Business Details
Trusted Child Care & Preschool in Downtown LA
Cal Tot Child Care Center is a play-based child care and preschool program located in downtown Los Angeles, dedicated to fostering early childhood development through individualized learning experiences. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), our program serves families of state employees and the broader Los Angeles community. We provide a nurturing environment that prioritizes social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth for children aged six weeks to five years. Our curriculum integrates art, music, science, and reading readiness, guided by teachers who adapt activities to children's evolving interests.We maintain rigorous health and safety standards, including daily health screenings, enhanced sanitation protocols, and mask requirements aligned with CDC guidelines. Our partnership with TotPot ensures nutritious, additive-free meals that support optimal child development. We actively cultivate a collaborative community among families, staff, and local agencies, recognizing parents as essential partners in their children's educational journey. Our facility in the Ronald Reagan State Building offers convenient access for working parents while maintaining a warm, inclusive atmosphere that promotes confidence, respect, and problem-solving skills.
Services
Infant Care
Toddler Programs
Preschool Education
Enrichment Activities
Parent Partnerships
Highlights and features
- We are NAEYC-accredited for excellence in early childhood education
- Our teachers implement developmentally appropriate curricula aligned with children's interests
- We maintain rigorous CDC-compliant health and safety protocols
- Our 1:4 infant-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention
- We partner with TotPot to provide nutritious, additive-free meals
Associations and certifications
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
What people say
Exceptional staff
Clean facilities
Nutritious meals
Structured curriculum
Responsive communication
Services
Infant Care
Our infant program serves children aged six weeks to 14 months with a 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio. Certified caregivers provide individualized attention through sensory activities, motor skill development, and nurturing routines that establish trust and security. The curriculum supports early language acquisition and social-emotional growth in a safe, stimulating environment.
Toddler Programs
Designed for 14-month-olds to three-year-olds, our toddler programs use play-based learning to develop independence and communication skills. Age-appropriate activities include creative art projects, music and movement sessions, and structured social interactions that prepare children for preschool while maintaining a 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio.
Preschool Education
Our preschool program for ages three to five follows NAEYC guidelines with a 1:9 teacher-to-child ratio. Children engage in science experiments, literacy activities, and collaborative projects that foster cognitive development and school readiness. The curriculum balances teacher-led instruction with child-directed exploration in a supportive classroom environment.
Enrichment Activities
We offer specialized enrichment programs in art, music, movement, and science that complement our core curriculum. These activities encourage creativity, physical coordination, and critical thinking through hands-on experiences tailored to different developmental stages and interests.
Parent Partnerships
We maintain open communication with families through regular updates, parent-teacher conferences, and volunteer opportunities. Our program encourages family participation to strengthen home-school connections while providing resources to support child development beyond the classroom setting.
People
Mike Salas
Director
Mike Salas leads Cal Tot Child Care Center's operations with over 15 years of experience in early childhood education. He oversees program implementation, staff development, and family engagement initiatives while ensuring compliance with NAEYC standards and health regulations.
Questions
Is Cal-Tot accredited?
Yes, we are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), ensuring our program meets rigorous quality standards in early childhood education.
What safety protocols are in place?
We follow CDC and local health guidelines with daily temperature screenings, enhanced sanitation, mask requirements for staff and children aged 2+, and regular toy disinfection throughout the day.
What does the meal program include?
Our partnership with TotPot provides home-style, farm-to-pot lunches made with quality produce and free from harmful additives, supporting children's nutritional needs and learning readiness.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering full-day care for working families in downtown Los Angeles.
How do you involve parents?
We encourage family participation through volunteer opportunities, regular updates, and parent-teacher conferences to strengthen home-school connections and support child development.
What age groups do you serve?
We care for children aged six weeks to five years, with developmentally appropriate programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in separate, specially designed learning environments.
