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May 2023 by Davy R.
We've been extremely lucky to be part of the CK fam the past couple of years with our son, from age 3 to 5. Sara is a dedicated and sharp-minded leader, and the teachers make this place special! The approach to education and growing as a person here is phenomenal, and the community of CK families is warm, diverse, and inclusive. One thing I especially have appreciated is that even teachers who are not my son's teacher have looked out for him, formed close bonds with him, and helped him to learn and grow. All the teachers are fabulous, but special love and THANKS to the incredible Dennis, plus Carline, Lauren, Barbara, Darlene, Brooke, Maggie, Anthony, and Amirah, as well as his former teachers Tracy and Priyanka. THANK YOU CK!!
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September 2022 by amanda g.
Celebration Kids is a very special place. Looking to send your child(ren) somewhere they will be seen and loved for the person they are, where they'll truly delight in learning through play about how to be a kind kid in a loving and safe community? CK is golden. Sara and her team are deeply reliable and dedicated to the families they serve. Our daughter was in the midst of her first year at CK when covid hit, and I can't imagine getting through her pandemic preschool years without this family; CK and the friends we made there became our constant in chaos, even as the blows kept coming for all of us and the challenges of operating a preschool in a pandemic grew ever greater. In these 3 (pandemic) years as a CK family, I never once felt unsure about my daughter's physical, intellectual or emotional wellbeing at school, and that is a profound testament. She entered kindergarten this fall ready on all fronts -- yes academically, but more significantly with confidence and courage and well equipped to advocate for herself, and I largely credit her experience at Celebration Kids for this. We love CK!
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August 2022 by G B.
Five stars for CK. If you happen to be a parent searching for a daycare for your kiddo (and why else would you be here?), know this: CK is a wonderful spot for your child to thrive. Our daughter just graduated - after being here for the full duration - and is happy, has a huge group of friends, is confident, and fully prepared for Kindergarten. We see CK as a throwback. If you're looking for some pristine, helicopter/silverlake style, Instagram daycare with sugar free menus and precious parents you maaaaay want to look elsewhere. Here you will find bunnies, peeling paint, a brand new playground, and hugely dedicated personalities with nearly as much love for your kiddo as you have. Sara, Captain of the helm, is a lighthouse. She led us and everyone through covid with transparency, candidness, and rock solid consistency. She has an open door and has never not been there for us. Shout outs to Teacher Carline - the absolute most loving and beautiful human in education, the wild and warm loving Teacher Dennis, kid favorite Bella, Monica and Anthony and, honestly all. Rare in childcare - CK teachers hang around. You won't find the usual revolving door here. You'll find rad parents, goofy children, dancing, art projects, and trains! We tried Montessori and it sucked. Go here.
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May 2022 by Taryn R.
This review is long overdue. To Sara and all of the teachers-- THANK YOU! I cannot even begin to tell you how wonderful Celebration Kids is. If you're looking for a preschool for your kid(s), do yourself a favor and get on the waitlist now. Sara is the amazing director of the school. She is so knowledgable on childhood development and just speaks the kid language. She understands them at a deeper level than most people, and I just appreciated that so much as a parent sending my children there. We were on and off at CK through the pandemic, but she and her teachers handled everything with such understanding, grace, really holding the children and their safety at the forefront of all decision making. The only reason we left is because we moved. I am still in the loop with my son's pre-k class teachers. They even sent us an insta message for his birthday with the kids singing happy birthday to him after we moved. The teachers themselves care about the kids at an epic level. My son is sensitive and shy and Teacher Monica and Teacher Dennis were just so kind and knew how to help him out of his shell-- they are the best! Also a big shout out to Teacher Carline, Teacher Bella, Teacher Fernanda as well as the rest of the staff who make this school such a special, special place.
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December 2020 by Jackie A.
This place is called Celebration Kids! Whooops, my bad. I like the name though. I couldn't figure out how to edit my first review so here is an update. Our mutual little client has grown so much and we are still being blessed by his fantastic family AND I know he would have happily remained a Celebration Kid all this time!
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May 2018 by Maria E.
My daughter has been at Celebration Kids for two years and it is just a great school. All the teachers are very engaged and they truly care about each child, making them feel loved and special. The program is focused on personal development, social skills, arts, music and lots and lots of play. Here the kids are truly allowed to be kids at the same time as they are getting fully prepped for kinder with letters and numbers and homework assignments that are engaging for the whole family. I am so happy we found this school and so grateful to the teachers that makes each day a wonderful experience for my daughter. Looking forward to come back with my younger son in a year.
