About Catalyst Kids – Trace · San Jose
Catalyst Kids is a nonprofit child care and education organization with 50 years of experience offering child-centered programming across California. Based in Morgan Hill with regional offices in Sacramento and Irvine, it operates over 150 centers and serves more than 8,000 children. The organization emphasizes hands-on learning, responsive staff, and strong family-staff relationships, partnering with 29 school districts to provide before and after school, preschool, and camp programs. It is licensed by the California Department of Social Services and participates in the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).
Catalyst Kids provides enriching, child-centered educational and care services for infants through school-age children across California. Founded in 1976, it operates over 150 centers and partners with 29 school districts to offer before and after school programs, preschool, and camps. Their philosophy centers on hands-on, experiential learning, individualized support, and building trusting relationships with families. All programs are licensed by the California Department of Social Services and participate in the state’s QRIS. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Morgan Hill, with regional offices in Sacramento and Irvine. They emphasize community collaboration and responsive, high-quality care for children and families.
- In business
- 50 years
- Serves
- State of California
Our Mission
At Catalyst Kids, we have created enriching, engaging, and exciting child-centered programming for 50 years. We view each day as an opportunity to inspire brilliance and make a positive impact within our communities. Caring for your child is an honor and one that we accept with great pride and excitement. Thank you for making Catalyst Kids a member of your family!
Education Philosophy
All children are competent and capable learners. Each child is encouraged to imagine, learn and grow through hands-on, active experiences. Through this discovery, children develop deeper connections to their families and community which creates a foundation for learning through life. Knowledgeable and responsive staff believe learning happens best through authentic and positive relationships with children. We guide children’s development based on their individual interests and strengths, as well as group experiences where they can creatively explore and discover together. Trusting relationships between our families and staff are the cornerstone of our program. Together we promote a safe and nurturing environment that supports each child’s emerging abilities and sense of self. Reciprocal relationships with community-based organizations and school districts result in cohesive services for children and families. We work together to identify the goals and needs of the community and strive to provide optimal support.
Quality Programming
All of our Preschool and Infant/Toddler centers participate in the California Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). In addition, all Catalyst Kids programs participate in a rigorous internal quality rating program which supports improvement and continued growth.
Who We Are
Catalyst Kids operates over 150 centers throughout the State of California, serving over 8,000 children. We partner with twenty-nine school districts to provide before and after school programs, preschool and camps. Our centers are licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, the agency charged with health and safety reviews of child care centers. Headquartered in Morgan Hill, Catalyst Kids has regional offices in Morgan Hill, Sacramento, and Irvine, CA.