A Place Your Child Will Love. A Place You Can Trust.
As a parent, you want more than just childcare — you want a second family. At Ready Set Grow Learning Center in El Cajon, your child is known by name, loved by their teachers, and safe every single day. We handle breakfast, lunch, and snacks so you can focus on what matters most.
We Know How Hard It Is to Leave Your Child
That first drop-off is one of the hardest moments for any parent. We get it — and we've spent over a decade earning the trust of El Cajon families. Your child won't just be watched here. They'll be known, loved, and celebrated every single day.
Our teachers build real relationships with every family. You'll get daily updates, open communication, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your child is in the hands of experienced, caring professionals who treat them like their own.
Happy Families
Infant to Pre-K
Our Programs
Thoughtfully designed programs for every stage of early childhood development.
Infant Program
Ages 0–1. Gentle, loving care focused on bonding, sensory exploration, and healthy development milestones.
- ✓ Low caregiver-to-infant ratio
- ✓ Tummy time & sensory play
- ✓ Daily developmental updates
Toddler Program
Ages 2–3. Sensory play, music, movement, and early language development in a nurturing, safe environment.
- ✓ Small group sizes
- ✓ Structured play & hands-on learning
- ✓ Parent communication daily
Preschool Program
Ages 3–4. Creative play, pre-literacy skills, social development, and hands-on learning adventures.
- ✓ Art, music, and movement
- ✓ STEM exploration
- ✓ Outdoor play daily
Pre-K Program
Ages 4–5. Kindergarten readiness, phonics, math concepts, and social-emotional learning.
- ✓ Academic readiness
- ✓ Leadership skills
- ✓ Field trips & community
A Glimpse of Our Community
Step inside Ready Set Grow — where every corner is designed for curious, growing minds.
Why Parents Choose Ready Set Grow
We built this place with working parents in mind — because you deserve a preschool that feels like a true partner.
Experienced Teachers
Our certified, compassionate educators bring years of early childhood expertise and genuine love for teaching.
Warm, Nurturing Environment
We create a home-like, safe space where every child feels valued, heard, and celebrated.
Play-Based Learning
We believe children learn best through play. Our curriculum balances joy with developmentally appropriate learning.
Community Focus
We're not just a preschool — we're part of the El Cajon neighborhood. We know our families personally.
Meals Included — Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks
Every child at Ready Set Grow receives a nutritious breakfast, hot lunch, and afternoon snack — included in tuition at no extra cost. Healthy, balanced meals fuel growing minds and bodies all day long, giving parents one less thing to worry about.
Meet Our Teachers
Our dedicated team brings decades of combined experience, genuine love for children, and deep roots in the El Cajon community.
Natalie Braselton
Owner & DirectorWelcome to Ready Set Grow Learning Center! I'm Natalie, the new owner and director, and I am so proud to be part of this wonderful community. I bring a deep background in educational leadership — having served as a Principal and Associate Principal in public school districts, a classroom teacher across multiple grade levels, and a holder of a Master of Arts in Education, a California Administrative Services Credential, and a Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. My passion has always been creating environments where children feel safe, celebrated, and inspired to grow. At Ready Set Grow, I am committed to building on the strong foundation this center has established while bringing fresh energy, open communication, and an unwavering dedication to the families we serve.
Ms. Jennifer
Infant Teacher
I'm Ms. Jen! I have a background in nursing and was employed in the medical field for 20+ years. After raising my three beautiful and talented children, I truly missed watching the growth and development of little ones. It has been pure joy nurturing the infants and getting to know all of the families at RSG.
Ms. Joanna
Lead Infant Teacher
I have over 20+ years experience working with children from birth to school-age. I think of a child like a rose bud — as time goes by and the child grows, the flower begins to open and you get to see this little human evolve. That is the best gift of all.
Mrs. Jill
Pre-K Teacher
Teaching has always been second nature to me — I have been doing it for 38 years. Being at RSG for 18 years has been a wonderful learning experience as I prepare each child for Kindergarten. I am a Graduate of Arizona State University.
Ms. Rita
Pre-K Teacher
I have an Associate's Degree in child development and more than 3 years of experience working with young children. My favourite part of the job is watching the kids grow up and hoping I am able to make a positive impact on their lives.
Ms. Wafaa
Lead Pre-K Teacher (3's Room)
I've been working in Early Childhood Education for over eight years. Ready Set Grow has felt like a second home to me. I hold an Associate Degree with 48 units in Early Child Education and a Bachelor's Degree in mathematical studies.
Ms. Zainab
Co-Lead Toddler Teacher
I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Geography and an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Working with kids is my passion, and it's always so wonderful to see them grow and learn. I love working at Ready Set Grow!
Cecilia
Pre-K Teacher Assistant
Hi, I'm Cecilia from the Philippines. I am a wife and loving mother of two boys. I have ample experience taking care of children and love working with all the teachers here. The children are adorable and I hope to build many memorable memories at RSG.
Vivian
School-Age Teacher
I went to SDSU to pursue my degree in Child and Family Development. I love working with children of all ages, watching them grow and learn the cause and effects of the world around them. Working at RSG gives me that opportunity.
What Parents Are Saying
Real words from real El Cajon parents who trust Ready Set Grow with their most precious little ones.
"The staff is warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in each child's development — not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Communication with parents is excellent, and I always feel informed and confident about my child's day. Most importantly, my child is happy, excited to go each day, and has grown so much since starting here. Ready Set Grow feels like a second family."
Kelly Taylor
Google Review · ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The classrooms are bright, cheerful, and full of happy kids who clearly feel at home. Every teacher knows our child by name and genuinely cares about their growth. The daily reports, fun activities, and healthy food program give us so much peace of mind. We can't imagine sending our child anywhere else."
Wade Steverson
Google Review · ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Drop-offs used to be a little tough at first, but the teachers handled it with so much patience and reassurance. Our child has learned so much — not just letters and numbers, but how to share, listen, and feel comfortable in a group. Communication has been solid, the facility is clean, and it's a relief knowing our child is in good hands."
Daniel Ulrich
Google Review · ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trusted by families across El Cajon, Santee & La Mesa.
Read Our Google ReviewsCall Us
(619) 448-4585
Mon–Fri, 6:30 AM–6 PM
Visit Us
728 Pepper Dr, El Cajon, CA 92021
Serving El Cajon, Santee, La Mesa
Email Us
[email protected]Hours
6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Monday–Friday
Come See It for Yourself
The best way to know if Ready Set Grow is right for your family is to walk through our doors. Book a free tour — no pressure, just a warm welcome.
Takes less than 2 minutes · No commitment required
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything parents want to know before scheduling a tour.
What ages do you accept?+
What are your hours?+
Are meals included in tuition?+
How do I enroll my child?+
Is there a waitlist?+
Are your staff background-checked and licensed?+
Do you provide daily updates to parents?+
Where are you located and what areas do you serve?+
Still have questions?
Call Us: (619) 448-4585