Young at Heart Daycare

We are so lucky to have found Young at Heart daycare... especially since this institution has operated with zero internet presence until now (referral only)! My son is currently 25 months old and has been with Natanya since he was 6 months. There is nothing better than knowing your kid is in a fun, safe, and stimulating environment when they are not with you. 

A few ways I would describe Natanya and the experience at Young at Heart:

- INTIMATE: Currently 5 kids who get along incredibly. I’ve never heard of a conflict, although I know Natanya would let me know immediately if there was an important issue

- STIMULATING: Natanya has experience teaching K, 1st, and 2nd grades in OUSD to kids with special needs. She is a pro at Kindergarten readiness, helping kids learn colors, numbers, letters, and more. While this is not a screen-free environment, I am confident that any videos shown are accompanied with an activity, like dancing and playing music. Natanya is always coming up with new ideas of activities… right now, the kids are raising caterpillars into butterflies! 

- VALUES-BASED / SOCIAL-EMOTIONALLY FOCUSED: Things my son has clearly learned from Natanya and the other kids are saying sorry if he mistakenly hurts me, sharing toys with turns, asking for help (instead of screaming!), helping to clean up, and giving thanks before a meal!

COLLABORATIVE: Natanya has always been open to trying out new ways of doing things based on my or my sons needs. For example, she was willing to separate his compostable diapers for me to take home for our specialized compost service… I can imagine providers at bigger centers would not do this! She also was willing to support potty training my son at 22 months based on my strong preference on this, although she did not have experience potty training this early before. I was so thankful for her openness! 
 

HIGHLY SAFETY-CENTRIC: Natanya is hyper vigilant about food safety based on the child’s age, and I know she runs simulations to teach the older kids how to call 911 in an emergency (like if she is hurt). She is also very careful about keeping the kids as healthy as possible through cleaning and hygiene. 

COMMUNICATIVE: Natanya is easy to get a hold of by phone or text, and I know she will always reach out if there is something I should know.

LOVING: My son doesn’t even turn back to say bye when I drop him off. He clearly has a ton of fun with Natanya and the other kids, so what more could I ask for?

Reach out and talk to Natanya to find out if she has availability… two kids are aging out in August. You won’t regret it!