After School Program

Strong Roots Preschool offers CCRC-licensed after school care in Northridge, CA for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. The program runs from school dismissal through 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with homework help, Armenian language class, structured activities, and an afternoon snack.

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Start Enrollment (323) 990-8181

What Happens Between School Pickup and 5:00 p.m.?

Once elementary school lets out, a lot of parents are stuck figuring out what their child does for the next two hours. Sitting in front of a screen until someone gets home from work is not really an option, and a lot of after-school programs default to that anyway. Homework gets pushed to after dinner, when everyone is tired and it turns into a fight.

Strong Roots runs K-5 After School Care as a real second half of the day, not a holding pattern. Children arrive from school, have an afternoon snack, and move into a homework block where our staff actually sits with them and works through what they're stuck on. We don't do the assignment for them. The point is that kids leave with homework done and habits intact, not just supervised.

After homework, kids rotate through enrichment: arts, math practice, chess, physical development, an Armenian language class once a week for one hour, and occasional Bible study as one of several enrichment options. Same CCRC-licensed staff who run our preschool programs, same standards, just a program built for school-age kids instead of toddlers.

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Why "After School Care" Often Means Inconsistent Care

A lot of families patch together after-school coverage with a neighbor, an older sibling, or a program that changes its schedule depending on staffing that week. It works until it doesn't, and then a parent is leaving work early because pickup fell through. For K-5 childcare in Northridge, that unpredictability is the actual problem parents are trying to solve, not just "where do I put my kid for two hours."

There's also the question of what the time is actually for. Some programs are pure babysitting: kids parked in a room until a parent arrives. Others try to cram in too much and the day feels rushed. Parents want their child to get outside, do something with their hands, and still have homework handled before the ride home.

Strong Roots runs on a fixed Monday through Friday schedule, from school dismissal until 5:00 p.m., with the same educators and the same routine every day. Nothing about the after-school block depends on which staff member happens to be working. Call (323) 990-8181 to check availability for your child's grade before you commit to anything else.

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How Enrollment and CCRC Subsidies Work

Strong Roots is CCRC-licensed, and CCRC vouchers are accepted for qualifying families in the After School Care program, the same as in our preschool classes. If you're already receiving a subsidy for a younger sibling, Narine Mazmanyan, M.Ed. can walk you through how it applies to K-5 care on the same phone call.

Spots are tracked by grade level rather than one general waitlist, so an opening in kindergarten doesn't tell you anything about space in third or fourth grade. If you're weighing a few after school programs in Northridge, it's worth calling early since grade-level openings fill at different rates throughout the year.

Getting started is a phone call, not paperwork up front. Call (323) 990-8181, tell Narine your child's grade and when you need care to start, and she'll confirm what's open and set up a tour during program hours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

After School Care serves children in kindergarten through 5th grade.

From school dismissal, typically 2:30 to 3:00 p.m., through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Homework help, Armenian language class, arts and crafts, chess activities, physical development, and Bible study enrichment.

No. After School Care is open to families from any elementary school in the area.

No. Parents or authorized adults are responsible for drop-off after school dismissal.

Call (323) 990-8181 and ask for Narine Mazmanyan, M.Ed. She will confirm availability for your child's grade and walk you through the enrollment process. Tours are available Monday through Friday during program hours.

What Sets Our Northridge Preschool Apart

Local, CCRC-approved, built around developmental results.

Licensed & Local

Strong Roots runs independently, not a franchise chain following a corporate playbook. We hold a CCRC license through the California Department of Social Services, and DSS inspections show up unannounced, not on a schedule we control. That is the point of licensing: it keeps a real state agency checking our work, not just our own word.

Small-Group Focus

California caps ratios at 1:3 for infants and 1:4 for toddlers. We hold those limits as a floor, not a target to drift toward. Smaller rooms mean a teacher notices sooner: a child pulling back socially, a child ready to move ahead of the group, a child just having a rough week. That kind of attention doesn't happen in a room stretched past capacity.

Specialized Educators

Every teacher on staff holds a Child Development Associate credential or an equivalent California qualification. CPR and First Aid certification come before a teacher is ever alone with a group of children, not after, and not as a box checked later.

Foundational Growth

We track developmental milestones per child and send progress home through daily reports, so parents aren't guessing between conferences. If something looks behind for a child's age, we say so directly and talk it through with the family, rather than letting a kindergarten screening be the first place it surfaces.

Secure, Modern Spaces

Campus entry stays secured, and the outdoor play yard is gated and split by age group so toddlers and preschoolers aren't sharing equipment built for different bodies. Classrooms follow a documented cleaning schedule. The facility is subject to state inspection, and records are available to any parent who asks.

Healthy, Fresh Meals

Meals and snacks come included with enrollment, planned around the age groups we serve. We work with common dietary restrictions and food allergies as a matter of course. Families get the week's menu ahead of time, and any allergy gets documented at orientation, not discovered later.

Not sure where to start. Schedule 30 min. preschool tour

Preschool Classes

Early Childhood Education

Armenian Language

Between work, errands, and everything else a week holds, sitting down to teach your toddler Armenian rarely happens, even when you mean to. Maybe your own Armenian isn't strong enough to teach with confidence. Strong Roots runs a weekly Armenian language class in Northridge built for exactly this situation: parents who want the connection passed down but can't be the ones doing the daily teaching.

Arts Activities

You've probably picked up a folder of nearly identical drawings before and wondered what your child got out of making them. That question matters more than it seems. Here's what an art class for preschoolers in Northridge should be doing for your child, and how to tell if it actually is.

