Testimonials | earlystartdaycare

My daughter first started at Early Start Daycare in early 2016, when she was just shy of two years old. I was blessed to find Cici! She and her aids and family provide a wonderful, nurturing, safe environment for my daughter.

Being a very protective and slightly neurotic mother I was overwhelmed and unhappy at the idea of anyone other than myself talking care of my child. For the first year after I returned to work full time I was lucky to have my mother taking care of my daughter. When that was no longer an option, I looked at 6 different daycare/ pre- schools in Mission Hills (where i work) and the surrounding areas and 3 in Santa Clarita (where we live) . I was devastated after each encounter. I was emotionally distressed and had to take time off work to devote time to finding a childcare solution.

Early Start Day Care information was given to me by a human resource specialist at my place of employment. I called to ask if I could sit in on class one afternoon and was invited over 30 minutes later.

When I drove up to the address, I didn't think I was in the right place at first as the home didn't have any indication from the out side that it was a business. I was right. This place is so much more! This place is a home that happens to double as a day care. I was welcomed in and my daughter was introduced to the children. With in a few moments i knew this was the right place for my child. Cici is a mother of 3 and a teacher. Her years of experience were evident in her easy command of the room full of children! I'm still in awe and my daughter has been with her for two years now.

I had thought that having my mother take care of my daughter was the way to go. I thought that the one - on - one attention was the best for her, and for my piece of mind. After a few weeks of sending her to Early Start day care I was seeing a huge improvement/ development in nearly ever aspect of my daughter. The social skills, vocabulary, motor skills, coordination, imagination, and even sleeping and eating habits were making laps and bounds. I was amazed at the differences I saw in my child. I still am. I am so proud and grateful for the education my daughter is receiving. She is just 3 years old now and she is teaching me Spanish and sign language!

I can't brag enough about the education and care my daughter has had the last two years. She has made friends at Early Start that are helping her grow with playful, loving confidence that will follow her for the rest of her life. I only wish I had sent my daughter sooner!

Earnestly

Stacey Bauer 1/4/2018

My name is Jake Merrifield, and I am writing this letter as a reference for the Early Start Day Care operated by Cici Godinez.

My wife Sarah and I have been using Early Start Day Care since the birth of our first child Megan in 2004. We both work full time, but neither of us have any family in Los Angeles so we were very apprehensive about leaving our child with a daycare. After researching dozens of places around the valley we decided to put our trust in Cici, and it has been one of the best decisions we have ever made. Since 2004 Cici has provided care and preschool for our daughters Megan (9 years old) and Molly (7 years old) and our son Malcolm (3 year old).

Our children enjoy Early Start Daycare for multiple reasons. They socialize with other kids their own age, they make lots of fun crafts in the preschool, and they enjoy the food and snacks that Cici cooks up. While Megan and Molly are both in elementary school now, they still spend a lot of time at Early Start Day Care over the summer because of the fun summer activities Cici puts on. However, the best thing about Early Start Day Care is Cici and her family. Cici is a fountain of information when it comes to raising children (the proof of which can be seen in her three fantastic kids), she is terrific with the children, her hours of operation are convenient, and her prices are great. You truly cannot go wrong with Cici and the Early Start Day Care.

I would be Happy to answer any questions you may have

--Jake Merrifield 2/2014

Deputy Sheriff LASD

Darby Elementary PTA President

First let us say that we believe children are the most precious gifts from God, so now you know that our two boys are our pride and joy. Our family lived in Simi Valley and had a lovely lady that provided day care for our baby Bradley. We had nothing to compare her service by and were happy for the most part. Then in December of 2000, we had our son Christopher. We were clear that living in a 2 bedroom condo was not serving us anymore.

We searched for houses and landed in Granada Hills. We now needed a new daycare provider. We asked around, searched referral lists, checked the internet and came upon a wonderful website for Early Start Day Care. We contacted the owner, Cici Godinez and had a great introductory phone call. We were so excited after that call because we learned that not only did Cici provide daycare, but also ran a Pre-School. She just happened to have one spot left in her pre-school program and one spot left for an infant. This looked promising...

We met with her in person and met her wonderful assistant Tina Navarro. Instantly, we felt a great connection and rapport with them both. They were open to any questions we had and willing to spend as much time with us as we needed. Tina asked to hold Christopher (she cares for the babies) and it was love at first sight for Christopher. When he learned to talk, he often referred to Tina as Momma too. We didn't mind because we knew he was obviously comfortable and getting the best care.

Our 3 year old at the time (Bradley) excelled in pre-school in a very short time, and within 1 1/2 years was more than ready for Kindergarten. Cici's pre-school program is top notch, and the education and social skills the children learn is exceptional. Christopher is now 3 and is attending the pre-school and we are amazed at his progress. He is so excited about school because of his involvement in Cici's pre-school that he asks for homework while his older brother is doing his. Bradley wants to go back to the day care program whenever he is not in school because it is fun and he feels loved.

Our children are well cared for, socially skilled, ahead in their education skills and well behaved. We attribute much of this through their involvement with Early Start Day Care, Cici and Tina. They are provided with well balanced meals, snacks, structure, fun and tons of love.

We are always amazed and feel so blessed to have found Cici and Tina. Our friends are in awe of the care our children receive. Something we are also so thankful for is the Christmas Show that the kids put on (with the guidance of Cici and Tina) and a summer show and Graduation for the pre-school children moving on. It is a wonderful bonus. Also, their summer program is so full of activity, learning, and fun. I have never heard of any of my friends with children experiencing that through any of their daycares. We are so blessed and fortunate and give Early Start Day Care, Cici and Tina major kudos, and are forever thankful to them. I trust that your children will be in the best care ever should you choose Early Start Day Care.

