Best Preschool in Northridge, CA
CCRC Licensed Child Care
Strong Roots Preschool is a CCRC-licensed child care center in Northridge serving children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. Infant rooms run at a 1:3 educator ratio, toddler rooms at 1:4, and every teacher holds a Child Development Associate credential and CPR certification before their first day on our campus. The curriculum covers literacy, math, STEAM projects, and Armenian language instruction. Our Pre-K kids leave knowing how to sit in a classroom, follow a schedule, and work through a problem on their own. That last part matters a lot when kindergarten starts.
Why Parents Choose Our Preschool & Child Care
Play-Based Learning
Our classrooms are set up for children to work through problems on their own before a teacher steps in. Counting objects, building structures, and explaining what they observe are part of the daily structure. We call it play. It's also how children learn to think.
Certified Educators
Every teacher at Strong Roots holds a Child Development Associate credential or an equivalent California qualification. Background checks and CPR certification are required before anyone works with children. We also require ongoing professional development each year, not just at hiring.
Secure Facility
The campus at 9035 Rathburn Ave has secured entry, a fully gated outdoor play yard, and classrooms grouped by age so infants and preschoolers aren't sharing space. The facility is subject to unannounced inspections by the California Department of Social Services. Parents can ask to see the inspection record.
Language & Culture
We run an Armenian language immersion class that's built into the weekly schedule for enrolled children. Strong Roots is one of very few licensed preschools in the San Fernando Valley offering it. For Armenian families in Northridge, Reseda, and Granada Hills, it's a real reason they choose us over other programs nearby.
Built for Working Parents
We accept CCRC and Crystal Stairs subsidies and offer both full-time and part-time enrollment. Before and after school care is available. We're open Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM. If you're figuring out the logistics before committing, bring it up on your tour and we'll go through the options.
Creative Discovery
STEAM activities, chess, arts and crafts, and Bible study run as dedicated weekly classes for all enrolled children. These aren't optional add-ons. They're on the schedule because we've seen what happens to kids who spend three years doing only worksheets. Chess in particular surprises a lot of parents when they see how focused a four-year-old can get.
Child Care Programs
Programs That Grow with Your Child
For children 6 weeks to 12 months, rooms are staffed at a 1:3 ratio. We track each infant's sleep schedule, feeding times, and developmental milestones individually, and parents receive a daily report. Tummy time, sensory play, and one-on-one time with the same educators each week are standard, not optional.
Pre-K is for children 4 to 5 years old. The curriculum covers phonics, reading readiness, and number operations, but the skill that actually determines kindergarten success is usually being able to sit through a 20-minute lesson, follow multi-step directions, and transition between activities without a full reset. We treat those as teachable skills, not personality traits. Most parents check in with us after the first month of kindergarten, and the feedback is consistently that their kids were ready.
Children 3 to 4 years old move into a more structured curriculum. Reading readiness, number sense, and basic science projects run alongside deliberate social skills work. At this age, social skills mostly means learning to share, wait your turn, and resolve disagreements without hitting anyone. We work on all of it.
Toddler rooms serve children 12 to 24 months at a 1:4 ratio. At this age, kids are walking, starting to talk, and figuring out how to play near other children without immediately taking their toys. We structure the day around movement, simple language activities, and enough unstructured time for them to work things out on their own.
For children 2 to 3 years old, we introduce letters, basic counting, and structured group time. This is usually the first time children sit with peers and take direction from a teacher, which takes real practice. We work on it deliberately rather than assuming they'll absorb it by proximity.
How to Join the Strong Roots Family
Your 4-Step Enrollment Process
Book a Tour
Come to 9035 Rathburn Ave and walk through the rooms your child would actually be in. Meet the teachers, see the ratios in practice, and ask whatever questions you've been sitting on. Most families decide during the tour.
Submit Application
Fill out the enrollment form with your child's age, program preference, and target start date. If you're using CCRC or Crystal Stairs, note that on the form and we'll walk you through the paperwork. Standard tuition options are also available if you're not using a subsidy.
Family Orientation
Before your child's first day, we sit down together to go over their daily routine, any dietary restrictions or allergies, and how we'll handle the first week if drop-off is tough. We've done a lot of first days, and most separation anxiety resolves by day three. We'll tell you what to actually expect.
Start Growing
Once paperwork and your deposit are submitted, we confirm your start date and add your child to the class roster. You'll get a daily report after every session, with what they ate, what they worked on, and how the day went. No need to wonder.
