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Preschools/CA/San Diego/Dot To Dot
Preschool / Day Care Center

Dot To Dot

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

12160 Alta Carmel Court, San Diego, CA 92128

Visit website ↗(858) 485-1978Directions ↗Licensed for 56
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Licensing & safety record

Citations on file
11
Complaint visits
1
Last visit
4/10/2025
Total visits
7

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

Dot to Dot Academy is a preschool in San Diego with campuses in Rancho Bernardo and Carmel Valley serving children 18 months through kindergarten. The school uses an inquiry-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired learning philosophy combined with food education led by a professional chef, emotional intelligence development, and a Design Studio program.

Philosophy
Inquiry-based, research-informed learning inspired by Reggio Emilia where children are natural thinkers and researchers. Focus on human development, emotional intelligence, and helping children understand and regulate emotions. Food education introduces children to nourishing meals and cultures while developing a joyful relationship with food. Design Studio allows children to explore materials and building processes to develop critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
Ages served
18 months through kindergarten (Seedlings 18-30 months, Sprouts 2-3 years, Roots 3-4 years, Stems 4-5 years)
Outdoor
Outdoor spaces available; children explore nature, creativity, and collaboration in outdoor environments
Meals
Farm-to-table meals prepared by professional chef; food education program led by professional chef

Programs

  • •Seedlings (18-30 months)
  • •Sprouts (2-3 years)
  • •Roots (3-4 years)
  • •Stems (4-5 years)
  • •Food Education
  • •Design Studio
  • •Inquiry-based learning

Highlights

  • ✓Reggio Emilia-inspired inquiry-based learning philosophy
  • ✓Food education program led by professional chef
  • ✓Design Studio with creative and architectural experts
  • ✓Focus on emotional intelligence and human development

Not stated on their website: Tuition, Hours of operation, Teacher-student ratio, Days of operation, Enrollment capacity. 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.

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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.