-- Kelly & Ken Mobeck. 4/21/2004

(feel free to contact us)

I am starting my second year at Early Start Day Care and am very happy with the owners and staff there. Ms. Godinez is a caring, fair, energetic and creative day care provider.

She is organized and provides a pre-school program for my toddler that surpasses my expectations.

I whole heartedly recommend her to any working mother. My third grade child starts her morning at daycare and ends her afternoons there. The staff drive her to school with the other school age children and pick her up and bring her back. They supervise and help with homework.

I am an artist working with the LAUSD school system in the Visual and Performing Arts Unit. Ms. Godinez is always creating opportunities for the children to perform and create art.

-- Patricia Tuttle 2/5/2001

This letter is being written on behalf of Cici Godinez who owns and operates the Early Start Day Care. I just met Cici 2 years ago when my grandsons Drake and Griffin started attending her program.

For the prices Cici charges, which are very reasonable, Cici runs a very well rounded program. She provides an excellent preschool program which gets the children ready for Kindergarten. Her arts and crafts that the kids do are wonderful. I have kept the majority of the work that Drake and Griffin have made.

During the holidays, Cici puts on terrific shows. All the kids perform and the parents and grandparents all attend. The costumes are so cute.

Cici provides nutritious meals which I have been told the kids have helped make. When the kids are ready to graduate from her program, she has a graduation ceremony complete with cap and gown and diplomas.

I know that my grandsons learned a lot under Cici's care and I thank her for her wonderful program.

-- Vicki Hamill 2/5/2012

This letter is is to highly recommend Early Start Day Care as a daycare / preschool provider in San Fernando Valley. My son Dylan has attended Early Start Day Care since he was a year old.

Cici and Tina are excellent day care providers who balance nurturing with discipline to ensure consistency and provide a structured environment where the children can feel safe and flourish.

The meals are always balanced and there is a calendar listing the menu weekly. There is a reward system enabling the children to learn how to be responsible and help them develop good habits early, i.e. picking up toys, cleaning up after meals, etc. The preschool program was very beneficial to my son as he entered Kindergarten. He could already count and knew his alphabet and some letter recognition.

Cici and Tina are very warm and welcoming and there is a family feeling in the home that made me feel comfortable from the very first day I brought Dylan there. Cici is very accomodating with scheduling and very fair when it comes to adjusting times that she is willing to keep the children.

I can't say enough about Early Start and the providers, Cici and Tina. My son will soon be 6 and still attends after school. His memories will always be positive and he has made some lasting friendships. If you have any questions, I would be glad to address zthem.

-- Tricia Nelson 1/7/2004

When I first realized that I would have to put my daughter in daycare, like all new parents I was mortified. My first response was to try to figure out how I could be a stay at home mom or get my mother to retire early. I stayed up all night watching those get rich quick commercials, called numbers from ads saying "assemble products at home" and bought lottery tickets compulsively. Then reality struck, Grandma was not ready to retire and I knew I would need (as in a roof over head and food on the table) to return to work someday soon. I let a few friends know I would be looking for a daycare provider. While they made a few inquiries, I remained in denial.

Then one day a trusted friend came forward with a number. Unlike me, she marched ito the world of daycare and took control. She had narrowed her search to two providers. She chose the provider who only took four infants at a time and gave me the other's telephone number. "She's great. I really like her, but she only takes one infant at a time and the rest are preschoolers. She's getting an assistant, but I don't think this is what I want, you you take it."

Well, my next reaction was to break out in hives! Yes, hives! With a month to go, I was an itchy mess. After a week of near hysterics, I made that first call. The meeting was set.

I went in skeptical as heck and came out knowing that this was the place for my baby. The house was warm, comfortable and full of kid stuff, books, artwork, a science corner and toys. The provider, Cici, and her assistant, Tina, gave off that just right feeling. It's hard to describe, but I knew it and more importantly, my baby knew it.

My daughter has been at Early Start Daycare since December 1998. The kind of care that Cici and Tina give her makes me feel good when my baby is dropped off in the morning. I DON'T WORRY! She jumps into Tina's arms and barely gives me a backward glance. Yeah, it tugs at the heartstrings for a few seconds, but wouldn't you rather leave your kid at daycare all smiles and ready to play than clinging to you and crying? When it's time to go hoe, she's not always ready. May times she wants to stay and play a while longer. I know that my daughter gets a lot of hugs and kisses, praise, freedom and structure ad gentle discipline when she needs it. She's happy there. Cici and Tina and the environment that they provide have helped to accelerate my daughter's development. She talked early, walked early, and got an early start on her terrible two's! She can stay until she is ready for kindergarten and I know they will help prepare her and me for that big move. Cici and Tina know what she likes, doesn't like, what she'll eat, what she won't eat, when she needs a nap or when she needs to play and when she needs quiet time on a lap.

I don't worry! I know she's getting quality care and she's happy. I hear friends horror stories about their daycare situations and I can't help but praise Early Start Day Care. I recommend Early Start every chance I get. I brag every chance I get. That trusted friend who gave me the telephone number kicks herself everyday. Her daycare situation is okay, but mine is to be envied. It even passed the Grandma test!

I love my daughter more than anyone or anything on this planet. She is the greatest gift I have ever been given. I trust Cici and Tina with this precious gift everyday. When other parents tell horror stories or complain about the lack of quality daycar, I thank the powers that be for sending Early Start Day Care into our lives. If you are looking for quality daycare, a place where your child will be safe, cared for, given lots of love and attention, and room to grow and learn, Early Start Day Care is the right place. From one parent to another, I could not have found a better place for my daughter.

Feel free to contact me if you want more information from a parent's point of view or have any questions or concerns. I will be happy to RAVE about my daycare providers.

-- Del Williams 5/14/1999

Dyani's mommy

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