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Preschools/CA/Monterey/Great Beginnings
Preschool / Day Care Center

Great Beginnings

No reviews yet — be the first to share your experience.

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

52 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA 93940

Visit website ↗(831) 647-0551Directions ↗Licensed for 57
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Licensing & safety record

Citations on file
2
1 serious (Type A)
Complaint visits
4
Last visit
12/1/2025
Total visits
13

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 2026-06-22). View official inspection reports →

About this preschool

Great Beginnings is a play-based, nature-inspired early learning center serving children aged 12 months to 6 years in Monterey. The program emphasizes child-centered learning, outdoor exploration, and development across social, emotional, physical, and cognitive domains.

Philosophy
Play-based, child-centered approach that respects each child's unique personality, abilities, and learning style. Children thrive when curiosity leads to learning, with discipline approached with respect and sensitivity. Teachers guide children to ask questions, think independently, and discover the world around them.
Ages served
12 months to 6 years (Caterpillars: infants to 2 years; Bumble Bees: ages 2-3; Ladybugs: ages 3-4; Butterflies: ages 4-5)
Outdoor
Bright, nature-inspired classrooms and outdoor spaces including gardens, sensory tables, and spacious play areas designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration.
Meals
Healthy snacks including frozen fruit smoothies and fresh cantaloupe

Programs

  • •Summer Camp
  • •Gardening Program
  • •Art & Music Activities
  • •Family Engagement Events
  • •Graduation Celebrations & Milestones

Highlights

  • ✓Nature-inspired curriculum with art, music, drama, gardening, and nature exploration
  • ✓Age-grouped classrooms with developmentally appropriate activities
  • ✓Strong teacher-to-child ratio with responsive, caring staff
  • ✓Thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor learning spaces

Not stated on their website: Tuition, Hours of operation, Meals (full lunch service), Teacher qualifications, Class sizes, Safety practices details. Ask the preschool directly.

Summarized by AI from the preschool's own website (Jun 23, 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.