Bible Study

If you're not sure what this class involves, or whether it's the right fit for a family that isn't religious, here's the plain version: it's a short, once-a-week session where a simple story leads into a conversation about something like sharing or honesty. Nobody is asked to pray or affirm anything. It sits alongside Armenian, Arts, Math, Chess, and Physical Development as one of several enrichment classes on the weekly schedule, and it gets the same light, age-appropriate treatment as the rest.

Chess Activities

You want more for your child than a busy day of activities. You want to see them sit still, think before they act, and bounce back when something doesn't go their way. That's what a real chess class at this age is actually for.

Math Activities

You've heard your two-year-old count to ten. You've also wondered if that's real understanding or just a memorized song. Here's how to tell the difference, and what to do about it before kindergarten forces the question.

Physical Development

You know the signs. The bouncing off walls before dinner. The meltdown that comes from a full day with nowhere to run. The worry that another hour of tablet time is replacing the climbing, jumping, and chasing your child's body is actually asking for. You don't need a lecture about screen time. You need somewhere your child can move, every day, in a way that actually tires them out and builds them up.

Hear From Our Happy Families

Top-Rated Licensed Child Care in Northridge, CA

There are so many good things I could say about this place — the clean and safe environment, the great communication with parents, the fun activities, and the genuine attention each child receives. I couldn't ask for a better daycare. Highly recommend to any parent looking for a nurturing and trustworthy place for their child.

Madlena Galstyan

Finding the right preschool for my little ones felt like a huge task, but Strong Roots Preschool really was a game-changer for our family. I was so impressed with how quickly my kids settled in and started loving their days there. The teachers are incredible – truly patient and so creative. I've seen my children's confidence just blossom, and they've developed such a genuine curiosity for learning. It's more than just a preschool; it's a truly warm and enriching place.

Vahag Hambaryan

My experience with Strong Roots Preschool has been incredibly positive. We needed a reliable daycare, but what we got was an amazing preschool environment where my kids genuinely thrived. I saw a huge jump in their social skills and how they interacted with other children. They came home excited about the songs they learned or the stories they heard. It's a place where kids feel secure enough to explore and learn, and as a parent, that's exactly what I wanted.

azgush antonyan

We've had such a great experience at Strong Roots Preschool! As a parent, it's reassuring to know the campus is gated and secure. The program is well-rounded, with a mix of fun and educational activities—my child loves the arts and crafts, and even chess! It's clear they focus on development in a creative, engaging way. The meals are healthy and nutritious, which is a big plus. The teacher is amazing, always caring and supportive. I highly recommend Strong Roots to any parent looking for a safe, enriching place for their child to grow and learn!

Mariam Amatuni

Strong Roots Preschool has been a wonderful place for my child. My kiddo enjoys spending time here. Narine is such a caring wonderful person overall and makes you feel safe leaving your child with her. Also the preschool is gated which reassures me that it's a safe place for my child to be in. They provide delicious and most importantly nutritious meals for our little ones to grow and thrive which I am grateful. If you are looking for a place for your little one Strong Roots will not disappoint!

Armine Harutyunyan

My 2.5 year old daughter has been going to Strong Roots Preschool for almost 3 months now and we couldn't be happier. She's learned and grown so much and she loves Ms. Narine. Her speaking has gotten better as well and I love all the arts and crafts they do and she's so happy and proud to come home and show me. She also eats 3 delicious, healthy home made meals at school. Most importantly, my daughter is happy and excited to go to school every day and that makes my mama heart happy!

Ani Eskandary

We absolutely love our Preschool! And recommend them to everyone.The teachers are so amazing, always happy to see our kids every morning, and treat our little ones and us like family. Their programs are awesome, and my kids learn so much. They are having a lot of fun too. They are looking forward to go to preschool each day and I think that says it all!

Lusine Ghazaryan

I love this preschool. It's difficult to find a safe and attentive place for kids. I'm grateful to have come across this location. It was the only place I found reviewed and approved by a social worker with no citations. Narine is so good with my daughter. She is always happy and smiling when I pick her up. She is also very knowledgable in child development and psychology, which is a definite plus for me. It's important to me that my child is engaged with and enriched, and Narine definitely does that. She genuinely cares for the kids and I'm very grateful for that.

Melissa S

See the Strong Roots Difference in Person!

Most daycares in Northridge are just rooms full of toys. Schedule a tour to see our CCRC-licensed classrooms in action. Meet our dedicated teachers, explore our secure play areas, and see how we prepare your child for a lifetime of learning.

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Child Care Programs

Programs That Grow with Your Child

Infant Care

Strong Roots is the only Armenian immersion infant care program in Northridge, CA. The program accepts children 18 to 24 months old who are walking independently. Groups are small and spots fill by age group throughout the year.

Toddler Care

Strong Roots Preschool offers licensed toddler care in Northridge, CA for children 2 to 3 years old. The program runs Monday through Friday with structured daily activities, a weekly Armenian language class, outdoor play, and three meals and snacks daily.

Young Preschool Care

Strong Roots Preschool offers licensed Young Preschool Care in Northridge, CA for children 2.5 to 3.5 years old. The program bridges toddler and full preschool with structured daily activities, a weekly Armenian language class, outdoor play, and three meals and snacks.

Preschool Care

Strong Roots Preschool offers licensed preschool care in Northridge, CA for children 3 to 4 years old. The program covers Armenian language, arts, math, chess, physical development, and Bible study, with three meals and outdoor play Monday through Friday.

Pre-Kindergarten Care

Strong Roots Preschool offers licensed Pre-Kindergarten Care in Northridge, CA for children 4 to 5 years old. The program prepares children for elementary school through an academic-focused curriculum including Armenian language, chess, math, arts, and physical development with three meals daily.