Enrolling and reserving a future space for your child at Montessori Story is a straightforward process:
Interview hours are available from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Please contact us to schedule an interview.
At Montessori Story, we embrace the Montessori philosophy in our single-classroom environment, which emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for each child's natural psychological, physical, and social development.
Our program is designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating setting where children can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. We prioritize hands-on experiences, self-directed activities, and meaningful interactions with both the environment and peers.
Our curriculum follows Montessori principles, including individualized learning plans, practical life skills, sensory exploration, language development, and cultural awareness. Within our inclusive community, we strive to foster a love of learning, where every child feels valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Our teachers and caregivers at Montessori Story Childcare are highly qualified professionals with extensive training and experience in early childhood education. Both teachers hold Master's Degrees in Education and possess essential certifications such as CPR/First Aid/AED, Mandated Reporter training, Lead Safety in Childcare, and Health and Safety training.
Elmira, our lead guide, brings over a decade of experience in Montessori education, holding an AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) 0-3 diploma from Denver.
Tetiana has over 40 years of experience working with children as a piano teacher, adding a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team.
Together, our teachers are dedicated to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
In our classroom at Montessori Story, we maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio to ensure each child receives the individual attention and support they need. For infants and young toddlers under 2 years old, the ratio is 1 teacher for every 4 children. As children grow into toddlers and preschoolers over 2 years old, the ratio becomes 1 teacher for every 6 children. This ensures a safe and nurturing environment where each child can thrive and receive personalized care and guidance.
Absolutely! We welcome and encourage parent involvement and volunteering at Montessori Story. Parents are an integral part of our community, and we believe that their participation enhances the overall experience for everyone involved.
There are various opportunities for parent involvement, including participating in classroom activities, assisting with special events or projects, sharing your skills or talents with the children, or simply spending time with your child and getting to know their classmates and teachers.
We value the partnership between parents and caregivers and believe that working together creates a supportive and enriching environment for our children.
At Montessori Story, we prioritize the safety and well-being of the children above all else. To ensure their safety, we have implemented several safety measures and protocols:
By implementing these safety measures, we strive to provide a secure and nurturing environment where children can learn, explore, and thrive with peace of mind for parents and caregivers alike.
At Montessori Story, the safety and well-being of the children are our top priorities. In the event of emergencies or medical situations, we have clear protocols in place to ensure a swift and appropriate response:
By having these protocols in place, we strive to ensure a safe and secure environment for all children under our care, and to respond effectively to any medical emergencies that may arise.
Yes, we proudly display our current license from the State of California, Department of Social Services, which governs and oversees daycare licensing. This license demonstrate our commitment to compliance with regulatory standards and our dedication to providing a safe and reputable childcare environment for your child.
For the well-being of all children in our daycare and to maintain our high standards of care, we kindly ask that you refrain from bringing your child to daycare if they are sick. This precaution helps prevent the spread of illness among the children and staff.
We can only accommodate children with mild cold-like symptoms, such as a clear runny nose, slight cough, or a slight fever, provided they are otherwise feeling and acting well. If you are unsure whether your child should attend daycare, please call us for guidance.
If a child becomes ill during daycare hours, we will contact the parents to pick them up promptly. Parents are expected to collect their child within one hour of notification. If parents are unavailable, the emergency contact person will be informed.
Please note that children may only return to daycare once they are free of symptoms requiring removal and are no longer contagious. A doctor's note is required if the child had a contagious illness, stating that they are no longer contagious and are well enough to participate in our activities.
Children must be completely symptom-free before returning to daycare if they had any of the following illnesses: unusual lethargy, irritability, persistent crying, runny nose (other than clear), significant cough, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, mouth sores, rashes (with a doctor's note stating non-contagiousness), pink eye, chicken pox, mumps, measles, roseola, hepatitis A, impetigo, lice, ringworm, scabies, strep throat, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, shingles, or any other contagious disease or rash.
If a child has a fever of 100.4 degrees or above, they must remain at home until the fever subsides. State law mandates that parents are informed of potential exposure to contagious diseases, so please notify us if your child becomes infected.
While a fever is a natural response to illness and can help the body fight infection, it is also an indicator of sickness and potential contagion. Therefore, children with fevers are excluded from daycare until they are fever-free and no longer contagious. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a healthy environment for all children in our care.
Parents are kindly asked to provide the following items for their child: water bottles suitable for independent drinking, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, weather-appropriate clothing including multiple changes of clothes, a jacket, and shoes that are easy to put on and stay on securely (please avoid flip-flops and lace-up shoes).
Additionally, a blanket and any other personal items your child may require should be provided. We kindly ask you not to bring toys to the childcare facility unless it's a comfort item for sleeping. We supply and apply sunscreen daily for all children participating in outdoor activities.
Every day, we offer four nutritious and well-balanced meals, including morning breakfast, lunch, and morning and afternoon snacks. Milk or juice accompanies all meals and snacks, while water is readily available throughout the day.
Our menu varies weekly to ensure children receive a diverse and nourishing diet. We prioritize providing wholesome meals and snacks as we recognize the critical role nutrition plays in a child's overall health. A balanced diet supports children's energy levels and contributes to their physical and cognitive development.
We understand the importance of accommodating individual dietary needs, whether due to vegetarianism, allergies, religious beliefs, or personal preferences. If our standard meals do not meet your child's requirements, please inform us, and we will work with you to accommodate their needs. Alternatively, parents may choose to provide their child's meals and snacks in such cases.
At Montessori Story, we prioritize open communication with parents, ensuring that you are kept informed about your child's day.
We utilize the Daily Connect mobile app, which provides real-time updates on your child's activities and milestones. As soon as an event is logged, it is synchronized across all parent accounts, allowing you to stay connected throughout the day. For toddlers, we include details such as nap times and bowel movements, providing a comprehensive overview of their routine.
