Questions you may have

Enrolling and reserving a future space for your child at Montessori Story is a straightforward process:

• Contact us: Schedule a visit to our home for you and your child. During this visit, we'll gladly answer any questions you may have. It's an opportunity for you to meet us, learn about our offerings, and meet some of the other children in our care. This allows everyone to become acquainted and ensures compatibility between personalities, helping both parties feel comfortable with their surroundings and expectations.
• Registration process: Following the visit, we'll initiate the registration process. This involves providing you with a parent handbook, parent/provider contract, and various enrollment forms. Once these documents are read, completed, signed, and returned, along with the deposit, your child's space will be reserved. A non-refundable enrollment deposit will be applied toward tuition for the final weeks of enrollment.
• Select a start date: Once registration is complete, simply choose a start date for your child.

Our teachers and caregivers at Montessori Story are qualified professionals with training and experience in early childhood education. All our teachers hold essential certifications and have completed training in CPR/First Aid/AED, Mandated Reporting, Lead Safety in Childcare, and Health and Safety.

Elmira, our lead guide, holds a master’s degree in education and brings over 25 years of experience working with children as a piano teacher, alongside a decade of experience supporting young children and their parents through Montessori education. She holds an AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) diploma for ages 0–3 from Denver and RCM Smart Start certification, and has pursued additional studies in early childhood education administration.

Together, our teachers are dedicated to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

At Montessori Story, we maintain low child-to-teacher ratios so every child receives attentive, individualized care and guidance. Our ratios are 1 teacher for every 3 infants (12–18 months), 1 teacher for every 4 toddlers (18 months–3 years), and 1 teacher for every 6 preschool-aged children (3–5 years). These small group sizes help create a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive.

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:

• Secure Environment: Our facility is equipped with safety features such as childproof locks, secure gates, and monitored entrances to prevent unauthorized access.
• Supervision: Our trained and attentive teachers maintain constant supervision of the children at all times, both indoors and outdoors. We maintain low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure that each child receives individual attention and care.
• Emergency Preparedness: We have detailed emergency plans in place for various scenarios, including fire drills, lockdown procedures, and evacuation plans. Our staff is trained in CPR, first aid, and emergency response protocols.
• Health and Hygiene: We prioritize cleanliness and hygiene to prevent the spread of illness. We enforce regular handwashing routines, sanitize toys and surfaces frequently, and follow strict health guidelines for food preparation and handling.
• Childproofing: Our environment is carefully childproofed to eliminate potential hazards and ensure a safe play area for the children. We use age-appropriate toys and equipment that meet safety standards.
• Background Checks: All staff members undergo thorough background checks and screening processes before being hired to ensure they are qualified and trustworthy to work with children.
• Communication: We maintain open communication with parents regarding any safety concerns, incidents, or updates regarding their child's well-being. Parents are encouraged to reach out to us with any questions or concerns they may have.

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.

Yes, we proudly display our current license from the State of California, Department of Social Services, which governs and oversees childcare 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.

Parents are kindly asked to provide the following items for their child: water bottles suitable for independent drinking, diapers, 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 three nutritious and well-balanced meals, including morning breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack. 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 use the Brightwheel mobile app to keep parents connected and informed throughout the day. We provide updates for all children, including meals, nap times, and bowel movements, and share a few photos of your child’s work and activities each day. We also communicate with parents daily through messages in the app and notify families about field trips and story time sessions. Updates are shared across all linked parent accounts, helping you stay involved in your child’s daily experiences.

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.

At Montessori Story, we love sharing special moments from your child’s day to help families feel connected and engaged.

We use the Brightwheel app to share photos and updates safely and conveniently with enrolled families. The app is invitation-only, ensuring that access is limited to current families in our program.

Through Brightwheel, you can view and download photos of your child’s daily activities, see classroom highlights, and enjoy glimpses of their learning experiences.

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 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 fixed, non-refundable deposit is required at the time of enrollment. The deposit will be applied toward tuition for the final few weeks of your child’s enrollment.

Please do not submit the deposit until you have signed the Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment Application and carefully reviewed the Parent Handbook. We want families to feel comfortable with our policies, procedures, program philosophy, and practices before making a financial commitment.

Your child’s space is not fully reserved until we have received both the signed Parent-Provider Contract/Enrollment Application and the deposit.

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 teachers 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, it's important to approach the transition positively and confidently. 

Before arriving, talk positively with your child about the classroom and the experiences they will have with their teachers and friends. Please avoid promising treats or special outings after pickup, as anticipating these rewards may make it more difficult for your child to transition into the classroom and engage in the day’s activities.

At drop-off, offer a warm hug and a brief, reassuring goodbye. Let your child know that you love them and will return to pick them up. The teachers will support your child’s transition into the classroom and help them join an activity.

Keep your goodbye brief and consistent. It is okay to leave even if your child is crying—the teachers will provide comfort and support, and children often settle soon after their parents leave. Lingering or returning for additional goodbyes can make the transition more difficult. Always say goodbye rather than slipping away unnoticed, so your child knows what to expect and can build trust in the drop-off routine.

Parents are welcome to drop off and pick up their children at any time outside of nap time (12:30pm - 3:00pm). We truly appreciate your flexibility in helping maintain a peaceful restful environment for everyone at Montessori Story!

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.