GROWING MINDS
ACADEMY
Where exceptional care meets exceptional education. Three campuses, one unwavering commitment to nurturing every child's potential from infancy through elementary.
Built on Research.
Driven by Heart.
Growing Minds Academy was founded in 2008 by Dr. Catherine Reyes, a professor of Early Childhood Education who believed that every child — regardless of background — deserves access to research-backed, high-quality childcare.
What began as a single classroom has grown into three campuses serving 450+ families across Riverside and Corona. Our Reggio-inspired curriculum, trained educators, and commitment to transparent parent communication have made us the most trusted name in Inland Empire childcare.
Three Locations, One Standard
Every campus delivers the same exceptional curriculum, safety standards, and family experience.
FlagshipRiverside Campus
Westside Center
Lakewood Campus
Programs for Every Stage
Infant Nurture
Attachment, sensory development, individual care plans
Toddler Discovery
Language explosion, motor development, social beginnings
Preschool Explorers
Pre-literacy, STEM, creative arts, cooperative play
Pre-K Scholars
Kindergarten readiness, reading foundations, math concepts
After-School Adventures
Homework support, enrichment clubs, outdoor recreation
Summer Discovery Camp
Weekly themes, field trips, STEM projects, water play
Reggio-Inspired. Research-Backed.
Our proprietary curriculum draws from the Reggio Emilia philosophy — treating each child as a capable, curious learner who constructs knowledge through exploration, relationships, and meaningful projects.
Developed by Dr. Amara Johnson and refined over 18 years, our approach blends:
"kindergarten ready"
Meet Our Leaders
Dr. Catherine Reyes
Former professor of Early Childhood Education with 25 years in the field. Founded Growing Minds in 2008 with a vision of making research-based childcare accessible to every family.
James Whitfield
MBA with 15 years of multi-site operations management. Oversees facility standards, staffing, and growth strategy across all three campuses.
Dr. Amara Johnson
Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology. Designs our proprietary Reggio-inspired curriculum and leads teacher training across all locations.
Lisa Park
15 years in parent communication and community building. Leads our parent advisory board and oversees the upcoming parent portal launch.
The Growing Minds Parent Portal
Everything you need — updates, messaging, billing, attendance — in one app on your phone. Built by parents, for parents.
Daily Photos & Updates
Real-time photos, activity logs, and milestone moments delivered to your phone throughout the day.
Secure Messaging
Message your child's teacher directly. Receive classroom announcements and school-wide alerts.
Billing & Invoices
View invoices, set up autopay, download tax documents, and manage your payment method.
Digital Check-In/Out
Contactless QR code check-in, authorized pickup management, and real-time attendance tracking.
Calendar & Events
School closures, picture days, parent nights, and enrichment schedules in one shared calendar.
Forms & Documents
Enrollment paperwork, health records, emergency contacts, and policy acknowledgments — all digital.
Safety & Compliance Center
Every campus exceeds state requirements. Every staff member is vetted, trained, and certified.
Controlled Access
Biometric and keycard entry at all campuses. Visitor management system with photo ID verification.
Camera Monitoring
Real-time cameras in all classrooms and common areas. Parents have secure viewing access.
Staff Screening
FBI fingerprinting, DOJ background check, reference verification, and annual re-screening for all employees.
Ratio Excellence
Staffing consistently exceeds state minimums. Floating teachers ensure coverage during breaks and transitions.
Health Protocols
Daily wellness checks, symptom monitoring, allergy action plans, and medication management by trained staff.
Emergency Preparedness
Monthly drills (fire, earthquake, lockdown). AED on-site. Two staff per classroom minimum at all times.
Compliance Record
All three campuses maintain clean licensing records with zero substantiated complaints.
Continuous Training
40+ hours annual professional development per teacher. Annual CPR/First Aid recertification required.
Press & Awards
What Families Say
“We toured seven centers before choosing Growing Minds. The curriculum depth, staff credentials, and parent communication are simply unmatched in the Inland Empire.”
“All three of our children went through Growing Minds. Each one entered kindergarten ahead of their peers — not just academically, but socially and emotionally.”
“The after-school program at Lakewood is outstanding. Dylan does homework, plays sports, and comes home happy. The summer camp is the highlight of his year.”
Our Partners
Riverside Unified School District
Kindergarten Transition Partner
UC Riverside School of Education
Student Teacher Placement Site
Riverside Community Health Center
Wellness & Developmental Screening
First 5 Riverside
Quality Improvement Grant Recipient
Concierge Enrollment
Our enrollment team guides you through every step — from your first inquiry to your child's first day. We make the process seamless so you can focus on what matters.
Request a Consultation
The Best Investment You'll Ever Make
Your child's earliest years shape everything that follows. Give them the foundation they deserve at Growing Minds Academy.