Best Child Care in Santa Ana, CA

Drop-In Care

At Childtime, our Drop-In Care program gives you the freedom to purchase child care days in advance. This allows you to use them when you need them—all year long! As a parent, you’ll appreciate the reliability and flexibility while your child enjoys our proven early education curriculum in a safe, secure, fun environment. Our prepaid cards come in five-day increments and are good for one full year. Just call 48 hours in advance to reserve your spot.

Infants

Families love the balance of nurturing care and milestone development in this program. In a warm, safe, stimulating classroom, children have a primary caregiver to attend to their needs. Plus, our exclusive, milestone-focused curriculum, Learn from the Start™, was developed by our educational experts to focus on key developmental milestones specific to infants. We emphasize each child’s development, rather than specific age, because all children grow and learn at their own pace, and in their own unique way. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Drop-In Care

Our Flex Care program allows you to purchase child care days in advance. That way, you can use them when you need them—all year long. You’ll love the reliability and flexibility, and your child will love our proven early education curriculum and fun, safe, secure environment. Prepaid cards come in five-day increments and can be bought at your school. Each is good for one full year. Once you’ve completed the enrollment paperwork, just call 48 hours in advance to reserve your spot.

Infants

Families love the balance of nurturing care and milestone development in this program. In a warm, safe, stimulating classroom, children have a primary caregiver to attend to their needs. Plus, our exclusive, milestone-focused curriculum, Learn from the Start™, was developed by our educational experts to focus on key developmental milestones specific to infants. We emphasize each child’s development, rather than specific age, because all children grow and learn at their own pace, and in their own unique way. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

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We offer a loving Christian atmosphere that opens up a world of learning through rich play experiences for preschoolers to grow academically, creatively and spiritually. Our daily care provides an enriching education in a nurturing environment

TK & Kindergarten Enrichment

The Catalyst Kids Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten program provides a supportive, enriching environment for children as they embark on their early school journey. Designed as a seamless extension of the school day, our curriculum fosters discovery, creativity, and critical thinking through hands-on activities and structured enrichment. Using Catalyst Kids Learning Through Literacy, we integrate English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies into engaging, literature-based experiences that build motivation, foundational skills, and core values. Children participate in STEM projects, creative expression activities, leadership opportunities, and structured physical development, all tailored to their interests and developmental needs. A balanced daily schedule includes meeting time to foster community, structured homework and academic enrichment, nutritious meals served family-style, and 30 Fit, ensuring active movement for a healthy lifestyle. Children explore long-term interests through specialized clubs and enjoy open recreation time with access to quiet spaces, dramatic play, and outdoor activities. Our dedicated teachers create meaningful connections, guiding children with respect and creativity. Strong family partnerships ensure collaboration through daily communication, school events, and shared program goals, making Catalyst Kids a trusted partner in each child’s early learning experience.

Summer Camp

Are you counting down the days till camp? We are too! At Catalyst Kids' camps every child is free to be the kid they want to be. Each day of camp is an opportunity to explore something new. Fellow campers become friends and friends become family. Welcome to the family! Our camps promote learning and skill building in a real-world atmosphere. Campers get the opportunity to practice what they learn during the school year, make connections, and engage in topics that they want to know more about. Students get to collaborate on exciting themes and activities that are designed to promote skill building while having fun. In a typical day, we promote an active and healthy lifestyle with healthy snacks, meals, and physical activity. We focus on discovery, play, and engagement and support Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics concepts while building lasting connections. Our Camp Leaders recognize each camper’s unique contribution to the camp experience while bringing their own knowledge, talent, and positivity to help our students grow.

TK & Kindergarten Enrichment

The Catalyst Kids Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten program provides a supportive, enriching environment for children as they embark on their early school journey. Designed as a seamless extension of the school day, our curriculum fosters discovery, creativity, and critical thinking through hands-on activities and structured enrichment. Using Catalyst Kids Learning Through Literacy, we integrate English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies into engaging, literature-based experiences that build motivation, foundational skills, and core values. Children participate in STEM projects, creative expression activities, leadership opportunities, and structured physical development, all tailored to their interests and developmental needs. A balanced daily schedule includes meeting time to foster community, structured homework and academic enrichment, nutritious meals served family-style, and 30 Fit, ensuring active movement for a healthy lifestyle. Children explore long-term interests through specialized clubs and enjoy open recreation time with access to quiet spaces, dramatic play, and outdoor activities. Our dedicated teachers create meaningful connections, guiding children with respect and creativity. Strong family partnerships ensure collaboration through daily communication, school events, and shared program goals, making Catalyst Kids a trusted partner in each child’s early learning experience.

Summer Camp

Are you counting down the days till camp? We are too! At Catalyst Kids' camps every child is free to be the kid they want to be. Each day of camp is an opportunity to explore something new. Fellow campers become friends and friends become family. Welcome to the family! Our camps promote learning and skill building in a real-world atmosphere. Campers get the opportunity to practice what they learn during the school year, make connections, and engage in topics that they want to know more about. Students get to collaborate on exciting themes and activities that are designed to promote skill building while having fun. In a typical day, we promote an active and healthy lifestyle with healthy snacks, meals, and physical activity. We focus on discovery, play, and engagement and support Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics concepts while building lasting connections. Our Camp Leaders recognize each camper’s unique contribution to the camp experience while bringing their own knowledge, talent, and positivity to help our students grow.

