What ages do you take?
Ages 2–5. Our Young Preschool room includes ages 2–3. Children move up to the Preschool room (ages 3–5) when they're ready.
What are your hours and schedules?
7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, year-round. Children attend 5, 4, or 3 days per week, full day or partial day.
How much is tuition?
From $795 per month, depending on how many days per week your child attends and whether you choose full or partial days. We accept Military, CDA and YMCA fee assistance.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes — we are a fully licensed California child care center and insured, serving Vista for over 15 years. Our California child care center license number is 376700979. You can look us up on the California Department of Social Services Care Facility Search.
What do you specialize in?
Nature, all day. We're a play-based, screen-free forest school blended with the Reggio Emilia approach — gardens, nature walks, art from found materials, climbing, water play, music, and unhurried time under the big tree, on five acres. Rain is a curriculum, not a cancellation.
Will my child be ready for kindergarten?
Yes — and this is the question we love most. Counting happens with acorns; early literacy happens in story circles under the big tree. Because our groups are small, teachers know exactly where each child is and gently stretch them further.
My child will enroll in free TK — why choose Big Tree?
For many families TK is a great choice. It doesn't take 2- and 3-year-olds, its day is short for working parents, and its classes can be much larger than ours. At Big Tree our focus is on a nature-oriented, play-based and screen-free experience — an experience that can be hard to find indoors.
Will my child get dirty?
Wonderfully, yes. Muddy knees, sandy shoes, paint on sleeves — we consider this evidence of a day well spent. Send sturdy play clothes and a change of clothes. We handle the learning; the washing machine handles the rest.
What about scrapes and climbing? Is it safe?
Our teachers supervise closely and check the play spaces and trails before children explore; children learn the safety rules and stay with the group. A minor scrape gets a cleaning, a bandaid, and a hug — and you get a note the same day. Anything beyond minor gets a phone call, every time.
Is a play-based day structured?
Yes. Our days follow a strong, predictable rhythm: arrival, morning circle, snack, outdoor exploration, project time, lunch, rest, afternoon play. Children thrive on knowing what comes next.
How do I start?
Book a tour — time on our campus explains Big Tree better than any website. Send us a message or call (760) 685-5780, and we'll find a time that works.
Come stand under it.
A morning on our five acres tells you more than any web page can. Bring your questions and watch the children at work.