Additionally, we promptly notify you of any incidents or observations, such as changes in eating or drinking habits or the presence of any rashes or unusual symptoms. Our goal is to maintain transparent and timely communication, providing you with peace of mind while your child is in our care.
Yes, at Montessori Story, we believe in capturing and sharing special moments with the families enrolled in our program.
We utilize the Cluster mobile app, available for both iOS and Android users, to share photos and videos of your child's experiences throughout the day. This app is accessible by invitation only, ensuring that only families currently enrolled in our childcare program have access to the shared content.
It's a wonderful and interactive way for parents to stay connected and engaged in their child's daily activities. Once joined, you can view and download photos and videos, leave comments, and interact with other parents in the Montessori Story community. However, we respect and understand that some families may prefer not to have their child's photos and videos shared, and we honor any such requests. Your child's privacy and safety are always our top priority.
No, we do not charge a yearly enrollment fee. We believe in keeping our enrollment process simple and straightforward, without unnecessary fees or charges. For additional enrollment information, please feel free to contact us.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate earlier opening or later closing times to fit individual schedules. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us.
Yes, we have the delightful company of one betta fish and a gentle cat named Franky. Franky is fully vaccinated and has a calm and mellow temperament. He has never shown any aggression towards children; in fact, he tends to avoid them and prefers to keep to himself. Our furry friend adds to the warmth and comfort of our environment, providing children with opportunities for gentle interaction and companionship.
Yes, at Montessori Story, a non-refundable deposit equivalent to two weeks of childcare costs is required at the time of enrollment. However, we advise against submitting the deposit until after you have signed the Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment application and thoroughly reviewed the Parent Handbook.
We prioritize ensuring that you are comfortable with our policies and procedures before any financial transactions occur. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns regarding our childcare philosophy or practices, we encourage you to address them beforehand. Please note that your child's spot is not fully secured until we have received both the deposit and the signed Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment application. The deposit will be credited towards the last two weeks of your child's enrollment.
The deposit at Montessori Story serves as a nonrefundable fee equal to two weeks of childcare costs, due at the time of enrollment. This deposit provides peace of mind for both parents and providers. Parents can rest assured that their child's childcare spot is secured, while providers can confidently turn away other prospective clients knowing the spot is reserved. The deposit is nonrefundable because we rely on it to hold the spot for your child, often for extended periods. Therefore, if your childcare needs change, it is crucial to inform us promptly.
Regarding the start date, it is agreed upon between the parent and provider at enrollment. Childcare fees commence on the agreed-upon start date indicated in the Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment application. While your child may begin attending on or after this date, full payment ensures that the spot remains reserved. We understand that circumstances may necessitate changes to the start date, and we accommodate such adjustments whenever possible. However, we ask for sensitivity to our position, as these practices are designed to benefit all parties involved.
No, Montessori Story does not require a contract for a set period of time. Parents are free to enroll and discontinue childcare services as they see fit. However, we do implement a trial period for the first 30 days of enrollment, during which either party may terminate the contract without notice. Following this initial trial period, a 30-day notice from either the parent or provider is required to terminate the contract, except in cases of gross misconduct involving the provider, parent, or child, which may result in immediate discontinuation of services. This approach allows for flexibility while also ensuring a reasonable notice period for both parties involved.
Regarding the start date, it is agreed upon between the parent and provider at enrollment. Childcare fees commence on the agreed-upon start date indicated in the Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment application. While your child may begin attending on or after this date, full payment ensures that the spot remains reserved. We understand that circumstances may necessitate changes to the start date, and we accommodate such adjustments whenever possible. However, we ask for sensitivity to our position, as these practices are designed to benefit all parties involved.
While we understand the challenges of leaving your child in someone else's care, we kindly request that extended observation periods be avoided during the initial adjustment phase. As caregivers responsible for multiple children throughout the day, maintaining control over the environment is essential for effective care. The presence of parents can sometimes disrupt this balance, making it challenging for us to fulfill our responsibilities at the high standards we uphold. However, we welcome parents to stay for a brief period to assist their child during the initial transition. It's important for children to acclimate to the new environment and caregivers independently. Rest assured, we are experienced in supporting children through this process, and we will provide updates to reassure you of your child's well-being and enjoyment once they have settled in.
When dropping off your child at Montessori Story Childcare, it's important to approach the transition positively and confidently.
Before arriving, talk to your child about the exciting experiences they'll have at daycare, emphasizing your support for this new activity.
As you enter, engage your child in an ongoing activity with the group, then offer hugs and kisses while reassuring them of your love before leaving.
Keep the departure simple and direct. Lingering can create uncertainty for your child and hinder their ability to adjust to the new environment. Avoid sneaking out, as it may exacerbate feelings of abandonment. Instead, maintain an open and honest approach to foster your child's comfort and confidence in their surroundings.
Absolutely! At Montessori Story, you have the flexibility to drop off and pick up your child at any time that works for you. However, if possible, we recommend avoiding drop-offs or pickups during nap time (12:30pm - 3:00pm) to minimize disruptions for the other children. Nonetheless, we understand that schedules vary, and we will accommodate your needs whenever you arrive.
Yes, we do. Montessori Story requires all children to have up-to-date vaccinations. In accordance with California state regulations, children must receive certain immunizations to attend child care centers, preschools, and family day care homes. We strictly adhere to these requirements to ensure the health and safety of all children in our care.
Absolutely! Montessori Story can provide references upon request. We have a network of past and present families who are more than willing to share their personal experiences with us. Additionally, we have received numerous positive reviews over the years, which you may find helpful in making your decision. Just let us know, and we'll be happy to provide you with references.