Hear From Our Happy Families
Top-Rated Licensed Child Care in Northridge, CA
Highly recommend this Northridge preschool for anyone who wants more than just a place to leave their kid. It's a real school with real results. We couldn't be happier with our choice.
Isakhanyan Family
The staff at Strong Roots are the real deal. They are professional, but they also have a sense of humor and real patience with the kids. You can't fake the kind of care they provide.
Abelyan Family
Kindergarten prep is no joke here. We were worried about the transition, but the Pre-K curriculum covers everything they need. Our older child transitioned to elementary school seamlessly.
Martirosyan Family
Our twins are in different age groups, but Strong Roots makes the logistics easy for us. Both programs-toddler and preschool-are excellent. It's nice having them at the same reliable location.
Davtyan Family
The classroom environment is bright and engaging. It's clearly a place designed for kids to explore. Every time we walk in, the energy is positive and the kids are actually doing something productive.
Sahakyan Family
We love the focus on healthy habits. They teach the kids about hygiene and basic wellness in a way that actually sticks. Our daughter is now a pro at washing her hands without being asked.
Ohanyan Family
The enrollment process was straightforward and the staff answered all our "annoying" questions patiently. They were very upfront about tuition and what to expect. No hidden surprises here.
Manukyan Family
Strong Roots handles discipline the right way. They focus on teaching the kids how to share and be kind rather than just punishing them. Our son is much better at social situations now because of it.
Khachatryan Family
We've noticed a big jump in our child's vocabulary since he started the young preschool program. The teachers are constantly talking with the kids and encouraging them to express themselves. It really shows.
Nazarian Family
The physical development class is exactly what our active toddler needed. They have plenty of space to run and work on their coordination. It's not just a room full of toys; it's structured physical activity.
Gasparyan Family
The "Bible Study" class is a nice touch for families looking for those values. It's handled in a very age-appropriate way that the kids enjoy. Our daughter always comes home with a story to tell us.
Antonyan Family
If you're looking for a preschool near CSUN, this is the spot. The location is perfect for our commute, and the hours are flexible enough for working parents. Plus, the education they get is top-tier.
Bagdasaryan Family
Our son loves the chess class. I didn't think a preschooler could stay focused that long, but they make it fun for them. It's great to see him learning logic and patience while playing a game.
Soghomonyan Family
Safety was our number one priority. Being CCRC licensed matters, but seeing the actual security measures at this Northridge campus made us feel even better. We know our kids are in good hands every day.
Gevorgyan Family
We looked at a few daycares in the area, but Strong Roots felt different. It's clean, organized, and the staff actually pays attention. Our son is already picking up basic math skills and he's not even four yet.
Markarian Family
Drop-off used to be a nightmare with our daughter, but the teachers here really knew how to handle it. Now she runs right in without looking back. It's a huge relief for any parent who has dealt with separation anxiety.
Petrosyan Family
This preschool is better than we expected. Our kids are happy, learning, and actually enjoying themselves. If you need a CCRC licensed preschool in Northridge, we highly recommend checking them out.
Tovmasyan Family
You can tell the teachers here actually love their jobs. Their energy makes the whole school feel like a positive place to be. It makes a big difference in how our kids feel about going to class.
Yeghoyan Family
The before and after school care has been a huge help for our schedule. It's a safe place for the kids to go where they actually get help with homework and stay busy. Total lifesaver for working parents in Northridge.
Saroyan Family
Our daughter's drawing and writing have improved so much lately. She loves the arts and crafts class, and we can really see it in her fine motor skills. She's constantly bringing home projects she's proud of.
Muradyan Family
The playground is great and my son spends a lot of time outside. It's good to know he's getting fresh air and staying active while he's at school. He comes home tired and happy every single day.
Simonyan Family
I love getting the daily reports and photos of what my son is doing. It makes me feel much better knowing exactly what he's learning throughout the day. Communication here is actually solid and transparent.
Vardanyan Family
Hearing our daughter recite the alphabet in Armenian was a huge surprise. The language class at this preschool is a great way for her to stay connected to our culture while she learns. Her vocabulary is getting better every week.
Movsesyan Family
We're sending our son to kindergarten next year and we aren't worried at all. Strong Roots did a great job getting him ready, both with his ABCs and how to play with other kids. He's ready for the next step.
