Child Educational Center-Caltech/Jpl Community

This school offers a unique, outdoor-focused learning environment with a natural, adventurous feel reminiscent of a 1970s "let kids be kids" philosophy. The outdoor space is a standout feature and includes amenities many schools do not offer, such as a sandbox, climbing structures, swings, gardening areas, dedicated art and science stations, and bicycles and scooters for both toddlers and older children. Shoes are generally optional, though they are required for bicycle activities. The classrooms are thoughtfully designed with strong inspiration from nature and what feels like a Reggio Emilia-influenced approach. I found the 3-year-old and 5-year-old classrooms particularly engaging and well-balanced. Learning through play is a core component of the program. Children, including school-age students, are given the freedom to move in and out of classrooms, with teachers supervising throughout the space. While many teachers actively engaged with the children, I did observe some inconsistency--some staff were highly interactive, while others engaged in personal conversations in front of the children. The school-age program offers a high level of autonomy. While this can foster independence, there were moments where boundaries felt less clear, particularly in peer interactions, and parental follow-up appeared limited in certain situations. The staff is made up of dedicated educators who genuinely care about their work and the children. Outdoor play is encouraged in all weather conditions. As a substitute teacher coming from an outside agency, I was primarily assigned to outdoor supervision, which provided valuable insight into the daily operations and dynamics of the school beyond what families typically observe. There are also areas for improvement. The overall structure of the program can feel unclear at times, and lesson plans may be difficult for both staff and parents to fully understand. Management initially presents as approachable and friendly; however, responses can shift when concerns are raised. Staffing consistency is another challenge, with frequent absences related to scheduling flexibility or job dissatisfaction. The inclusion of both male and female educators is a positive and much-needed representation within the childcare field. The school also offers school-age programs and summer camps, though staff turnover does occur, often tied to ratio requirements or administrative handling of situations. Parking is a practical challenge. On-site parking is limited and primarily reserved for long-term staff or teachers with newborns. Others may need to park several blocks away, with limited street options and the risk of receiving a ticket. Tuition is on the higher end. Infant through preschool programs generally range from approximately $2,000-$3,000 per month, with options for full-week enrollment or a minimum of two days per week. School-age programs range from about $1,000-$1,500, depending on the selected schedule. The school offers van transportation for school-age children, which is a significant benefit. Discounts are available for families affiliated with JPL and Caltech. Summer camps are offered and tend to fill quickly. An enrollment fee of approximately $1,000 applies. All fees and pricing may vary.

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Visited this school today to learn how to implement STEM into my classroom. I have to say from a educators p.o.v. I am in awe!! From infants and up you can see how STEM through play the children are learning. Congratulations on the amazing work you have all done in 40 years of impacting little hearts and minds.

Can't ask for a better place than this for my children. It's a place to be if you want your children to be geniuenely loved by the amazing teachers and respected as individuals. The outdoor space and activities that the children do are just superb and cannot be put into words. Wish this type of school existed when we were growing up.