Toddlers

The Infant/Toddler program is built on strong partnerships with families to provide individualized, nurturing care that supports each child’s unique temperament, developmental pace, and interests. We implement the research-based Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC), ensuring high-quality care through primary teachers, small group sizes, and continuity of care until age three. By fostering cultural continuity and including children with varying needs, our program creates a secure, supportive environment where infants and toddlers thrive. Each child is paired with a primary teacher who tailors care routines—such as feeding, napping, and toileting—to their individual rhythms, ensuring seamless transitions between home and school. Our thoughtfully designed learning environments encourage active exploration, relationship-building, and early problem-solving. With small muscle activity areas, sensory exploration zones, and indoor/outdoor motor play spaces, children engage with age-appropriate materials like textured balls, water play, and climbers. Creative expression is fostered through music, painting, and pretend play, allowing young learners to develop confidence and curiosity. Our dedicated teachers provide a warm, enriching setting where infants and toddlers grow through meaningful interactions and hands-on experiences.

Preschool

The Catalyst Kids preschool program fosters remarkable growth in children’s physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development through hands-on exploration, meaningful interactions, and teacher-guided learning. Rooted in the HighScope and Reggio Emilia approaches, our program is further guided by California’s Desired Results assessment process, Learning Foundations, and Curriculum Frameworks. Our rich and dynamic learning environment reflects the unique interests of each child, offering materials and spaces that support foundational skills in literacy, math, science, the arts, and social studies. With safe, sensory-friendly classrooms, children engage in small and large group activities, hands-on learning experiences, and independent exploration that promote confidence and school readiness. A structured yet flexible daily routine helps children feel secure and supported, with key elements including Plan-Do-Review, small group instruction, and circle time to foster decision-making, collaboration, and critical thinking. Our research-based Pathways to Literacy curriculum ensures children receive focused, engaging instruction that builds early literacy and math skills. Outdoor play is an essential part of each day, encouraging exploration, movement, and a connection with nature. As children transition to kindergarten, our program collaborates with elementary schools and families to ensure a smooth, confident progression. With strong family partnerships, an open-door policy, and ongoing communication, Catalyst Kids creates a nurturing environment where children develop the skills they need for future academic success.

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Infant Daycare

Infant program offering a physically and emotionally safe place for your baby to explore and learn about the world around them. Shoe-free policy ensures that classrooms are clean and safe for little ones to move around. Daily routine includes time outdoors, group time, and discovery baskets for sensory exploration. Trained teachers spend time cuddling, singing, and reading to your child.

Toddler Daycare

Toddlers are on the go, exploring and learning new things throughout each day. Classrooms are kid-size in design, allowing children to do more things independently, building their self-confidence. Photos of the children’s families cover the walls of the classroom, creating a sense of community. Daily routine includes: outdoor play, circle time, dance & movement, reading, art, music, and free play.

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Infant, Toddler & Preschool

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Summar Camp

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TK & Kindergarten Enrichment

The Catalyst Kids Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten program provides a supportive, enriching environment for children as they embark on their early school journey. Designed as a seamless extension of the school day, our curriculum fosters discovery, creativity, and critical thinking through hands-on activities and structured enrichment. Using Catalyst Kids Learning Through Literacy, we integrate English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies into engaging, literature-based experiences that build motivation, foundational skills, and core values. Children participate in STEM projects, creative expression activities, leadership opportunities, and structured physical development, all tailored to their interests and developmental needs. A balanced daily schedule includes meeting time to foster community, structured homework and academic enrichment, nutritious meals served family-style, and 30 Fit, ensuring active movement for a healthy lifestyle. Children explore long-term interests through specialized clubs and enjoy open recreation time with access to quiet spaces, dramatic play, and outdoor activities. Our dedicated teachers create meaningful connections, guiding children with respect and creativity. Strong family partnerships ensure collaboration through daily communication, school events, and shared program goals, making Catalyst Kids a trusted partner in each child’s early learning experience.

Summer Camp

Are you counting down the days till camp? We are too! At Catalyst Kids' camps every child is free to be the kid they want to be. Each day of camp is an opportunity to explore something new. Fellow campers become friends and friends become family. Welcome to the family! Our camps promote learning and skill building in a real-world atmosphere. Campers get the opportunity to practice what they learn during the school year, make connections, and engage in topics that they want to know more about. Students get to collaborate on exciting themes and activities that are designed to promote skill building while having fun. In a typical day, we promote an active and healthy lifestyle with healthy snacks, meals, and physical activity. We focus on discovery, play, and engagement and support Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics concepts while building lasting connections. Our Camp Leaders recognize each camper’s unique contribution to the camp experience while bringing their own knowledge, talent, and positivity to help our students grow.

Infant Care - New Beginnings

Our infant daycare and child care program supports early development through sensory learning. Babies explore sights, sounds, and textures in a nurturing daycare setting. This preschool foundation helps your child grow, adapt, and build awareness of their environment.

Toddler Care - Discovering Me

Our Discovering Me program is developed through our Life Essentials® curriculum to grow and reinforce each toddler’s individual needs. Our educators form strong, caring relationships with your toddler and guide them through sensory-based learning experiences that encourage discovery.

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