Daphne Landa, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
Open:
Welcome to San Carlos KinderCare
Welcome to San Carlos KinderCare in San Diego, California! We are situated just across from Cowles Mountain, near Mission Trails park. Our center is a large facility, with a generous amount of outdoor play space. Children, from six weeks to twelve years, buzz with excitement as they enter the building and look forward to their school day. Every child from every background can join our warm, welcoming, and supportive classrooms. We love meeting new friends!
Our classrooms are places to thrive!
In our safe and healthy classrooms, your child will be engaged in learning experiences that meet them where they are, both socially and academically. With fun daily activities, passionate teachers, and great friends, a lifetime of confidence starts here. Contact the center director to learn more about our child care options and schedule a tour!
Meet Daphne Landa, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2012
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Developmental Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Science
Favorite Children's Book: Goodnight Moon
Meet Daphne Landa! She is the Center Director at San Carlos KinderCare in San Diego, California. Daphne has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Developmental Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Science. She has been with KinderCare since 2012, and before that she was a teacher. Outside of work, Daphne enjoys arts and crafts, being outdoors, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family and dog. Her favorite quote is, "What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." - Jane Goodall
AMERICA’S MOST ACCREDITED
We’re so proud!
Nationally only 10% of daycares are accredited - nearly 100% of our learning centers are. That’s a big difference, and that means KinderCare kids are getting the very best. Here’s why.
SCHOOL-READY
What Learning Looks Like
Our talented early-childhood teachers set kids down the path toward becoming lifelong learners in a positive, safe, and nurturing environment.
San Carlos KinderCare Programs
Infant Programs (6 weeks–1 year)
Leaving your baby in someone else’s care is a big step. Everyone at our centers—most importantly, our naturally gifted infant teachers—will work with you to make sure the transition goes smoothly. When you step into our infant classroom, you’ll see how much we want your infant to feel safe, loved, and ready to explore their world.
Toddler Programs (1–2 Years)
Everything in our toddler classroom is designed for little explorers. That’s because a lot is going on at this age. When your child is wandering all over the place, that means they’re learning and discovering new things every day. We’ll help them explore their interests (and find new ones!) as they play and learn.
Discovery Preschool Programs (2–3 Years)
This age is filled with so much wonder and curiosity. That’s why we offer a ton of books and toys and bring artwork down to kids eye level. Children in discovery preschool also begin to learn how we all work together in a classroom. Simple math and science, pretend play, and group play help them get used to a more structured school setting.
Preschool Programs (3–4 Years)
This age is all about expression, when kids really start to form their own ideas about what they want to play and how they want to create. Every day in our preschool classroom, your child will explore science experiments, create artwork, and play pretend—all the skills needed for their big next step: kindergarten!
Prekindergarten Programs (4–5 Years)
When you walk into one of our pre-K classrooms, you’ll see artwork and writing displayed around the room. Labels are everywhere to help kids connect letters with words. You’ll also see pictures on the walls that reflect the families in our community. Your child will also deepen their knowledge in language, math, science, Spanish, and social skills.
Kindergarten Programs (5–6 Years)
Welcome to kindergarten: the gateway to grade school and everything that comes next! Offered in select centers, our kindergarten programs have small class sizes and curriculums that mix learning and fun. The basic building blocks of reading, writing, math, and science are key in kindergarten, so we make sure they get lots of practice in all of these areas.
School Break Programs (preschool, prekindergarten, and school-age)
Winter break, spring break, summer break—when school’s out (but you still need to work), you can count on KinderCare to provide a safe and supportive learning environment that’s focused on fun. We welcome children ages 5–12 during school break times and make sure they have a sensational, screen-free experience they won’t forget.
Learning Adventures - Enrichment Program
Cooking Academy™ (3 – 12 Years)
In Cooking Academy, kids learn new recipes from cultures around the world and develop a healthy relationship with food. They’ll whip up everything from Southwest rainbow lettuce wraps to pumpkin muffins, building their skills in STEM, communication, and more along the way. And yes—little chefs get to eat their culinary creations!
Phonics Adventures® (2 – 4 Years)
Learning how to read is a whole lot of fun at KinderCare! We help kids grow to love books and words (and get ready for kindergarten) in our Phonics Adventures program. From discovering the basics of vowels to practicing poetry, kids learn all about letters and sounds in small-group lessons made just for their age group. (Bonus: Kids who attend our phonics program are more prepared than their peers for school—and we have the data to prove it.)
Spanish
Spanish Adventures provides young learners with a foundation for later success with the Spanish language. Music, games, children's Spanish literature, and other tools give children multiple opportunities to hear, practice, and see Spanish language to develop vocabulary and conversation skills. Curriculum includes lessons on greetings, numbers, colors, animals, family, body parts, and pets, as well as how to engage conversationally during common scenarios at home, a restaurant, or at the zoo.
Our Teachers
We're the only company in early childhood education to select teachers based on natural talent. Being a great educator isn't enough though. KinderCare teachers are also amazing listeners, nurturers, boo-boo fixers, and smile-makers. Put more simply, we love our teachers and your child will, too.
Meet just a few of our amazing KinderCare teachers!
A KINDERCARE TEACHER WITH
An Artist's Heart
"My classroom is full of art!” says Mary Annthipie-Bane, an award-winning early childhood educator at KinderCare. Art and creative expression, she says, help children discover who they really are.
We put our best-in-class teachers in a best-in-class workplace. We're so proud to have been named one of Gallup's 37 winners of the Great Workplace Award. When you put great teachers in an engaging center, your children will experience an amazing place to learn and grow.
Family Stories
Don't take our word for it. Hear what our families have to say about our amazing center!
