First Steps Family Day Care

13811 Archwood St, Van Nuys, CA 91405, USA

Address:	13811 Archwood St, Van Nuys, CA 91405, USA
Phone:	+1 818-901-0225
Site:	firststepsdc.com
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 14

Reviews 5

Amber Dixon

Im a full time working mom and placing my son in daycare was one of the most emotional events to date. With that said, I wanted a place that my son would be happy and well looked after. He was. But what I didnt like about this place was the dishonesty, the unprofessionalism and laziness. Again, this is my experience and I wish I had pulled my child sooner. Dishonest- Mangala has a cat. It lives outside and it comes in her house off and on. Cats are fine, as long as this info is disclosed to the parents. It was not. In my opinion, thats dishonest. Her claim is its her sons (who lives next door). I dont care. Let me decide as the parent if thats what I want for my child. Unprofessional- a good daycare will keep the parents informed of any schedule changes for holidays, etc. Mangala does not. She has a huge Mac computer sitting in her kitchen and doesnt use it. This is a digital age! Cmon send an email! There was no newsletter stating what the kids are eating, learning, etc. She is often "out" and uses substitutes that youve never met. Not professional to me at all. Lazy-This is concerning toddler development. Potty training is a challenge at home, you will get no assistance from Mangala or her "helpers" while your child is in her care. None whatsoever . PTg can be frustrating, I totally get it. But its necessary and she set us back by not even trying. In regards to teaching, Mangala showed us videos of her giving one-on-one time to toddlers for their letters, shapes, colors, etc. This is a big deal for me. Ask me if she ever had a one-on-one with my 3 year old? His pediatrician noticed his speech was behind and that was my official deal breaker. I should have pulled him sooner, much sooner. So my warning to parents is this. Mangala is a nice lady. Your child will more than likely love her. But as a parent, I want more for my little one and she did not deliver. If youre looking for a babysitter...shes the one. If youre looking for someone that does more than just "watch" your child, you should pass.

markus baldwin

We kept our daughter at First Steps (instead of starting preschool) until she was 4.5, because she loved it there so much. Because she was older, Mangala offered to work with her on letters, numbers, writing, etc. She just started Pre K in the Fall and at our first parent teacher conference, the teacher told us that our daughter has already mastered every section of the proficiency checklist for Pre K. The teacher said that its obvious we really worked with her before Pre K, but the truth is that Mangala taught her all of those things at First Steps. She also taught her how to work well with others and how to be a good learner. Oh, and Mangala and Gnanna were a huge help with potty-training. Im certain my daughters social and academic success in school is in large part because of her years with Mangala and Im so grateful. My son has been with Mangala for two years now and he loves it as much as my daughter. He knows his ABCs, and I was shocked when he correctly identified numbers the other day. These are not things Ive taught him. Another thing Ive loved about First Steps is that its open more days than most daycares or preschools. Over the years, Ive seen many of my friends scrambling to find childcare during week long holiday closures or spring break, while Mangala is open. (Shes also only taken one vacation in the four years my kids have been going to First Steps, and she still remained open during that week and had a great teacher in her place.) Its so hard to find a place to leave your kids without a moments hesitation. My husband and I have felt so so lucky to have Mangala and Gnanna. Our kids have been well loved, and well fed, and well cared for at First Steps. Ive highly recommended First Steps to my friends.

Nadia Cantuna

First of all, this daycare center is top notch! My daughter was cared for by the nurturing and caring staff at First Steps from age 2 until she was 4. As working parents, the staff provided us with the peace of mind knowing that our daughter was well cared for in a fun, safe, and clean environment! Not once did my daughter cry about going to "school." She looked forward to seeing the staff, the kids, and playing outside in the large spacious play area. Mangala greeted us every morning with a beautiful smile and a caring hello, with a tone that beamed excitement for the new day. The owner is phenomenal - always available to speak with and she genuinely cares about the children as if they are her own. She has years of experience and it shows! She is excellent at explaining things to children with embedded life lessons! It is a daycare center but the children are learning about colors, animals, the alphabet, songs, sharing, cleaning up, and assistance with potty training. The children are fed nutritious meals with vegetables and healthy snacks - my daughter still misses the food! I cant thank you enough for everything you provided our family. Mangala and Yana you are THE BEST!!! My daughter is now in preschool but she continues to remember the memories created at First Steps! If you are looking for a home-like environment that will take good care of your little one, this is it! They always have a waitlist so if you want to get your child in or will need childcare in the near future, I recommend you get on the list ASAP!!

Radha Bathala

My son has been going to this day care for the past 8 months and he loves it. We are so glad that we found this day care run by Mangala Jayakody and that she had space for him. In the morning, Mangala always opens the door with a big smile and Good Morning and my son jumps into her arms. He quickly closes the door so that he can go inside and play. He doesnt even give us a chance to say bye :=) In the evening, its so hard to get him to go home. We are very lucky to have found Mangalas daycare. She is flexible, professional and a very loving person. We feel good to leave him there knowing that he is being taken good care of. Mangala also sends us photos and videos of him at day care, and we cant wait to watch them...theyre so fun. It gives us a chance to see how he interacts with other kids at day care. My son loves Mangalas helper, Gnanna. Gnanna takes such a good care of my son and he adores her. I HIGHLY recommend this day care.

Christina Salazar

My daughter started out with her "aunties" when she was just 3 months old and just recently graduated on to preschool. I have nothing but good things to say about our experience at First Steps. Im a working first time mom with all the pressures and demands that entails and knowing that my daughter was with the next best thing to family meant that I could focus on my work and know that she is safe and loved. Plus she learned so much while she was there, including numbers, alphabet, colors, songs and manners. Everyone who meets my daughter tells me how impressed they are that she says please and thank you and I can say that she learned that here! Thank you so much for all youve done for my family Mangala and Gnana!