was so wonderful and allowed me to truly be a party of my sons preschool experience. We created memories that will stay with my family forever. My only disappointment is that we didn't get to experience the INCREDIBLE Miss Shelley and Miss Juiliana! They are such a wonderful addition to an already incredible preschool. Having visited the school recently, I saw first hand the loving and creative environment that these two teachers are providing. I highly recommend Tustin Community Preschool!!!! read more

This is a gem of a preschool. The best preschool co-op in my opinion. This preschool is ran by 2 teachers Ms. Shelley and Ms. Juliana and all of the parent volunteers. Your kids will come here and will not want to leave. I've been coming here for 4 years now. I enrolled my 1st child through the mommy and me program and transitioned him to 2 & 3 day preschool program. There is always something fun for the kids to be captivated by and use their imagination while incorporating social emotional, language, comprehension, visual, auditory and motor skills as this is a developmental school. Take your ABC charts somewhere else. Children will learn through free play and that's what prepares them for their future academic lives. I have given my children the gift to be able to enjoy a magical preschool experience at this little community. Nowhere else will you take home tons of hands on creative projects from a painted turkey with glitter to a decorated Native American theme vest for Thansgiving, to a painted hand snowman ornament for Christmas or a snowglobe with their cute little picture. Some days they will come home and tell you that they helped make pizzas or muffins with eggs and a mixer. Yes, we allow them to help prepare their awesome snack. Want more? There are always bunnies, guinea pigs, bearded dragons and visits from ducks, turkeys, & nativity animals. Nowhere else will the kids experience 5 tons of snow in their playground brought in just so the kids can play with shovels, make real snowmen and have a little snowball toss or 2. If you have a shy child or an outgoing child, they will all thrive here. My children have always looked forward to coming back to their TCP. Yes, as it becomes their school pretty quick. They love their teachers and so will you. The parents also become involved with every aspect of running the school. If you are good at finances, how about joining the treasury committee? Good at taking pics, what about our class photographer? You are a networker or an awesome planner, welcome to ways and means for all of the FUNraising. As I write this review, which is more than a review for me, it makes me appreciate this little school very much. I don't live as close to the school as most families but many families make the drive from Chino to Laguna just so their child can attend this school, that is a great testament to this awesome school. Word of advice, please don't dress your kids all super cute for this school, they will get paint or glue on those outfits and that is more picture worthy than any other 'cute' outfit. Just be forewarned, and I do mean it, you will forever have glitter in your car, home and perhaps kid's hair. read more

Tustin Community Preschool was my children's home away from home for 10 years. I have four children who went through the program. It was a commitment on my part to be so active in their preschool experience and I would do it all over again in a minute! I highly recommend TCP and the Director, Mrs. Kayl. It pains me to see a negative review. I know from my experience there that not everyone is a good fit for a co-operative preschool environment and for TCP in particular. It's an amazing program for the kids, but it is work for the parents because Mrs. Kayl runs it like a household and the parents have assigned chores they *must* get done each week. Through my many years there, I saw that those parents who tended to complain the most about the work load or about the Director were the same people who weren't getting their own job done on time, who arrived late with excuses, who were consumed by personal drama, or who already left other programs disgruntled. I'm sorry that some people had a negative experience at TCP and I'm sure the sentiments are very real for them...but if you're looking at TCP, please know that the hundreds and hundreds of happy alumni families far exceeds the few who are vocal about their complaints. If you're a person who can check a bad day at the door, put on a smile, do the work (there's a lot of cleaning!) without complaint and make it a happy place for the children, then both you and your child will benefit from the overall program and have a wonderful experience! Some of my best friends are the parents I've known through my time at TCP, plus my own parenting skills grew and matured directly because of learning from Mrs. Kayl and the other parents at TCP (there are monthly speakers at the parent meeting which are great). My children love Mrs. Kayl and I'm grateful for her commitment to the children in our community. And what did my children learn on the playground if another child pushed (or if they pushed, because our own children are not always perfect!)? "If you hit, you sit." Mrs. Kayl, or another working parent, will sit a few minutes with the child who's feeling a little wild that day and the child will be encouraged to "make it better" with the other child. It's a healthy, supervised play environment. The developmental curriculum is well-thought-out and age appropriate. I believe children paint and play and mix and scoop and pour and dig and imagine and do all those wonderful, messy age-appropriate things far more at TCP than any other school! Some art projects are repeated each year and from a developmental perspective, that's both fun and comforting for a young child. How they approach and complete (or not) an art project at age 4 is different than at age 5. Overall, the curriculum is rich and varied. TCP is a great place for children. You need to decide if it's a good fit for YOU! Tour the school. Talk to veteran parents. Meet Mrs. Kayl. Look how happy the children are on the playground. See how your child responds on a visit. Make sure you can fit the commitment into your current life. If you join, be prepared to do your job and do a little extra, not just the bare minimum. Arrive on time for your work days with a smile and energy for the children. Be prepared to get to know your own child in a wonderful way you couldn't if you just dropped them somewhere else. Also, be prepared to face your own challenges as a person and as a parent...because your children don't just grow up at TCP: You Do! I'm so grateful for having found this little gem of a school. I wish you luck in deciding the best preschool fit for your own family. I wish I could give you the tour myself! read more

