Where Nature, Play, and Early Learning Come Together in Thousand Oaks

Combining the best of both worlds: a home daycare with a dedicated classroom space. With 20+ years of experience, our philosophy is rooted in child-directed, adult-supported play that connects young learners with the natural world. Through hands-on activities that foster positive self-concept, physical growth, and communication skills, we give children the space to concentrate, explore, and make confident decisions in a warm, home-away-from-home setting.

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Classroom Learning

Daily circle time brings children together for engaging educational routines. We use singing and fun hands-on activities as joyful tools to engage learning. Every week features a unique theme to inspire curiosity, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness. Our structured indoor activities ensure every child receives personalized attention in a cozy, supportive home preschool setting.

Outdoor Play

Our spacious outdoor play area features a robust playground allows our youngin's to play and enjoy the sunshine while enjoying climbing structures, slides, and active play options. Outdoor play is an integral part of our later daily routine, encouraging healthy social interaction and physical development in a safe, secure yard.

Garden & Nature

Our hands-on learning garden gives children the opportunity to water plants and discover the natural growing process from seed to harvest. Little ones enjoy picking and eating fresh, organic fruits and vegetables grown right on-site. The experience is enriched by interacting with our friendly hen, an aviary, turtles, and other animals, fostering a deep appreciation for nature.

Welcome to Creative Little Minds, a licensed home preschool and daycare in Thousand Oaks where children and nature come together to create a joyful learning environment. We believe play is the most powerful way for young children to learn. Through play, children develop curiosity and imagination, learn to concentrate, and grow confident in making their own decisions. Our program welcomes children ages 2 to 6 in a warm, home-away-from-home setting.

Our Mission

Our goals are to develop a positive self-concept, stimulate creativity, encourage curiosity, promote physical development, build communication skills, and develop the basic learning skills that prepare children for school."

Child-Directed, Adult-Supported Play

At Creative Little Minds, learning is adult-guided and child-initiated. Our program is developmentally appropriate, which means activities are matched to the age and stage of each group and to the individual needs of every child in it. Our curriculum offers a variety of engaging activities that support physical, social, emotional, creative, and cognitive development, so a younger two-year-old and an older five-year-old can each learn at their own pace.Our approach is guided by research and by the position of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): children learn best by doing activities that have relevance in their lives.

Classroom Learning and Kindergarten Readiness

Each day begins and returns to circle time, when children gather for engaging routines. We use singing and hands-on activities as joyful tools to spark learning.Every week features a unique theme designed to inspire curiosity, build early literacy, and support kindergarten readiness. Themes give children a chance to explore ideas from many angles, such as stories, songs, art, and conversation, so new vocabulary and concepts stick. Our structured indoor activities help children build the focus, listening, and social skills.

Outdoor Play, Garden, and Nature

Outdoor play is an integral part of our daily routine later in the day. Adult supervision will be present at all time during outdoor time. We believe outdoor play promotes healthy social interaction, as children take turns, cooperate, invent games together, and learn to solve problems with their friends.The garden gives children a front-row seat to the natural growing process, from seed to harvest. Tasting something they helped grow makes the lesson memorable, and it often encourages children to try new, healthy organic foods. Learning about nature also means meeting living creatures. Children interact with our friendly hen, our aviary, our turtles, and other animals

Hours and Ages

Our preschool enrichment program runs 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with optional extended care from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. We welcome children ages 2 to 6.

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Tuition Rates

2 Days: $420 / Monthly
3 Days: $516 / Monthly
4 Days: $600 / Monthly
5 Days: $676 / Monthly
**Extended Hours: $7 / Hour
**Annual Registration Fee $75

A Typical Day

8:00-9:00am - Free Play (extended hour)
9:00--9:45am - Circle Time/Story
9:45-10:05am - Pre-K Group / Preschool Art
10:05-10:15am - Snack Time (provided)
10:15-11:00am - Pre-K Art / Free Play
11:00-11:30am - Clean-Up & Music
11:30am-12:00pm - Lunch
12:00-1:00pm - Outside Time
1:00-3:00pm - Cot Time (extended hours)

2026-2027 Preschool:
September 8th - June 18th

Holiday Closures for Creative Little Minds:
Labor Day (Sep 7)
Thanksgiving (Nov 24-28)
Winter Break (Dec 22-Jan 2)
Spring Break (Apr 6-10)
Memorial Day (May 25)
Summer Break (Jun 22-26, Aug 31-Sep 7)

2027 Summer Camp:
June 28th - August 27th

Summer Camp at Creative Little Minds is structured fun for the kiddos! Learning is still the focal point, with more games and water play!More information to come, please reach out for more details.

Tina Ference (Director/Teacher)
Tina was raised in a family day care environment which she believes curved her appreciation and love for young children. She is First Aide and CPR certified and holds a certificate in health & safety. She has over 15 years experiences as a preschool director, and over 20 years experience as a preschool teacher.

Madelon Smith (Teacher Assistant)
Madelon is a mother of a 6 year old girl. She is a talkative, high energy young lady who is quick at attending to the children’s needs. Madelon is first aide and CPR certified

Emily Hanson (Teacher Assistant)
At the young age of 3 years, Emily attended Creative Little Minds. She is now a high school graduate. She Is a soft spoken, good natured loving young lady who is very attentive to the children’s needs. Emily is first aide and CPR certified