Questions About O.C. Kids Preschool
Everything you need to know about enrollment, programs, meals, and more.
Last updated: March 2026
What ages does O.C. Kids Preschool accept?
O.C. Kids Preschool accepts children from 6 weeks through school age. Our programs are organized by developmental stage: Infant Care (6 weeks–18 months), Toddler Program (18–30 months), Junior Pre-K (3–4 years), Pre-K (4–5 years), Transitional Kindergarten (5–6 years), and Before & After School Care for school-age children up to age 12. Each program has age-appropriate teacher-to-child ratios, curriculum goals, and classroom environments designed specifically for that developmental window. Enrollment is open year-round pending availability; we recommend scheduling a tour early as spots fill quickly, especially in our infant and toddler rooms.
What is the Montessori method and how do you use it?
The Montessori method is a child-centered educational philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori that emphasizes independence, hands-on learning, and respect for each child's natural development. At O.C. Kids, we blend Montessori principles with an enriched curriculum — children work at their own pace using purposeful materials, while teachers act as guides who observe and support rather than lecture. This approach builds intrinsic motivation, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning. Practically, it means our classrooms feature activity stations that children move between freely, open-ended materials that grow with the child, and project-based themes that integrate language, math, science, and art. We have used this approach continuously since opening in 2004.
Are meals provided? What does the menu look like?
Yes — hot breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are all included in tuition for full-time children at no extra cost. All meals are prepared fresh on-site every day by our kitchen staff following USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, which set minimum standards for protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. A typical lunch might be baked chicken with brown rice, steamed broccoli, fresh fruit, and milk. We accommodate common dietary restrictions on a case-by-case basis — please discuss your child's needs during enrollment. Monthly menus are posted on our website so families always know what their child is eating. Meals are not available for part-time children who attend half-day only.
What enrichment activities are included in tuition?
All enrichment programs are included in your tuition — there are no add-on fees or opt-in extras. Every child participates in STEAM activities, Spanish-English Dual Language instruction, Music, Dance, Soccer, Tae Kwon Do, and Yoga as part of their weekly schedule. Outdoor enrichment is delivered through our dedicated Outdoor Learning Centers, which offer Outdoor Art, Outdoor Music, and Outdoor Science programs. These are not drop-in classes but structured weekly sessions woven into each program's curriculum. This all-inclusive model means the tuition rate you see on our fee schedule is the complete cost — no surprises on your monthly invoice. We believe every child deserves access to enriched early learning regardless of family budget.
What are your hours of operation?
O.C. Kids Preschool is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. We are closed on major federal holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day), plus the Friday after Thanksgiving. We are not a year-round program in the traditional sense — we do observe a summer schedule that may have modified hours or programming, and we communicate the annual calendar to enrolled families each fall. We offer both full-time (five days per week) and part-time (three days per week) scheduling options. Contact us to discuss the specific schedule that fits your family and your child's program.
How do I enroll my child?
Enrollment starts with scheduling a campus tour, which you can do by calling us at (714) 530-7263 or submitting the contact form on our website. Tours typically take 30–45 minutes and give you a chance to see the classrooms, meet our staff, and ask questions specific to your child's age group. After your tour, if you decide to move forward, we will provide an enrollment packet that includes the licensing forms required by the California Department of Social Services (immunization records, emergency contact authorization, physician's report), our enrollment agreement, and a registration fee of $100. We walk every family through the paperwork step by step. Spots are held on a first-deposit basis, so we recommend enrolling as early as possible.
Is financial assistance or subsidy available?
Yes. O.C. Kids Preschool is an approved provider for the California Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), also known as the Alternative Payment Program. If you qualify for subsidized childcare through Orange County Social Services Agency, your approved voucher can be applied directly toward your tuition — in many cases covering the full cost. Eligibility is based on income and family size; we encourage families who are unsure whether they qualify to apply anyway, as income limits are often higher than people expect. We also accept payments by cash and check. Contact us directly for details on how to apply for CCAP and how the voucher process works at our center. We are committed to making quality early childhood education financially accessible.
What is your teacher-to-child ratio?
