Licensed home daycare · San Marcos, CA · Est. 1996
Where little ones learn, laugh, and eat well.
For over 30 years, more than 500 families have chosen Gemma's home in San Marcos — where children are prepared for school, and for life.
1996
Year established
30+
Years of care
500+
Families served
14
Children, max
2
Languages spoken
Specialties
Thoughtful care, every single day
Preschool curriculum
A comprehensive preschool curriculum that prepares children for their next steps.
Established 1996
Three decades, and over 500 families
Gemma has welcomed children into her San Marcos home since 1996. More than 500 families have chosen her care since then — the same daily rhythm, the same home-cooked meals, and the same person who answers the phone.
Growing up
The oldest of 12 children
Gemma helped nurture her brothers and sisters and knew early that she wanted a daycare of her own.
The training
A degree in Child Development
Four years at Palomar, Mira Costa and Grossmont College gave her the knowledge and confidence to open her own daycare.
1996
Gemma opens her doors
Gemma's Family Child Care is established in her San Marcos home — the best decision she ever made.
Today
30 years of care
Three decades of working with families and children across the county, with CPR & First Aid certification and a CDA credential behind her.
“The best decision I ever made.”
About Gemma
Caring for children has always been her calling
As the oldest of 12 children, Gemma has had a passion for children since she was one herself. She grew up helping to nurture her brothers and sisters, and knew as she got older that she wanted a daycare of her own. She studied at Palomar, Mira Costa and Grossmont College for four years and earned a degree in Child Development — the best decision she ever made, and the one that gave her the knowledge and confidence to open her own home in 1996.
For 30 years she has had the privilege of working with families and children across the county. She believes every child is special and unique, with a right to reach their full potential — in a safe, stimulating and positive environment.
- Monday – Friday, full & part-time
- Infants, toddlers & preschoolers
- Before & after school care
- Small group — up to 14 children
- State subsidies accepted
I feel so blessed at my daycare. I get to make so many memories with the families who trust me with their children — and it is a blessing to watch them grow and blossom.
Celebrations
Every child takes home something they made
Handprint paintings, holiday crafts, a visit from Santa — a year of small projects the children paint, glue and sign themselves.
The space
Room to play, indoors and out
A good day at Gemma's moves between the yard and the playroom. The fully fenced yard has a covered patio for messy crafts and shaded snacks, open lawn for running, climbing and digging — and on hot days, the inflatable pool comes out. Indoors, a tidy room holds the toy kitchen, the book shelf, and nap mats laid out for the afternoon rest.
- Fully fenced, and always in sight
- Covered patio for crafts and snacks
- Playhouse, climb-and-crawl toys, art table
- A garden bed the children plant and tend
- Nap mats, books and a toy kitchen indoors
Home tour
Walk through the home, room by room
Before families visit in person, here is where the days happen — the door they arrive at, the room where the toys come out, the yard where the afternoon goes.
Stop 1 of 10 · The front door
Where families are welcomed each morning — look for the hand-made sign with the two ladybugs.
Come see it in person
Free tours of the home — Gemma is happy to answer questions any time.
Photos are one thing — come see the home in person with a free tour.
A day here
A day at Gemma's
No two days are exactly alike — the rhythm bends to the children — but most days move through the same warm pattern.
Morning welcome
Drop-off, free play and catching up with friends.
Circle time
Songs, stories and the preschool curriculum at the learning table.
Outdoor play
Running, climbing and the playhouse in the yard — the pool comes out on hot days.
Lunch together
A nutritious, home-cooked meal made fresh that morning.
Rest & stories
Nap mats come down for a quiet afternoon rest.
Afternoon crafts
Art projects, a snack, and reuniting with grown-ups.
Good to know
Questions families ask
Anything else on your mind? Gemma is available for a phone call anytime.
What ages does she care for?
Infants, toddlers and preschoolers — with before- and after-school care for older children.
Full-time or part-time?
Both. Monday through Friday, with full and part-time spots — ask Gemma what fits your family's week.
Do I pack lunches?
No — Gemma cooks nutritious, home-cooked meals every day, served family-style.
Are state subsidies accepted?
Yes. Gemma can walk you through the details over the phone.
Is the home bilingual?
Yes — English and Spanish, so every family feels welcome.
How big is the group?
A small group of up to 14 children, so every child gets real attention.
Words from families
Little ones cared for.
Families reassured.
Over 500 families have chosen Gemma's Family Child Care since 1996. These parent reflections speak to the care behind those years.
500+
families · over 30 years of care
“Gemma puts her heart and soul into nurturing the children she watches — she loves them and they love her.”
“What makes Gemma's stand out is the true love she has for the children. She loves what she does and it shows.”
“A pleasant, comfortable, clean and educational setting. The meals are very healthy as well as tasty.”
More stories from local families
Explore their experiences before arranging a visit.
Get in touch
Schedule your free tour
Proudly serving San Marcos, Escondido, Vista, Carlsbad and all of North County San Diego. State subsidies are accepted, and Gemma is available for a phone call anytime to answer questions about your family's needs. Spots are limited — reach out today.