Kristina Simon, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
Open:
Our center is accredited by NAEYC.
Welcome to Del Mar Highlands KinderCare
Welcome to Del Mar Highlands KinderCare, located just off El Camino Real and Townsgate Drive in Carmel Valley! Our curriculum focuses on early academics, physical activity, and social-emotional learning to nurture healthy bodies, happy hearts, and growing minds. In our learn-through-play approach, we focus on whole-child development through their social, cognitive, and physical development. It's our mission from the moment you walk into our center that you feel welcomed and a part of our KinderCare family!
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 Kristina Simon, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2020
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Human Development with a concentration in Child Development
Favorite Children's Book: Love You Forever
Meet Kristina Simon! She is the Center Director at Del Mar Highlands KinderCare in San Diego, California. Kristina attended California State University, San Bernardino, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Human Development. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Child Development. She has been with KinderCare since 2020, and before that she was a teacher and a system assessor for childcare sites. Outside of work, Kristina enjoys working out and spending time with her family. Her favorite quote is, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about." - Plato
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.
Del Mar Highlands 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.
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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We had the pleasure of having our son in the pre-k program for 2 years. We feel so lucky to have had the best experience at this center. Mrs. Amanda was our son’s teacher. She is the absolute best teacher that makes every single day a fun, creative, and wonderful learning experience for the kids. Our son has learned so much! It’s so impressive all of the areas they cover in this program. Because of Mrs. Amanda and their program, now our son is very well prepared for Kindergarten this fall. His reading, writing, math, confidence and he can count to 30 in four languages. My husband and I couldn’t be more thankful and blessed we chose KinderCare. The center is clean, very well-maintained, and they put so much effort into making sure the center has a wide variety of items for projects. Thank you so much KinderCare and Mrs. Amanda for everything!!! We will miss you all!
”Stephanie C. - KinderCare Parent
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Awesome school! We are from India and our four-year-old son only knows our mother language. When he started his school, he cried so much, but Miss Amanda and Miss Meghan gave him enough care and cooling period to settle down. Within two months he started picking up the language and I'm amazed of his vocabulary now. When he started, he knew only alphabets and numbers. Now he is writing words, doing addition problems, and a little reading with sight words. Happy that the teachers are not only academic, but also teach the kids using good manners. They helped my son grow so much academically and personally. There are not enough words to express our gratitude. Thank you Miss Amanda and Miss Meghan for your kind support and care for the kids.
Most of all, our son loves the teachers and his friends more. Now he is saying he doesn't want to leave the school to join kindergarten because he loves being in KinderCare so much. Miss Elba, Miss Maria, Miss Melissa, and all the other teachers are welcoming the kids and parents with a warm smile. Besides, every teacher knows the name of each child. Thank you KinderCare!”Meenakshi S. - KinderCare Parent
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My daughter recently finished her KinderCare journey, starting at 3 months in the infant classroom through Pre-K. It was a great and transformative experience for her, and has definitely more than prepared her very well for Kindergarten!
KinderCare was basically her home away from home. Some of the highlights I want to share that significantly helped us at home include: assistance with potty-training, becoming more independent during meals, being exposed to a variety of foods, being able to interact with many kids/different background, learning social skills, building self-esteem with share days (books/toys), and reading/writing/math in Pre-K. And of course lots of ART, a great activity to help express herself.
We liked the structured schedule of the day with a good mixture of indoor/outdoor activities. Summer is a great time with many fun activities during camp including water days and more art projects.
The directors and staff are amazing! Many thanks to the directors, Ms. Katrina and Ms. Johana. Thank you for a super job making each day go smoothly and adjusting to all health protocols and requirements during the past 1-2 years (checking in/releasing all the kids at front door).
Also special thanks to Ms. Amanda. We had the privilege of having her as the pre-K teacher not only for our recent pre-K grad but also our 12 year-old son who also attended the same site.
Thank you for making the classroom such a fun and loving environment and challenging the kids to learn and be kind!
I can’t say enough good things about the Del Mar Highlands KC site and the staff – you are truly superheroes in our community. Thank you again for partnering with us during these early critical years of development.
”Thanh H. - KinderCare Parent
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My wife and I have no regrets in choosing Del Mar Highlands KinderCare. I have visited 10+ daycare centers around my neighborhood when looking fora decent daycare center for my kids, and finally decided to choose Del Mar Highlands KinderCare.
What attracted me to Del Mar Highlands KinderCare was that every teacher I met there are so friendly and warm-hearted. It seemed to me that the teachers truly care about each child. It’s also worth mentioning that the facility was newly built in 2019 and the classrooms are very clean and the outdoor playground area is safe.
When my kids first enrolled with Del Mar Highlands KinderCare, they joined the Pre-school classroom first with teacher Mrs. Roxsana and later transitioned to Pre-K class with teacher Mrs. Amanda. My kids LOVE both teachers. Mrs. Roxsana and Mrs. Amanda are both very caring, patient, and skilled in teaching the kids based on each individual’s learning level and speed. I have seen my kids growing from two little shy toddlers into two confident 5-yr olds who greet and talk to every stranger they meet.
They even request Amazon Echo to play their favorite songs that they learned from school. I am surprised and impressed about the number of songs they learned from school and can sing along.
Also I really like the KinderCare app that provides daily updates and reports to the parents with photos, videos and teacher’s notes.
I would recommend any parent to plan ahead to sign up for KinderCare at Del Mar Highlands because great places have long waitlists.
”Tom C. - 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 Del Mar Highlands 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 Del Mar Highlands 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.