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Frequently Asked Questions Can I take a tour?
We offer a Virtual Tour or you can email us to set up an in-person tour at 11:00 am, 2:30 pm, or at your convenience. (Please do not drop by unannounced.) Children are welcome to accompany you on the tour, though we ask that they stay by your side. In the meantime, you may like to check out Our Philosophy for more information. How do families typically use Toddle? For many families, Toddle serves as their child's primary preschool. Others supplement their regular schedule with once- or twice-a-week Toddle visits. Toddle is also here for families when an appointment or another obligation arises, or when a child's school is on break. Does my child need to be potty trained to attend Toddle? No. We welcome children in diapers, pull-ups, undies, and everything in between and are happy to assist your child in the potty-learning process. What is your teaching philosophy? Toddle follows a play-based curriculum that supports the organic process of learning and discovery unfolding in each child. Our teachers are credentialed Early Childhood educators and delight in creating an interesting, ever-changing curriculum. What is the daily schedule? Toddle families arrive on a staggered schedule and can choose either a morning or afternoon 3- or 4-hour session. Our teachers lead a regular morning and afternoon schedule of group activity time, free choice play, outdoor play and meal/cleanup times. Children can expect the same type of activity (i.e. outdoor time) each day when they arrive and depart, giving them the comfort of jumping right in and the opportunity to develop long-term friendships with children in their session.
Can my child stay at Toddle for more than four hours? We find that children are able to engage and learn for up to four hours. After that time, most children exhibit signs of fatigue, which can make their positive experience over-stimulating and challenging. For that reason, we limit Toddle stays to four hours. Do you provide snacks or lunch? We provide an organic, whole-grain and low-sugar snack. Children staying for lunch should pack a bagged lunch or fill out the menu card at check in for our à la carte items. Do you offer sibling discounts? Due to our limited capacity, we do not offer a sibling discount in the morning. However, we do have a sibling rate for the afternoon program. Can children nap at Toddle? We ask that you do not reserve a time when your child would be otherwise napping as Toddle does not have the staffing nor setup to accommodate naps. However, we will provide a nap mat to children who fall asleep so they can feel comfortable until their caregiver arrives. Must children be immunized to enroll at Toddle? Like other state-licensed preschools, Toddle follows California's strict immunization requirements. By law, Toddle must require families to provide proof of immunization or the appropriate medical exemption form. Where should I park? Please park either in front of Toddle on Alameda de las Pulgas or in one of our three Manzanita Avenue driveway spots (please park in between the lines to accommodate other families). If you are running late, please use Alameda street parking. Please click here to learn about driving to and parking at Toddle. Can my kindergartner attend Toddle after school or for a school vacation? Will he/she feel comfortable there? Yes. Toddle is licensed to care for children ages two through entry in first grade. Our selection of toys and learning materials encourage imaginative, child-led play for children of all ages. For example, classic Montessori unit blocks are appropriate for both two- and six-year-old children; children just use the blocks differently depending on their developmental stage. Likewise, our huge sandbox, easel and paints, science area and reading nook will keep your kindergarten learner busy and engaged. Will my child see familiar faces at Toddle, even though it is a "flexible" program? Most of our families at Toddle maintain a regular schedule during the school year. Children are able to build friendships and see his or her buddies regularly in class. What is the process for/timing of enrolling at Toddle for the upcoming school year? Families currently enrolled at Toddle may reserve a preschool space for the following school year in March.Open enrollment follows a week later. We require a non-refundable deposit equal to one month's tuition for the number of days you wish your child to attend. See our billing policies for more information. Does the preschool close during typical vacation weeks like Spring Break? Our school-year preschool program is "on break" during local elementary school vacation weeks. However, Toddle continues to offer vacation programming during these breaks. Regular tuition will be prorated in vacation months. |
