Play. explore. learn.
A safe and joyful daycare for your little ones to excel and thrive
At Mama Bear Daycare, our early childhood education programs are designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and social development in a fun and engaging environment.
(949) 662-8200
Contact us about enrollment!
Now Enrolling! Government Assistance Accepted – OCDE, CHS & More!
About us
Quality childcare to help parents raise happy and healthy children
Founded by Ghazal, known as Gisele, Mama Bear Daycare in the heart of Lake Forest is dedicated to providing your little ones with the highest quality care.
With a Master’s degree in Child Development and Psychology and over five years of hands-on experience in childcare, Gisele is deeply passionate about understanding children’s natural behaviors and supporting their growth through compassionate, attentive care.
Today’s children shape tomorrow’s future. By building their skills, confidence, and self-awareness, we empower them to create a bright and sustainable future.
Founder & Head of School
Daycare Options
Tailored childcare for every age group
Infants
For infants up to 24 months, our program fosters early development through sensory play, gentle interactions, and loving care in a safe, nurturing environment.
Toddlers
For toddlers (1-3 years), our program encourages movement, communication, and social growth through interactive play, sensory activities, and compassionate guidance in a supportive space.
Preschoolers
For preschoolers (3-6 years), our program nurtures early learning and independence through structured activities, creative expression, and hands-on exploration in an engaging and enriching setting.
After-schoolers
Our after-school program (6-10 years) provides a secure and stimulating environment where school-age children can relax, complete homework, and engage in enriching activities that foster creativity and teamwork.
Our methods
Core areas of growth
Early learning
At Mama Bear Daycare in Lake Forest, we create a safe, engaging space where children learn, explore, and grow.
Our curriculum blends Montessori methods, STEM activities, storytelling, and music to spark curiosity and build early literacy, problem-solving, and social skills.
Active play
Our indoor and outdoor play areas promote motor skills, teamwork, and creativity. Activities like sensory play, obstacle courses, and kids’ yoga keep children active while fostering balance, coordination, and confidence.
Whole-child development
We nurture independence, social skills, and healthy habits through hands-on learning, group activities, and role-playing. Fun cooking lessons and emotional intelligence exercises help children build confidence and lifelong wellness.
Daycare
Enrollment Hours
01
Half Days
Our half-day after-school program provides a safe and engaging space for school-age children to unwind, complete homework, and participate in fun activities. We foster creativity, socialization, and structured play to keep kids active and supported after school.
- 12:30 PM - 7:30 PM
02
Full Days
Our full-day childcare program nurtures infants, toddlers, and preschoolers through early learning, social interaction, and play-based development. We focus on fostering independence, creativity, and essential skills in a warm, supportive environment.
- 7 AM - 5:30 PM
03
Extended Day
Our extended day program offers a secure and relaxing space for children who stay beyond regular hours. With a mix of quiet activities, supervised play, and extra care, we provide a flexible solution for busy families.
- 7 AM - 7:30 PM
Requests for care outside our regular hours (7:00 AM – 5:30 PM) must be discussed with the center in advance.
Why us
The best early learning experience
Our curriculum blends Montessori principles, hands-on exploration, and play-based learning to foster curiosity, creativity, and essential skills for lifelong success.
- Holistic approach
- Passionate teachers
- Certified childcare professionals
Kindness
We foster a warm, inclusive environment where children learn the value of empathy, respect, and caring for others through daily interactions and guided social learning.
Creativity
Through art, music, and hands-on exploration, we encourage children to express themselves, think independently, and develop a lifelong love for learning.
Emotional
We nurture social-emotional development by helping children build confidence, resilience, and strong communication skills through guided play and emotional support.
Innovation
Our programs embrace modern teaching methods like Montessori principles, STEM activities, and interactive learning to inspire curiosity and problem-solving skills.
Daily activities
Designed to help children realize their potential
Morning Huddles
We start each day with engaging morning huddles that help children transition into their routine, fostering a sense of belonging, social connection, and confidence. This time includes circle time, storytelling, and interactive discussions to encourage participation and early communication skills.
The Basics
Children thrive with structure and routine, which is why we focus on fundamental life skills such as independent thinking, cooperation, and responsibility. Through interactive learning, daily tasks, and guided activities, we build a strong foundation for social-emotional growth and self-sufficiency.
Play Stations
Through imaginative and structured play, our play stations encourage creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. Whether it’s building with blocks, role-playing, or sensory play, we provide diverse opportunities for children to develop motor skills, social connections, and cognitive flexibility.
Learning Lab
Our Learning Lab is designed to nurture early cognitive development through STEM activities, hands-on experiments, and problem-solving challenges. We encourage curiosity and a love for learning by integrating sensory play, language development, and age-appropriate academic exploration.
Superfoods
Nutrition plays a vital role in a child’s development, and we emphasize healthy eating habits through nutritious meals and interactive food education. Our program introduces children to a variety of wholesome foods, teaching them about balanced diets, making healthy choices, and the importance of hydration.
Outdoor Play
We believe in the power of active movement and nature exploration, which is why outdoor play is an essential part of our daily routine. From climbing and running to nature-based learning and group games, children build physical coordination, teamwork, and a love for the outdoors in a safe and engaging environment.
Meet the passionate team
Experts in giving your children best start
Educator
Assistant Director
Marketing Officer
One Happy Client
What parent say
I trust Gisele with all three of my kids, and I honestly feel so lucky to have found this place. They take in kids of all ages, and as a working mom, I can't even explain how much that means to me 🥹💖🙏👶
Bianca's mother, 2024
The staff is truly amazing! Gisele has a deep understanding of child development and keeps the kids engaged with fun activities. It’s such a joy to watch my child grow and come home each day with a new skill!
Jonah's mother, 2024
Our daughter absolutely loves her time at Mama Bear Daycare. The staff is warm and caring, and Gisele has been especially lovely and kind. It’s truly the best thing that’s happened to our new family.
Jaimee's father, 2024
Get in touch
Helping families thrive, one child at a time
Get in touch and schedule your visit to explore our nurturing environment, meet our dedicated team, and learn how we support your child’s growth and development.
More than just a daycare
We provide a nurturing environment where children learn, explore, and grow through play and discovery.