We maintain teacher-to-child ratios that exceed California state requirements at every age group — this is central to our Montessori-inspired philosophy, not just a regulatory checkbox. For infants (6 weeks–18 months) our ratio is 4:1 (state requires 4:1, we maintain it rigorously). For toddlers (18–30 months) our ratio is 6:1 (state requires 6:1). For preschoolers ages 2–3 our ratio is 8–10:1 (state maximum is 12:1). For pre-K (4–5 years) our ratio is 10–12:1 (state maximum is 14:1 in licensed centers). Lower ratios mean each teacher can observe every child's developmental progress closely and adapt activities to individual learning styles, which research consistently links to better kindergarten readiness and social-emotional outcomes.
Is O.C. Kids Preschool licensed?
Yes. O.C. Kids Preschool is fully licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Our license number is 304371707, and it is displayed at our facility as required by law. We are inspected regularly and have maintained continuous licensure since 2004. All staff members are trained in early childhood education, hold current pediatric CPR and first aid certifications, and participate in ongoing professional development. Our director, Manil Gunasekara, holds a Site Supervisor Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. You can verify our license status and inspection history at the California Child Care Licensing website (ccld.dss.ca.gov) using license number 304371707.
What areas do you serve?
Our campus is located at 11362 Brookhurst St in Garden Grove, CA 92840, minutes from the 22 Freeway and accessible from throughout central Orange County. We primarily serve families from Garden Grove, Anaheim, Buena Park, Westminster, Fountain Valley, and surrounding cities. Families from as far as Fullerton, La Palma, and Cypress regularly choose our campus because of the quality of our programs and the convenience of our 6:30 AM opening, which accommodates early commutes. We are 5 minutes from the Anaheim border via Brookhurst Street and approximately 10 minutes from central Buena Park via the 91 Freeway. Free parking is available on-site.
What makes O.C. Kids different from other preschools in Orange County?
Three things consistently distinguish us: first, every enrichment activity — STEAM, Dual Language Spanish-English, Music, Dance, Soccer, Tae Kwon Do, and Yoga — is included in tuition with no add-on fees, which is rare among Orange County preschools. Second, hot breakfast and lunch are cooked fresh on-site daily for full-time children and included in tuition under USDA CACFP guidelines, not provided by a catering service. Third, we have maintained below-state-maximum teacher-to-child ratios since we opened in 2004, which means your child is never lost in a large group. We have earned a 4.8-star rating across 47 reviews built over 20 years of continuous operation, and we remain family-owned with the same commitment to quality that opened our doors.
What curriculum does O.C. Kids use?
O.C. Kids uses a Montessori-inspired curriculum that we have refined over 20 years of operation. Core academics — early literacy, phonics, number sense, science exploration, and social studies — are delivered through theme-based monthly units that give children a unifying context for all subjects. Each month's theme (for example, 'Animals of the Ocean' or 'Community Helpers') is integrated across art, music, books, and hands-on activities. We supplement with the Creative Curriculum framework for infant and toddler rooms, which is research-validated for the birth-to-three age range. STEAM projects, dual language Spanish instruction, and outdoor science are woven throughout the week, not treated as separate add-ons. We share monthly curriculum summaries with families so you know exactly what your child is exploring.
How do I schedule a tour?
Scheduling a tour is the best first step toward enrollment. You can book in two ways: call us directly at (714) 530-7263 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM–6:00 PM), or submit the contact form on our website and we will respond within one business day to confirm a time. Tours are offered on weekday mornings, which gives you the best opportunity to see the programs in action while children are actively engaged in their day. Tours last approximately 30–45 minutes and include a walk through every classroom, a meeting with our director, and time for your questions. We accommodate siblings and both parents — we want everyone who will be part of your child's care to feel confident in our environment.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes — O.C. Kids Preschool offers a sibling discount for families enrolling two or more children simultaneously. The discount applies to the second (and any subsequent) child's tuition. Specific discount amounts vary by program and schedule combination; please contact us at (714) 530-7263 or via the contact form to discuss the rates for your specific situation. Many of our families have enrolled multiple children with us over the years, which is one of the reasons our infant and toddler programs often have waiting lists. We are happy to work with families to make enrollment affordable when multiple children are joining at the same time.
Still have questions?
Call us at (714) 530-7263 or schedule a tour to see our campus in person.