Children come into the world as unique human beings with their own individual strengths and weaknesses. It is our mission to get to know and understand the children with whom we work and help them grow into the best possible versions of themselves.
18 months - 2.5 years
Toddler Program
Children in this class are developing skills to trust their teachers and follow their directions. They also discover their independence and learn how to play together with a group. We provide a variety of materials, environments, and activities to build communication, motor skills and facilitate social-emotional growth.
2.5 years - 5 years
Preschool Program
Our preschool provides a welcoming, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment. Our goal is to foster a love of school and a strong sense of self as a learner and as part of the larger community.
4.5 years - 6 years
Kindergarten
This program is specially designed, with enthusiasm and inspiration, for children with birthdays that don’t make elementary school cut-off dates or those who could benefit from an extra “gift” year prior to starting kindergarten.
2.5 years - 6 years
Enrichment Programs
We offer a variety of afternoon enrichment classes for preschool and kindergarten-aged children. Our classes are crafted and delivered by credentialed teachers to ensure a quality experience for each child.
Lead Teacher
Ms. Maria
Ms. Maria is a Toddler, Preschool, and Early Elementary Certified Montessori teacher. She is also our Teacher guide and school supervisor. Ms. Maria has over 18 years of experience working with children of all ages. She started as a Toddler Teacher at Oc Toddler teacher at our school. With her dedication, she was able to guide our students to achieve high
standards while still maintaining their love for learning. Those toddlers are now
Kindergartners and Ms. Maria was able to see them develop and flourish into amazing human beings. Teaching the whole child, guiding them to reach their full potential, and making sure they're happy, are Ms. Maria's daily goals.
Preschool Assistant Teacher
Ms. Caroline
Family is extremely important to me. I am an only child however, I do have half brothers and sisters in Peru. Yes, I am Peruvian, but I am in love with Mexican food. Fun fact: I lived in London for 3 months and I really want to visit Thailand this summer. During my free time I like to go on hikes with my dog Oso or drive by the beach. My favorite color is lavender and I love to drink smoothies!
Ms. Bianca
Ms. Bianca is from Santa Barbara, CA and moved to Mission Viejo to pursue her career. She recently graduated from the University of California, Irvine with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Ms. Bianca has a strong drive and passion for working with children and plans to further her education in Pediatric Neuroscience. She believes in implementing innovative approaches to learning and loves watching her students grow mindfully. Aside from being an ambitious educator and researcher. She enjoys the great outdoors, traveling, fitness, and spending time with her loved ones.
Ms. Elizabeth
Ms. Elizabeth has been working with children for over 14 years. She has worked with children from infancy to Pre-K. Her last role was as a School Director. That is why she is joined our team. Her true passion is to be with the children and teach again. Ms. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor's in Early Education, plus her Montessori Certification. On her time off she loves spending time with her family.
Ms. Karime
Ms. K. is a natural teacher and truly enjoys every moment spent with the kids in the classroom.
Program Director
Ms. Alla
Alla is a compassionate, caring, capable program director with over 15 years of experience. She found her love for Montessori by being a lead teacher working with infants and toddlers students at a preschool in Russia. Inspired by Montessori’s life and work, Alla began reading Montessori’s books, and educating herself about Montessori approach. She found the philosophy of observation and child-led learning to meld with her own ideas of respectful and progressive education.
She enjoys having the opportunity to help children become happy and self-confident people. Besides her work in the school, she enjoys cooking and baking, makes Montessori materials, practices yoga, and enjoys spending time with her family, especially with her two grandchildren.
Assistant Director
Ms. Tatiana
Creative and flexible director assistant. She accepts and maintains responsibility on a daily basis for the ordered arrangement, appearance, decor, and cleanliness of the learning environment of the classroom.
Ms. Sonya
Ms. Sonya has been working with children for over 5 years. She has worked with children from infant to preschool age. Ms. Sonya loves to see the children grow and enjoys guiding them to reach each developmental milestone. In her free time, she spends quality time with her daughter and family.
Ms. Tien
Ms. Tien is an assistant teacher. Prior to joining OC Toddler School, she worked at IUSD as a PE teacher. When she is not busy running around with her daughter to her soccer practices/games, she loves spending quality time with her family, hiking with friends, trying new restaurants and baking.