Tustin Community Pre-school was a blessing to me and my children! It was such a wonderful growing experience for my kids! They still talk about it and what fun they had while attending there. Not only a great place for my children, but for myself. It is a very bonding and loving place to make lifelong friends. There is a lot of work involved in a co-op, but I feel it was way worth it for my children. Co-op's are not for everyone but you are informed before you sign up what is involved. I am so grateful to the school because I would not have been able to have the amazing experience with my kids if it was not for Tustin Community Pre-school!!!!! read more

Worst preschool experience I could ever imagine...Curriculum was ok at first, but I came to understand that the same projects are implemented every single year. Some kids attend for 3 years, which means they do the same old thing each and even year. The art is forced upon the kids, or "strongly encouraged". It is in no way creative when each child is expected to make the same thing. It is really not done for the child's benefit, only so the parent has something to take home. There is absolutely no supervision. Children fight without consequence. The idea of the co-op os fantastic in theory. But this is not truly a co-op. Parents are expected to follow the "commands" of the director. If anyone questions her about anything she is not shy to show her distain. She will yell at parents, treat them in an abusive manner, and gossip about them to just about anyone. She claims to embrace diversity, yet she told one parent not to speak Spanish while at school, complained to myself repeatedly about those following special diets, and has no understanding of any children with special needs of any sort. She doesn't remember anyone's name, even though the kids are required to wear name tags every day. Much of the time she is on the phone conducting "director" business while she is supposed to be teaching. She then instructs a parent to take over her job. She may have been a decent director or teacher 40 years ago...maybe, but I'm doubtful. She is just too cruel and distracted to actually do her job now. The only time this school is actually happy and beneficial for the children is when there is a substitute, such as Ms. Shelley. The only good thing I can say about the school is meeting the many families. I wanted to like the school, I tried to embrace it and ignore all the negatives, but it was just to harmful to my child and myself. Perhaps this school could be a nice place if Libby Kayl were to retire. read more

We started with parent and me class and Mrs. Shelly is a wonderful woman and loving teacher. My daughter loved this class. But at the pre school 2/3 day class the main teacher/director Mrs. Kayl,l has a terrible temperament and abusive attitude. She makes insensitive remarks about parents and kids and often yells at parents out in open. It has not been my singular experience and I know of plenty of moms with a similar experience(s). It is a co-op school so parents are expected to share the jobs, but often times depending on the whim of the director the one could end up working long hours than they sign up for. They do have a good curriculum but it is compromised by the autocratic way in which the school is run. My child is a vegetarian for religious as well as ethical reasons, but even though we had mentioned this to the school, she was given meat three times and there was not a mention of apology, or change in the attitude. One cannot disagree with the director on any matter and will come at cost of misery for the rest of the year. It is the cheapest pre-school option but it comes with very high cost. I would advice parents to avoid this school at all costs. read more