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March 2018 by Rachel E.
Great preschool tucked into an adorable location in South Pasadena. My son has been attending for the past year, and loves his teachers and friends. Fun, engaging curriculum, creative and loving teachers. Nature walks, music classes, a separate art room are all part of the package. Looking forward to growing with CK each year.
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March 2018 by Sarahi Garibaldi
I worked at Celebration Kids as a preschool Teacher for 11 years since the opening in 2005. I had the best years of my life there. I loved teaching the children some of their first fundamental keys to life. It was a pleasure working at CK! I have built so many friendships and seen so many families leave Ck with happiness, security and confidence in their children being able to move forward into Kindergarten socially, emotionally and filled with great self-esteemed souls. ?Now I work for Ck’s sibling TJB!
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February 2018 by Alb C.
This preschool is magical. The Pre-K teachers are child whisperers. They allow the children the opportunity to be themselves instead of conform to unreasonable expectations. The teachers make learning fun. They also are helping the kids with social interaction and working together as a group. These skills are so hard to teach as a parent at times. I am so grateful my daughter has been able to attend this preschool. I wish we could stay forever. Thank you CK! A++
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August 2017 by S E.
My kids attended this school a few years back and I regret not posting this sooner. This place is dirty and disorganized. When issues arise, the owners respond defensively and then publicly attack the parents who bring up the problem. Look through their responses to the negative reviews on here - it shows you exactly what I'm referring to. Their terrible communication skills and defensive responses when problems arise should concern any prospective parent. My child brought up an issue, we took it to the directors, and they made excuses and blamed us before even looking into it. They subsequently admittedly neglected my child and publicized the problem by sending out a school-wide email about us. One of the directors apologized later, but was unable to send out a public apology. Seeing former classmates and their parents around town (small town South Pasadena) still causes mild embarrassment, even years later. I have been an educator and mandated reporter for over 15 years. I know how parents and students should be treated, and this company does not.
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August 2017 by Beth W.
My older son went to Celebration Kids for 3 years, and my daughter is now finishing her 1st year there and will continue. We have had a wonderful experience. The teachers are kind, loving, communicate well with parents, and prepare the children well for the next year and to meet their developmental goals. The directors communicate well and create opportunities for family involvement and activities. I don't have any concern leaving my children there each day. There were some staff issues my son's first year there, and I was totally satisfied with the communication from Sara and Michele, and the steps taken to fix things. Respect, safety and care for the children is always first priority. My son was very well prepared for Kinder, and the school was also extremely helpful in assisting me to enroll him in TK at his elementary school when we felt it was more developmentally appropriate than K. Wonderful play based program - we love it!
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May 2017 by Susie P.
My daughter has been at CK since August and we couldn't be happier! We were looking for a play-based preschool for our daughter and I'm so glad we ended up at CK. Her teachers (Rebecca and Vanessa) are wonderful with the kids. Sara and Michele are great about keeping the families involved. We love CK!
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May 2017 by Barbara A.
Celebration Kids has now been a second home to both of my children. I work in early childhood policy and philanthropy. I've researched, assessed, funded and partnered with providers in this field for almost two decades. Celebration Kids exemplifies what high quality early care and education looks like. They engage the whole family on a consistent basis. They create an environment that is safe, warm and nurturing and create memorable experiences and enriching opportunities for the kids. They help us as a parents to support our child's development. They respect and support their staff. Sara and Michele set a standard and a culture that is just what we knew we wanted. Our kids are almost ten years apart. Returning to CK after 7 years has been a wonderful experience, with great families to connect with and kind and enthusiastic staff. I tell all my expecting friends to get onto the waiting list at their sister infant program ASAP.
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May 2017 by Janna S.
My twins have been at CK for the past two years. It has been an incredible experience for them and for us as parents. It is an incredibly nurturing and supportive environment and I drop the twins off every morning knowing they are in loving and good hands. The teachers are informed, loving and creative and my children ask on the weekend if it's Monday yet because they are so excited to get back to their CK family. It's a wonderful school.
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May 2017 by jamie f.
Teachers and staff really love your kids as much you do!! Fun and engaging play. Great apparatus and outdoor structures. Fun toys and learning activities. My kids are always playing with some kind of homemade foam or playdoh when I pick them up. Teachers pack my kids a snack when leaving if they're hungry. They just really CARE which shows in their work, there interactions with the kids,and with parents. I LOVE CK!!!
