Hacienda Child Development Center

We are researching preschools for our 3yo son and so this will be one of a handful of reviews I’ll write based on our tours. After all of my online research, I was most excited about visiting this place. Interesting program, great physical space. Spanish AND Chinese lessons twice per week. But wow, Imelda was such a turnoff. As the director, I felt her selfish attitude must trickle down and her approach was a big red flag for us. She cared more about meeting her needs as a business manager than our needs as a parent. She started the conversation with a lot of data mining to prequalify us. She couldn’t care less what my husband did for a job, but she grilled me on if I worked, and since I did, if I go into an office. She really wanted to figure out if we were a dual-​income family and what line of work we were in to see if there was potential that we’d transition our kid from preschool to their private school. She claimed 85% of their toddlers do so. My husband and I find that almost impossible to believe, given the amazing quality of public schools in this neighborhood. Anyway, really selfish; only looking for what was best for her. We got the tour… again, great space, lots of room for the kids to run around in. Good playground area too. When we went back to the office, she kept passing paper materials, like the daily lesson plan, to my husband, even though I’m the one asking all the questions and have led the conversation from our end. It’s like she doesn’t even know who her buyer is. We are considering a January start, and she was really pushing a November/​December time frame, even though our son is not potty trained, the holidays are crazy and we’ll be doing a lot of traveling. Any expert will tell you changing things up – like starting a preschool — shouldn’t really be done when there’s a lot of other stuff going on. Yet Imelda was trying to talk us into it that it’s a great time to do so… uh, yeah, for her, since she knows she has openings right now. Yeesh. At home I read the packet and it’s a doozy. Lots of policies that you don’t see in other centers. Walking away from this opportunity really disappointed.

Our son started Hacienda Child Development Center in 2006, and we were thrilled an opening came available early, so we could move him from another local pre-​school. This school has been a blessing, and since then, our youngest child has also attended HCDC. The teachers and staff are so loving and so engaging, the kids have a real relationship with every single one of their teachers.
The program is run extremely well, and I can say that after 7 years and both my kids having gone through this school, they continue to offer new and exciting challenges and opportunities for learning and fun. I can think of countless examples, all make me smile. Some are: They get the chance to be the «problem solver» in the class, and are empowered to help resolve issues between their peers. They have the opportunity to learn about new cultures, the world, the seasons, current events explained in a way they can understand; also fun class science experiments, trying new foods, sense of community through class music events and working together to host other events like «friendship soup» for us parents. The list goes on and on. And you can ask me about any of them anytime!
Turn over seems to be very low, and I think this says a lot about the work culture here, and as a parent I love that my kids teachers enjoy their job and workplace, and it also it makes for a flourishing environment for my children. I trust that every day my children are safe, happy and healthy with teachers who really care, I really can’t ask for more.
My children are leaving HCDC with more knowledge and growth than I ever expected. I feel truly grateful for the experience my children had in their younger years. This school was one of the best decisions we’ve made for them.

Drop by this place for a visit. Anytime. What will you see? Infants and toddlers sitting still (yes! it can happen), captivated, as they engage in a circle activity. Babies sitting adoringly in their teachers’ laps signing for more stories. A toddler so excited to see her teachers and friends at drop off that she barely has time to blow a kiss to mom some mornings. Two-​year-​olds who have better hygiene practices than many adults. Preschoolers who are enthusiastically learning to read, write, and do basic math. Boys and girls learning to listen, empathize, create, share, and resolve conflict in constructive ways. Children clamoring to say hello to teachers and substitutes in the hallways. Patient (amazingly patient!), talented, and loving teachers.
These are just a few of the many beautiful things I’ve observed in our 4 years with HCDC. I have two daughters, aged 4 and 1.5, that have been at the school since they were each a few months old. Our children thrive in this environment: outstanding curriculum bolstered by the love, support and hard work of so many fabulous teachers.
The teachers and caregivers here will know and love your children. They are your partners. They will listen to your needs and concerns. They will tell you stories about your children with such sincere joy or pride, that you will swear they thought they were aunts or uncles.
The parents at this school are well educated and savvy consumers of childcare. We continue to bring our children because we trust that this school offers our children the best.

My two kids went to HCDC since they were 3 months old since both my wife and I work full time, now my son is 3 years old and my daughter is 1.5 years old. After reviewing a few other full time day care, we found this place to be the most structured for learning and safety. I thought at first that we’d try it out for awhile, and then look for a cheaper daycare after some time. However, when my son started being able to sing and sound out his alphabets faster than his cousins i thought that the extra money was worth it. The value of HCDC is that the opportunity to excel is there for your child to learn while you’re at work.
The other kids are well behaved. When I drop my son off, the other kids are encouraging and holds his hand to lead him into the classroom. The teachers are courteous and organized, and quick to understand my needs as a working parent. Take a look at the place and you’ll realize that it’s the best running daycare in the area.

Great Toddler, Preschool and Kindergarten programs. Enthusiastic teachers who my sons adored. My 2 sons, now 7 and 4 started with HCDC from the toddler room when they were 2 years old. My husband and I, after visiting several schools near the area, knew we had found the right one the moment we met the teachers and the kids in the room. We were amazed how well behaved and organized the kids were. They were sitting calmly in a circle listening to the head teacher. We had not seen the same in any other schools that we visited.
This school has a language rich curriculum. It offers Spanish and Chinese learning. It is the only Montessori school that offers Chinese bilingual program in the area. Teachers don’t set the learning limit based on age range. They let the kids determine their own learning potential. Through lessons and practical exercises (jobs), kids absorb the materials. I remembered my older son when at age 3 came home and talked about volcanoes and the different layers of the earth. My younger son also taught me the different shapes and scientific names of clouds. He told me how thunder and rains were formed. When at age 5, my older son knew how to spell and draw the different triangles: Equilateral, Isosceles and Scalene !!
I strongly believe the success of this school roots from the superb quality of their staff. For over 7 years with this school and still counting, I interacted with most of the teachers in different classrooms. They are all very caring and they put my children’s well-​being as priority. The administration worked very hard to retain high standard staff members. There is very low teacher turnover.
My older one has gone in the elementary branch of this school. My younger one is entering kindergarten this coming school year. We are so lucky that we made the right choice for them, which will go a long way for their future.

Between our 2 kids we have 9 years with HCDC. it is a phenomenal place. Most caring teachers, amazing curriculum that is incredibly well rounded and an overall stellar experience for parents and teachers. lots of time taken for personal attention and holistic development.
Did I say incredible teachers? I can’t emphasize how incredibly good most teachers are. In varying ways each of our kids needed attention to hone different aspects of their learning. And the teachers provided that to them with full compassion. These teachers have become such important part of our lives. Our older son is graduating KG and we have (despite really good schools closer to our house) decided to have him continue with the elementary branch of the same institution.
I would strongly recommend considering this place if you are looking in the neighborhood. One of the best decisions of our life.