I cannot say enough good things about this pre-school and it's director Mrs. Kayl. Because my experience has been and still is so great I feel the need to defend the school and Mrs.Kayl.. Yes, the school is a coop which means parents help out and with that said it should be pretty obvious that you have to have a tough director. Mrs. Kayl is hard working, wonderful, nurturing, and tough. She is amazing with the kids but she has to be tough on the parents. Can you imagine having to deal with so many different personality types? You're talking about dealing with over 60 parents whom all have to help out in the classroom and a lot of them have their own ideas of how they want things done. She is not abusive, she is direct.. Unfortunately if she tells you to do something you have to do it. She does not have time to explain why because she has school to run.You have to have an open mind to be a part of that school.And there is a Board of Directors that you can go to. The Board consists of other parents. And you have to want to work your butt off. It is not easy but it's worth it to be able to watch your child grow and experience so many wonderful things.... and because the school is so inexpensive you get a handful that enroll only because it is so affordable, but they don't want to do the work. So unfortunately you will end up working a little longer than expected because another parent didn't do their job..Regardless the job needs to get done and sometimes it's not fair but life's not fair and in the end we are doing it for our kids..and for that reason the director has to be tough. Snacks are provided by the parents and you cannot expect a parent to cater the snack to just your child. If you don't want your child to eat something bring your own snack. There are so many things you can do if you want your child to avoid certain foods. You just have to do a little more on your part especially if it is that important to you. So here is my advice, Avoid the school if you are only enrolling your child becasue it is the cheapest school around. Avoid the school if you do not want to put in the work. Avoid the school if you do not have an open mind or heart. Avoid the school if you cannot take being corrected in front of other parents. Avoid the school if you expect it to cater to your childs needs. Enroll in the school if you want your child to experience some of the most amazing things(field trips to the directors house so they can jump on her bed, field trips and train rides to so many fun places all paid for by the school, getting to experience a camel, donkey, sheeps, goats, ducks, cows, turkeys, all on the palyground with your children, I could go on and on and on). Enroll in the school if you want to put in the hours. Enroll in the school if you want to be able to be a part of your child's learning experience. Enroll in the school if you want to learn from the director, Mrs. Kayl who has been at that shcool for 20 years. Enroll in the school if you want to meet incredible parents and make lifetime friendships. This is my son's last year at this school and we will be so sad to move on to kindergarten. But I will cherish all the memories that TCP has given me. I will remember all the words of wisdom Mrs. Kayl has given me. The other day she actually told me to leave the school her exact words were "mom you have to leave now, it's not that I don't love having you here but I worried about you. You need some time for you. Go get a cup of coffee and relax. Do not come back until you have your nails done. I love ya but you gotta scoot on out!" TCP is a wondrous school with a remarkable director. read more

Tustin Community Preschool is where my child went to be a child. It is where my daughter learned to love learning, share in community with other children and where she began to grow lovingly into her own skin- outside of our home. We had great experiences at other preschools but we were always looking for something different, something that would speak to our child as a whole and not just academics. We didn't feel at home until we found TCP. We weren't looking for the cheapest, the easiest or the most convenient; we were looking for the right fit. If you want your child to have a voice, be exposed to learning through diverse interactions and opportunities, finger paint, create, develop at their own pace; learn to think, read and write, then Tustin Community Preschool may be the right fit. If you as a parent have the time and want to contribute to the learning process of your child AND that of other children (it is a coop), and you understand that it's a Preschool not an 'adult' school therefore the children's needs come before yours, than this might be the right fit. It's a great school when the fit is right. It was right for our family and we all had an amazing experience at TCP. read more