Business Details
Montessori Child Care in Irvine & Mission Viejo
Creative Minds Irvine was founded on the belief that children grow, learn, and thrive through exploration and discovery. Our programs integrate the AMI Montessori Method and Reggio Emilia approach, creating environments where children develop independence, creativity, and cultural awareness. With locations in Irvine and Mission Viejo, we offer tailored programs for infants, preschoolers, and school-age children, including before-and-after-school care. Our founder, Inoka Jayasinghe, brings over two decades of Montessori expertise and a passion for art-based learning to our curriculum. We emphasize holistic development through practical life skills, sensory exploration, language, math, and cultural studies.Our stress-management programs incorporate cardio, yoga, and meditation to support emotional well-being. Mixed media art, baking, and clay play foster creativity and fine motor skills. We maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and a safe, nurturing atmosphere. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our licensing and structured curricula that prepare children for academic and personal success. We collaborate with families to create a supportive ecosystem for each child's growth.
Services
Montessori Preschool
Child Care Services
After-School Program
Summer Camp
Art-Based Learning
Stress Management
Baking Classes
Clay Play
Outdoor Adventures
Language Development
Highlights and features
- We offer AMI Montessori-certified educators with 21+ years of experience.
- Our curriculum integrates Reggio Emilia principles and art-based learning.
- We provide stress-management programs with yoga and cardio activities.
- Our multicultural approach fosters cultural awareness and acceptance.
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized attention and safety.
Associations and certifications
- AMI Montessori
What people say
Nurturing environment
Experienced staff
Creative curriculum
Stress management programs
Cultural awareness
Services
Montessori Preschool
Our Montessori Preschool combines structured curriculum with self-directed learning. Children explore practical life, sensorial materials, language, math, and cultural studies. The program develops independence, critical thinking, and social skills through hands-on activities and mixed media art projects.
After-School Program
This program offers homework assistance, STEM activities, and enrichment classes. Students engage in art, music, and science experiments while developing organizational skills. Safe transportation is provided for local elementary schools in Mission Viejo.
Summer Camp
Our summer camp features weekly themes including art, nature, and field trips. Activities like reptile zoo visits, magic shows, and outdoor adventures promote creativity and physical development for children aged 2-12.
Stress Management
Designed for children, these programs include yoga, meditation, and cardio exercises. They improve focus, emotional regulation, and physical health through structured sessions that complement academic learning.
Mixed Media Art
Students explore painting, clay work, and mixed media projects. This program develops fine motor skills, creativity, and spatial awareness while encouraging self-expression through tactile, sensory-rich materials.
People
Inoka Jayasinghe
Founder and Program Director
Inoka founded Creative Minds with 24 years of Montessori experience. Trained in Sri Lanka and the Reggio Emilia method, she developed the 'Secrets of Our Mind' art program. She emphasizes child-led learning and nature-based education.
Questions
What educational philosophies do you use?
We combine AMI Montessori methods with Reggio Emilia principles, emphasizing child-led exploration and holistic development.
Do you offer infant care programs?
Yes, we care for infants from 6 weeks old, focusing on physical, social, and cognitive development in a nurturing environment.
Are meals provided?
We provide breakfast, lunch, and two snacks daily with organic, whole-grain options for preschoolers.
What summer camp activities are available?
Our summer camp includes art projects, field trips, reptile zoo visits, and outdoor adventures for ages 2-12.
How do you support child safety?
We maintain small class sizes, secure facilities, and trained staff to ensure a safe environment for all children.
Do you offer after-school transportation?
Yes, we provide safe transportation to local elementary schools in Mission Viejo for after-school program participants.