Avagyan Family
They don't treat every kid the same. The staff really took the time to understand our son's personality and what he's actually interested in. That kind of individual attention is hard to find at a daycare.
Karapetyan Family
Finding a good preschool in Northridge was stressful until we found this place. The teachers are patient and actually care about how our daughter is doing. She's learning so much faster than we expected.
Aleksanyan Family
The way they teach math and reading through play is impressive. Our son is always doing hands-on projects that keep him focused. He's going to be more than ready for kindergarten when the time comes.
Hakobyan Family
Strong Roots isn't just a preschool; it feels like a real community. We've met so many local parents through their events. Our kids are making great friends here, and so are we.
Tovmasyan Family
Our daughter is a different kid since starting at Strong Roots. She's way more independent now and actually asks to learn new things. The teachers here don't just "watch" the kids-they focus on real growth.
Ghukasyan Family
This Northridge preschool is like a second home for our son. He actually wants to go to school every morning because the staff is so kind. It's rare to find a place that feels this safe and welcoming.
Harutyunyan Family
What Sets Our Northridge Preschool Apart
Local, CCRC-approved, and built around developmental results.
Licensed & Local
Strong Roots is independently owned and operated at 9035 Rathburn Ave. We're not a franchise. Our CCRC license number is #195700197, issued by the California Department of Social Services, and you can verify it at app.mycareconnect.io. Unannounced DSS inspections are part of what that license requires.
Small-Group Focus
California licensing requires 1:3 for infants and 1:4 for toddlers. We follow those limits, no exceptions. Smaller rooms mean we notice things faster, whether a child is struggling socially, ready to move ahead, or just having an off week.
Specialized Educators
Every teacher holds a Child Development Associate credential or equivalent California qualification. CPR and First Aid certification are required before working with children, not optional.
Foundational Growth
We track developmental milestones for each child and share progress through daily reports. If a child is behind in a specific area, we flag it early and talk to the parents directly rather than waiting for a kindergarten screening to surface it.
Secure, Modern Spaces
Entry to the campus is secured. The outdoor play yard is gated and separated by age group. Classrooms are on a documented cleaning schedule. The facility is inspected by the California DSS, and the inspection record is available on request.
Healthy, Fresh Meals
Meals and snacks are included in enrollment. The menu is planned for the age groups we serve, and we accommodate most common dietary restrictions and food allergies. Parents receive the weekly menu in advance. If your child has a specific allergy, bring it up at orientation and we'll document it.
Frequently Asked Questions
The campus has secured entry, a gated outdoor play yard, and staff in the room at all times. Every teacher passes a background check and holds current CPR and First Aid certifications before they work with children. The facility is also subject to unannounced inspections by the California Department of Social Services.
Yes. Meals and snacks are included. We plan the menu for the age groups we serve and accommodate most dietary restrictions and food allergies. Parents receive the weekly menu in advance. Bring specific allergies up at orientation and we'll document them.
Infant rooms are staffed at 1:3 and toddler rooms at 1:4. Both ratios are required by California CCRC licensing. We don't run rooms short-staffed. If you want to see the ratios in practice, come during a morning session on your tour.
Yes. We accept CCRC, Crystal Stairs, and other California subsidized childcare programs. If you're currently approved or want to know whether you qualify, call us at (323) 990-8181 and we'll walk you through it.
Yes. Our CCRC license number is #195700197, issued by the California Department of Social Services. You can verify it at app.mycareconnect.io. Licensing requires us to pass regular unannounced inspections and maintain state-mandated staffing ratios, health standards, and facility conditions.
Yes. Both full-time and part-time enrollment are available. If you're not sure which works for your schedule, bring it up during your tour and we'll go over the options together.
Book a tour at 9035 Rathburn Ave. After your visit, we'll send you an enrollment packet. Return it with your deposit and we'll confirm your start date. The whole process from tour to first day usually takes one to two weeks.
We enroll children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. There are separate classrooms for infants, toddlers, 2-to-3-year-olds, preschoolers, and Pre-K, each with age-appropriate activities and its own staffing ratio.
We're open Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM. Before and after school care is available.
We're at 9035 Rathburn Ave, Northridge, CA 91325, near the CSUN campus. Street parking is available in front of the building. Families come from Northridge, Reseda, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, and other parts of the San Fernando Valley. Drop-off is at the front entrance.
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