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Preschools/CA/La Mesa/Lmsvsd-Maryland Avenue Smart Steps
Preschool / Day Care Center

Lmsvsd-Maryland Avenue Smart Steps

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Ages
Ages 2–5
Teacher ratio
1:12 (CA min)

5400 Maryland Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942

Visit website ↗(619) 668-5744Directions ↗Licensed for 24
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Licensing & safety record

Citations on file
1
Complaint visits
0
Last visit
9/18/2025
Total visits
2

Citations are part of routine licensing oversight and range from minor (Type B) to serious (Type A). A citation alone doesn't mean a program is unsafe — read the full reports for context.

Source: California Dept. of Social Services, Community Care Licensing (updated 2025-09-29). View official inspection reports →

About this preschool

La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools offers part-day preschool programs for 3 and 4 year old children through State Funded Preschool (free for qualifying families) and SmartSteps (fee-based) options. Programs are 3 hours per day and focus on social, emotional, academic development, early language and literacy skills, and hands-on exploration aligned with California Preschool Curriculum Framework.

Philosophy
We are respectful, kind and friendly, safe and healthy. The curriculum is balanced between teacher and child initiated learning activities which accommodate a wide range of abilities and learning styles. Active, playful exploration, and experimentation is encouraged and intentional opportunities are planned throughout the preschool day.
Ages served
3 and 4 year old children
Hours
State Preschool: 5 days a week, 3 hours per day; SmartSteps 2-day: Tuesday/Thursday 11:30 am - 2:30 pm; SmartSteps 3-day: Monday/Wednesday/Friday 11:30 am - 2:30 pm; SmartSteps 5-day: Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Programs

  • •State Funded Preschool (free for qualifying families)
  • •SmartSteps fee-based preschool

Highlights

  • ✓Licensed through California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing
  • ✓Curriculum based on California Preschool Curriculum Framework and Preschool Learning Foundations
  • ✓Focus on early language and literacy, cognitive, self-help, social, emotional, and physical growth
  • ✓Multiple school locations available

Not stated on their website: Outdoor play/facilities, Meals and snacks, Teacher-student ratio, SmartSteps tuition (specific amounts listed but labeled as fees). Ask the preschool directly.

Summarized by AI from the preschool's own website (Jun 24, 2026). Not written or verified by PreschoolWise — confirm details directly with the program.

Parent reviews

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Helpful guides for parents

What age does preschool start?Typical ages, readiness signs, and state cutoffs.Is my child ready for preschool?The readiness signs to look for.Preschool vs. daycareHow they differ and which fits your child.Preschool vs. pre-KWhat comes when, from ages 3 to 5.

Listing facts from public CA child-care licensing records. Reviews are the opinions of individual contributors, moderated before publishing; they are not endorsements by PreschoolWise. Always visit and verify a program directly before enrolling.