Irvine Valley College Child Development Center

Read the filtered reviews for additional insights (there are two as of 9÷18÷2014). Both with low scores.

I am shocked and dismayed to read the negative reviews on this phenomenal pre-​school. They couldn’t be further from the truth. My husband and I work in the legal field. We are over-​protective parents. It takes a lot for us to trust someone or something 110% when it comes to our children. This is probably because of the dreadful stories we hear and see on a regular basis and because of the love we have for our children. Nevertheless, we WHOLEHEARTEDLY trust IVC CDC and truly believe it is a phenomenal establishment that cares for nothing more than the well-​being of the children there.
Our THREE (3) KIDS attended IVC CDC in a period of SEVEN (7) years, each from the ages of 3 to 6. NOT ONCE did we ever have a concern or worry about them and we ALWAYS knew they were safe, well-​cared for and NEVER ignored. Each day we said goodbye to them in the morning, we walked out with complete and utter trust in this facility and knew that our children were in loving, caring and nurturing hands. NOT ONCE did we ever have any problem with the staff or with the care of our child. If there was any issue, it was brought to our attention immediately. For example, everyone there is so attentive, they would even call in the middle of the day to tell us that our child got a scrape on their knee on the playground, but that everything was fine or that our child didn’t eat their lunch we packed and that they might be hungry later. We had several crazy mornings in which we rushed out of the house and forgot a jacket. In those instances, a jacket was provided to our child at the facility. The children were always fed regular snacks and were never hungry. They even give them snacks at pickup time to eat in the car on the way home!
One of the most impressive things about IVC CDC is that about 95% of the staff have been there for AT LEAST 10 years. There really is no turnover rate. I can attest that in the seven years that my children were there, they had the same teachers and assistants, with the exception of students at the school that come in to help. There aren’t many places where children can get this exceptional kind of familiarity and trust.
NOT ONCE did a staff member EVER inappropriately touch or speak to our children. Their philosophy pertaining to discipline is excellent and involves a lot of talking and «working it out» (i.e. why do you feel that way?; how did that make you feel? do you think that was a nice thing to say or do? why or why not? tell sally that you did not like it when she took the toy away from you, etc.). The children are taught to have manners and a positive mental attitude. At IVC CDC the children also learn social skills that will benefit them for years to come. Their positive self-​esteem and self-​worth is an everlasting benefit. The philosophy is so great, that we successfully utilize it at home. My children have made several friends at IVC CDC and their friendships have lasted years beyond leaving IVC CDC.
The school has 2-​way mirrors for each classroom. We were able to go to the school, any time of the day that we wanted, and observe our children. This was an added benefit for paranoid parents like us! Each time we went, we couldn’t help but laugh at something cute about our child or another child in the class and we were always impressed by the attitude and professionalism of the teachers when we «secretly» observed.
The educational development is also excellent. It’s not a daycare; it is a pre-​school. The children receive nothing but positive encouragement. IVC CDC really focuses on preparing the children for Kindergarten from day one. My children were ahead of several kids when they started Kindergarten; they were able to read, write and even knew basic math skills. Furthermore, the staff is well trained and familiar with the structure and requirements of the Irvine Unified School District which is an added benefit. Every day, our children came home with artwork or other educational work and we were always apprised of our child’s development. The lesson plan for each week is placed on the wall for all parents to see so that no one would ever be kept wondering what their child was doing or what was being taught.
The children are also encouraged to flourish artistically. They learn to be independent thinkers and doers. Some of the art that my children came home with are so beautiful, they have been framed!
I love IVC CDC. I love the staff and the teachers. The director is knowledgeable, friendly, caring and innovative. I recommend IVC CDC to every acquaintance I meet. I can’t imagine sending my children anywhere else.

Unfortunately, we had a lot of hopes for this school and have been very disappointed. We moved from an amazing school up in Santa Monica and didn’t realize the disparity between preschools.
First of all, I think the issue goes back to the director who has no vision and all about status quo, not brining any innovation at all.
At our old school, we got daily status from the teachers on how well our son did, whether he ate and napped. Nothing here.
We also use to know exactly what the school was teaching our son on a weekly basis as the head teacher would email the parents, telling us what they were working on so we can encourage it at home.
Our old school had the PTA to provide new and innovative toys and books from Lakeshore Learning. This school has the oldest toys and I have heard for the last 2 months they are getting new toys, just in time for my son to leave.
Additionally, our old school had enrichment programs, my son used to take wood shop, soccer, karate, etc. This school offers nothing. It feels like daycare with no development.
My son brings home artwork he was doing at his old school when he was 2 or 3 years old. He doesn’t seem to have the same excitement to learn as he did last year at his old school. He says he is bored and that makes me sad.
Needless to say, I would not recommend this preschool. I am not sure if there are better ones in Irvine but believe me when you see a you have been in a good school you notice the difference.