Ranked among the top 10 childcare centers in Costa Mesa. Fewer than half of all centers in the city reach this level across our full 11-dimension scoring.
Best Teachers
Earned the highest teacher quality score in Costa Mesa. This dimension weighs staff tenure, qualifications, warmth reported in parent reviews, and consistency of care across classrooms.
Most Compassionate
Earned the highest compassion score in Costa Mesa. This dimension captures how families describe staff empathy, how concerns are handled, and the emotional environment of the center.
Best Management
Earned the highest management score in Costa Mesa. This dimension reflects director responsiveness, communication, operational consistency, and the overall tone families experience from leadership.
Full Ranking Detail
childcareplay-basedkinder
Giant Step Learning Center is a locally owned and trusted preschool at 758 St. Clair St in Costa Mesa serving children ages 2–6 with half-day and full-day options. The center has been operating with a stable leadership team (director with 18+ years tenure) and staff holding ECE degrees and First Aid/CPR certifications, and maintains an active CCLD license (#304370713) with a capacity of 42 since 2011. The play-based learning model supports kindergarten readiness through hands-on activities across early literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning, complemented by a 10,000 sq-ft outdoor playground, daily meals, and flexible enrollment with sibling discounts. Google reviews (8 at 5.0 stars) highlight a warm, welcoming environment and engaging activities; however, the CCLD record shows 14 total citations—significantly above the county average—including one Type A citation and recent Type B violations, warranting careful review of the full inspection report at ccld.dss.ca.gov.
Safety5.0
Curriculum7.0
Art / Music6.0
Infant care5.0
Kindergarten readiness6.0
Teacher quality8.0
Compassion8.0
Management7.0
Culture7.0
Extracurriculars6.0
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: Play-based learning model emphasizing exploration and hands-on, developmentally appropriate experiences supporting cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. No specific named framework (e.g., Montessori/Reggio) stated.
Programs & activities: Toddler (2-3), Preschool (3-4), and Pre-Kindergarten (4-5) programs covering early literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning. Enrichment includes arts and crafts, music, movement, and storytelling, plus a 10,000 sq-ft outdoor playground.
What sets it apart: Markets over 25 years of experience, small class sizes, and year-round enrollment with half-day and full-day options. Provides two snacks and a hot lunch daily; secure entrances with CPR/first-aid-trained staff; hours 7 AM-6 PM Mon-Fri; sibling discounts and no material fees.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Top 10 in Costa Mesa
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Best Teachers
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Most Compassionate
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Best Management
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This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.
