Creative Journeys Preschool & Child Care

Our Teachers

Karen Kohler - Owner/ Pedagogista

I am living my passion for working with young children in my own program. My passion began at an early age and continues as I am in my 34th year of Early Childhood Education. I believe that schools are far more than buildings, classrooms, and curricula. These are places where children spend much of their time. With a strong partnership with parents and families, I am able to create a safe, nurturing environment that inspires imagination and creativity.

I currently hold over 50+ Units in ECE and Administration of Early Childhood Programs from UCLA. I have a degree in Law, I belong to several professional groups and am active in Early Childhood Education Policy Making. I have extensive experience in Early Childhood Educational Consulting, Teacher Mentoring, Instructional Leadership, and Curriculum Development. I have taught in NY, Vermont, and both Northern & Southern CA. I have 14 years as a prek & Transitional Kindergarten Teacher. I am EMSA CPR/ First Aid certified and a CA Mandated Reporter.

Over the last 20 years, I have explored the Reggio Emilia philosophy and teaching through workshops, continuing education, attending study tours in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and through my role as a mentor teacher. I fully believe that each child is infinitely capable, creative, and intelligent. My role along with my co-educators is to support these qualities and to challenge children in developmentally appropriate ways. My role as the Pedagogista is to cultivate an atmosphere of reciprocal respect and support with educators, other school faculty, and parents in creating a shared image of the child.

I look forward to partnering with the children and families that choose to embark on this creative journey of growth and experience with Creative Journeys In-Home Preschool & Child Care.

Nick Kohler - Part-Time Educator

Nick graduated from Tustin High School in 2017 and is a current Kinesiology student at Irvine Valley College. He has coached high school basketball and enjoys teaching others. He currently holds his First Aid & Cpr certification and is a Mandated Reporter.

​

Testimonials

“Miss Karen is an amazing teacher! She makes learning so much fun. My daughter has had her as a teacher for almost 2 years. She loves going to school every day and can’t stop talking about everything she’s learned. It gives me peace of mind knowing my daughter is in such good hands. Miss Karen truly cares about all the kids and wants everybody to strive. She goes above and beyond her teaching duties. Miss Karen has taught me a lot about her style of teaching and I feel very lucky to have found such a great teacher. My daughter will be starting TK in the fall and I’m 100% sure she’s ready.” - Jane K

“We love and respect Ms. Karen to the moon and back. We were fortunate enough to have both our children in her care before moving out of state. Our girls were able to transition to a new school prepared and in many cases ahead of their classmates in every way. She is caring, genuine, and amazing with children. She set the bar high and my girls a year later still talk about their experiences with her.” - Bethan-Rose

“Ms. Karen is truly the best! My son has been fortunate to have her as a teacher for the past 2 years. I am amazed by the progress he’s made during that time. Ms. Karen has an incredible ability to incorporate each of the children’s interests in her teaching. My son has developed a love for learning and is excited to go to school each day.  He is not only progressing academically, but socially, emotionally, and physically as well. Ms. Karen encourages him to try new skills and I’ve seen his confidence and abilities grow. Ms. Karen is knowledgeable and passionate about teaching and it shows!” - Ang G

“We are so happy with the care our son receives from Ms. Karen! He is growing so much emotionally, intellectually, and physically under her care. She meets his individual needs and supports his interests. Any child would benefit from her expert care!” - Amanda L.

“Karen is the ‘preschooler whisperer.’ Seriously she’s an amazing woman. You will not be disappointed.” - Trina A

“Karen is a very passionate teacher who cares deeply about children and creating experiences that will help them be lifelong learners.” - Linda T

“I was so fortunate to have found Creative Journey! My then 2-year-old son’s first school experience and he loved the teacher and experience. Ms. Karen is a passionate educator you will learn a lot from, she is so loving and amazing with kids. I’ve loved her individual attention and how she got to know my son so well. We have moved away so my son had to change school, but if it wasn’t for the move I would’ve kept him here as long as possible.” - Ayako C.

Philosophy

Please visit our FULL website to learn more about our program. Creative Journeys Preschool

We do things a little differently at Creative Journeys. We believe that children are capable of leading their own learning supported by experienced, expert educators. We encourage children to develop their own theories so they can make sense of the world and to explore those theories with their friends. We listen to their ideas, take them seriously, and help facilitate their research. This research often develops into project work which is supported by the whole team and our role is to bring our experience to provide resources, skills, time, space and to help them overcome problems. Our interventions often provoke a new line of inquiry.

We appreciate your interest and hope you enjoy learning more about our preschool and childcare. Please browse through our site, and let us know how we can assist you. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Location

Creative Journeys is tucked away in a tree-lined neighborhood of Tustin Ranch Village, in the Tustin Axiom APARTMENT HOME complex just off El Camino Real. The community itself is very family-friendly and just minutes from the South Coast Plaza, John Wayne Airport, City of Orange, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Irvine / Tustin Marketplace, and Newport beach.

We are easily accessible from the I-5, I-405, CA 55, 133, 261, 73, and 241.

​

About our program

Creative Journeys home-based early-childhood program engages children ages 2-5 years with developmentally-appropriate activities and focuses on the “whole child.” Through creative exploration and play, we support each child’s cognitive, physical, emotional, and social growth. Our program incorporates social and environmental awareness into the curriculum and emphasizes earth-friendly practices and healthy choices.

Snacks and Meals

We prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and a daily snack. Much, but not all of the food served is organic. We also participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program which provides guidance in health and safety standards, training, and monitoring. This makes the CACFP an essential component of quality childcare.

Approach to Discipline

We believe in using positivity and praise to foster healthy behaviors and a healthy learning environment. Our goals include teaching children self-control and respect for themselves and others. Our constructive techniques include redirection, anticipation, modeling, natural consequences, elimination of potential problems, and teaching children to resolve conflicts on their own in an appropriate manner.

Outdoor Play

Rain or shine, we love fresh air and getting outside. Exposure to nature is a significant component of the philosophy at Creative Journeys. We have a covered patio that children use daily for extended learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. We also spend a significant portion of the school day outside. This allows the children’s interests and curiosity to direct the day’s activities and inform the curriculum.

We utilize the community playground and neighboring public parks. Pine Tree Park and Camino Real Park offer different experiences and adventures! This does require the children to be able to walk several blocks without needing to be carried or pushed in a stroller.

House Pets

As an allergy alert: We have 2 dogs that live in the home but will not be in contact with the children. We do foster kittens from time to time with Dream Animal Rescue and they may have contact with the children.

Admissions

Considering Creative Journeys?

We are thrilled that you are considering our program for your child/ family and are allowing us to share with you the benefits and opportunities available at Creative Journeys. Prospective families are invited to do a virtual tour of the space and we can highlight our unique school philosophy and show samples of the work of our children.

Tours are scheduled based on demand. They run for approximately 30 minutes. You will have opportunities to ask questions, address any specific needs you might have, and explore the environment.

​