Preschool is a play-based program for children between two and six years old. At Playschool, children play and learn together in a nurturing and stimulating environment with developmentally appropriate and challenging curriculum.

Options

• Five Days: Monday–Friday from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm | $1850/month
• Two Days: Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 am – 12:00 noon | $700/month
• Extended Care for Five Days Students: Monday–Thursday from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Offered full time (billed at $600/month) or drop-in (billed at $20/hour)

Other Details

• Ages: Children must be 2 years old by September 1, 2024 to participate in the Preschool program
• Student:Teacher Ratio: the range is from 1:7 for our youngest children to 1:9 for our oldest children
• Tuition Payments: Due monthly, 30 days in advance. All fee reconciliation will take place via our online payment system, Curacubby.
• School Calendar: Playschool follows the calendars of the local public schools, operating from early September to mid June. Please visit our Calendars page for more detail.
• Parent-Teacher Communication: Your child's teacher will schedule parent-teacher conferences twice per academic year to share your child's progress and discuss your child's needs one-on-one. In addition, teachers are always available to consult with you about your child's experiences at Playschool and additional conferences may be scheduled at either the parent's or teacher's request.
• Toileting: Children do not need to be potty trained to attend Preschool. Teachers work with the children to help them learn to use the toilet and to become more independent in all aspects of personal hygiene. Children may use the toilet whenever they wish. If your child is beginning to use the toilet, or just needs reminding, please inform the teachers. Dressing children in clothing they can easily manage prevents many toilet accidents. Children in diapers or training pants need to keep a supply of diapers at school. Your child’s teacher will inform you when your supply is running low.
• Meals and Snacks: All preschoolers bring a snack to school. If your child is staying past 12:00 noon, they need a lunch in addition to a snack. Children should use a lunchbox to transport their food. We have found that, while at school, a lunchbox is a wonderful connection to home for young children.
• Playschool Atherton follows the San Mateo County and State of California requirements for childcare programs. If pandemic climate and childcare restrictions change before or during a school year, we reserve the right to make appropriate alterations to our program. Decisions will be made as conditions inform.

A Typical Day in Room 4

• 8:30-10:00: Drop off | Art | First Activity Time
• 10:00-10:15: Clean up and Circle Time
• 10:15-11:15: Snack | Outside Time
• 11:15-12:00: Small Group Time
• 12:00-1:00: Lunch | Outside Time
• 1:00-1:45: Second Activity Time
• 1:45-2:00: Circle Time | Pick Up

Admissions Process

If you would like to inquire about availability or schedule a tour, please call us at 650-325-1623 or click 'Contact Us' in the navigation bar to fill out the contact form.
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To apply, please click on the 'Apply Today' button below to complete your child's application and pay the $50 application fee.
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Your child will be placed on the waiting list and you will be informed when a space becomes available. Enrollment for the upcoming school year begins in February. If offered a space, a non-refundable registration fee is required and must be received by the requested date in order to secure a child’s space for fall. Applicants who are not offered a space are kept on the age-appropriate waiting list until a space becomes available. Applications are carried over to subsequent years, if necessary.

Admission and specific program/classroom placement is at the discretion of the director and made in the best interests of the child and the school. Children with special needs may be enrolled upon mutual agreement between the parents and director if Playschool is able to provide the individual attention required.