Himmelrick Day Care Center, Barstow | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

I was a mentor student here years ago, and occasionally come back to visit because I love it so much. Since being a mentor student here I’ve taught pre-k that required a more “academic” approach. Which meant 40 minute circle times, 45 minute table times and worksheets. The kids hated it, but the school enforced it. The children learned, but they didn’t enjoy it and there were behavior issues in every classroom due to boredom and lack of play and exploration. To the untrained eye, it may appear that children just run around all day at Himmelrick Child Care, but to those who know about play based curriculum, they can see a structured curriculum here that engages children and allows them to grow, learn and experience new things through their play- whether independent or with peers. Your child may be dirty when you pick them up, but that’s just because they had a great day of play!! I’ve since stopped teaching to stay home with my two babies, but am considering making the drive from Victorville to Barstow so that my son can attend because it’s such a great program, and it’s so rare to find genuine people who care about your child and an authentic play based curriculum!

Hands down one of the greatest schools my children have attended. After looking at some of the other reviews I can tell the parents who left one star are just “Karen’s” for lack of better words. I’ve seen them in action talking with the teachers and although they are rare, they do exist. The children at this school learn through play. There is a curriculum of you know what a play-based curriculum is.

Did some work here, I saw how the workers interacted with the kids. I couldn’t believe how well and involved they staff was. They were teaching these kids and having them say please and thank you to each other. I was shocked, I know its sad, bit I was amazed that the kids here were being taught life lessons that I thought were a thing from the past. I would absolutely bring my children here.