Acorns
Infants, 6 weeks–12 months
Nurturing beginnings, bonding, sensory exploration, and early milestones.
“Every mighty oak begins here.”
Rolando · College Area · San Diego
Where every child takes root.
- Ages
- Infant to 5+Plus before- and after-school care
- Hours
- 6:30am – 6:00pmMonday through Friday
- Opening
- October 2026Taking enrollment interest now
Who we are
A home for early childhood education.
Oaktree Children's Academy is a family child care home in San Diego's Rolando neighborhood, just a few minutes' walk from Hardy Elementary. It is led by Mrs. Keela Lindsay, who holds a bachelor's degree in Child Development and brings twenty-three years of experience working with young children. Her education and experience inform a thoughtful, intentional curriculum designed to make every day a meaningful part of a child's early learning journey.
Oaktree provides room for separation by age and developmental needs. We offer a low child-to-teacher ratio, the warmth of a home, structure, and a proprietary curriculum. We foster growth and guide development individually for every child.
Our mission
To honor early childhood as a powerful and formative stage of life by providing equitable, high-quality education that supports the whole child: cognitively, emotionally, socially and physically. We empower children to thrive by fostering confident identities, nurturing curiosity and cultivating empathy. By partnering with families and our community, we create a learning culture where every child is seen, heard, capable and valued, and where a lifelong love of learning can take root.
Our philosophy
Children are capable, and they are already learning.
We serve children from infancy through age five, and we believe early childhood is when a person begins to build identity, empathy and an understanding of the world. Our days combine structured instruction with child-led exploration: learning through play, inquiry and guided experience.
The environment is the third teacher. Our educators are facilitators and co-constructors of learning, not lecturers.
And we hold that strong family partnership is not a nicety but a requirement. By building trusting, respectful relationships with families, we make a collaborative community that honors the strengths, cultures and contributions each one brings.
The Oaktree Curriculum
Play, with a reason behind it.
Mrs. Lindsay's framework draws on four foundations: Bronfenbrenner on family and community context, Erikson on trust and initiative, Piaget on hands-on construction of knowledge, and Vygotsky on learning through social scaffolding. In practice that means learning centers for literacy and language, math and science, art, and dramatic play, with an adult nearby who knows what each child is working toward.
It also means the paperwork behind the play: observation, documentation, and regular conversation with you about what your child is actually doing all day.
The day
Built around the hours you actually work.
We open at 6:30am and close at 6:00pm, Monday through Friday.
Nutritional meals and snacks are served on site.
Growing at Oaktree
Five stages, one tree.
Each age group is named after a stage in the life of an oak tree, symbolizing the growth and development of every child. More than just a name, each stage is thoughtfully reflected in the classroom environment, daily rhythm, and developmentally appropriate goals, creating a nurturing experience where children are supported as they learn, grow, and thrive.
Sprouts
Toddlers, 1–2 years
Growing independence, movement, language, and curiosity.
“Growing curiosity every day.”
Saplings
Preschool, 2–3 years
Building communication, social skills, confidence, and early learning.
“Rooted in learning.”
Young Oaks
Pre-K, 3–5 years
Developing school-readiness skills, creativity, problem-solving, and independence.
“Standing tall together.”
Mighty Oaks
School Age, 5+ years
Before- and after-school care that encourages leadership, creativity, and continued growth.
“Branching into tomorrow.”
Upcoming events
Open House: Saturday, October 17, 2026.
11:00am – 2:00pm. Bring the family and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon while learning more about Oaktree Children's Academy and our nurturing, play-based curriculum. Featuring a petting zoo and pumpkin painting, for children six weeks to five years old.
If you are looking for infant or preschool care in Rolando, the College Area, Kensington–Talmadge or Del Cerro, tell us a little about your family and we will be in touch.