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I have been so pleased with my experience with KinderCare San Carlos. Not only do they take excellent care of my little one, but they are so pleasant to deal with. The teachers are fantastic and the curriculum ensures that my little one meets the milestones she is supposed to meet, on or before she is supposed to meet them. While my little one has not always been the easiest infant in their room, the teachers never fail to amaze me with their kindness and commitment to her growth.
”Dayna G. - KinderCare Parent
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Finding the perfect home away from home for my twin toddlers was a daunting task. While interviewing various preschools for my twins who were almost 33 months old, we met with the center’s director, Jessica. I felt she was very attuned to what goals and necessities we desired enrolling our children part time. I wanted an environment that was clean, safe, nurturing and, most importantly, fun for my daughters. I had noticed that my daughters were speaking a bit, but not as much as most children their age, and had little to no interest in using the potty. I also noticed during group classes my daughters tended to struggle more than other children when trying to follow directions and would shy away from other kids choosing to only interact with each other.
Within the first few weeks, my daughters were showing signs of being ready to use the potty and within the first seven weeks almost fully potty trained. We now only use diapers at night! My daughters are interacting more with others, making new friends and following directions with more fortitude. The most remarkable change is their communication; even my family and friends have commented on how much their speaking and vocabulary has progressed. My daughters are asking to go to school now and are excited to see their classmates and teachers Vanessa and Erin. They are even becoming more exploratory with their food!
The level of personal interaction from all the staff members has been above and beyond reproach. Both Jessica and Sara, always take a moment for a quick chat to make sure everything is going well or to let me know of any upcoming events. The teacher’s aides are wonderful; they are just as involved with my daughters as the rest of the faculty. Communication is a key component here, the staff is very conscious of keeping the parents informed. Vanessa and Erin are always willing to answer any questions or concerns I may have regarding my daughters. They are also one of the first to celebrate and congratulate my daughters on a new accomplishment.
With KinderCare at San Carlos they have three essential ingredients; staff members who truly care for my little ones, have a strong foundation and understanding of what our little ones emotional needs and perceptions are, as well as a desire to see our children reach their potential. My daughters love their time that they get to spend with the friends and teachers at San Carlos KinderCare. I would strongly recommend that you visit and see for yourself.”Alicia V. - KinderCare Parent
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We are truly thankful for all the teachers at KinderCare It’s not the facility that makes this place it’s all the teachers that poor their heart and soul into each and every child. KinderCare is not just a childcare facility, it’s a home.
When David was in kindergarten he was attending another childcare facility which will rename nameless. I would do the same thing and drop him off in the morning and they would pick him up after school. He had attended preschool at this facility. It had been a great place and David really liked everyone. One morning my husband decided to take David to school. One of the other parents who also took her daughter to the same place and was in his class. She told him that the day before the school driver went to Walgreen’s and the bank after picking the kids up. This driver did not bring the children with him but left them in the car with the windows rolled up and the doors locked. We had a heat wave at this time. My husband told me about this on his way home and to call the mother to discuss. I did and we both pulled our children out. That broke my trust and was the hardest thing to go through specially since being a mom and having to work, it kills us for not being there for our children.
I was very nervous bring him to KinderCare and David doesn’t like new places and can be very shy. I can’t say anything bad about KinderCare from day one you all have made us feel like one of the family. You care for our children as much all of us moms and dads. I can’t thank you all enough for making us feel at ease being at working knowing our children are well taken care of when we are not with them. David has grown so much and just loves Miss Julie, Miss Cindy, Miss Kelly and Miss Linda. He talks about you all! So many days he looks at me as I arrive to pick him up and says “Really? You're already here? Can I play longer?" He feels safe, loved and happy. What else could a parent ask for? Thank you to each and every one of you, we appreciate all you do for our children.”Dawn W. - KinderCare Parent
Who Are KinderCare Families?
They hail from hundreds of cities across the country from countless backgrounds, and proudly represent every walk in life. What our families have in common, though, is the want to give their children the best start in life. We are so proud to be their partner in parenting.
Hear from just a few of our amazing KinderCare families.
A Globe-Trotting Family Finds A
Home in Houston
Four young children, four different passports, two languages, two full-time jobs…oh, and a few triathlons thrown in for good measure. Meet the globe-trotting Colettas—a family on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accreditations does KinderCare have?
We are your trusted caregiver. Our centers are state-licensed and regularly inspected to make sure everything meets or exceeds standards, including child-to-teacher ratios and safe facilities. Our centers aren’t just licensed—most are accredited, too! Find out more.
Do you offer part-time schedules at San Carlos KinderCare?
Everybody’s schedule is different. We’re happy to offer quality, affordable part-time and full-time childcare. Drop-in care may also be available. Reach out to your Center Director to learn more.
How does naptime work at San Carlos KinderCare?
Our teachers meet every child’s needs during naptime. Our teachers know how to get babies to nap. In fact, they are pros at getting children of any age to nap. Visit our article on "10 Ways We Help Kids Get a Great Daycare Nap" to learn more.
Do you support alternative diets?
We strive to be as inclusive as possible. To that point, we provide a vegetarian option at mealtime, take care to not serve common allergens and can adapt menus based on your child’s food sensitivities. If your child has additional needs, we’ll work with you to figure out a plan.
Are meals included in tuition? Can I choose to send my child with lunch?
We provide nutritious meals and snacks developed by a registered dietician to meet the needs of rapidly growing bodies and minds. If your child has special dietary requirements and you would prefer to bring in their lunch, please make arrangements with the center director.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Every child begins toilet learning at a different age. Until your child shows an interest in toilet learning, we’ll provide diaper changes on an as-needed basis. When your child shows an interest, we'll discuss how to work together to encourage toilet learning.