Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome children from infancy through preschool age (approximately 0–5 years old). Our multi-age environment allows younger children to learn alongside older peers in a supportive, family-style setting.

Start by scheduling a tour so you can see our garden classroom in action. After the visit, we'll walk you through the enrollment paperwork, discuss your child's needs, and confirm availability. You can book a tour directly on our website or give us a call.

Because we maintain a low 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio, spaces are limited. When our program is full, we maintain a waitlist and notify families as soon as an opening becomes available. We encourage you to reach out early!

Absolutely! We strongly encourage families to visit before enrolling. Tours give you a chance to see our indoor and garden classrooms, meet our educators, and ask any questions. You can book a tour through our website at any time.

Yes. We offer a short transition period where your child can attend for a few hours at a time, gradually building up to full days. This helps them feel safe and comfortable in their new environment.

We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, year-round. We are closed on major holidays and for a brief winter break in late December.

A typical day includes free play and exploration in the garden, small-group learning activities, meal times featuring organic vegetarian whole foods, creative arts and sensory play, story time, and rest periods. Our schedule is flexible to follow children's interests while maintaining a gentle, predictable rhythm.

We provide breakfast, lunch, and three snacks daily. All meals are organic, vegetarian whole foods prepared fresh. We accommodate common dietary needs and allergies — just let us know during enrollment.

We maintain a 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio, which allows for personalized attention and meaningful relationships between our educators and each child.

Yes! We operate year-round, including summer. Our summer program takes even greater advantage of outdoor time, with extended garden activities, water play, and nature exploration.

Our program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia pedagogy, which focuses on child-centered, experiential learning driven by relationships. We also integrate foundational principles of Permaculture, teaching children to live harmoniously with each other and the natural world.

Play-based learning means children learn best through exploration, creativity, and hands-on experiences rather than traditional instruction. Through play, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, social skills, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

The garden is our primary classroom. Children plant seeds, tend to vegetables, observe insects, explore soil, and harvest what they grow. These experiences teach science, math, responsibility, and an appreciation for the natural world — all in an engaging, real-world context.

We are a screen-free program. Children engage with the physical world, nature, art materials, books, and each other. We believe hands-on experiences are the foundation for healthy development in the early years.

We create a warm, respectful community where children are encouraged to express their feelings, resolve conflicts with guidance, and build meaningful relationships. Our educators model empathy, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving throughout the day.

We recommend sending your child with a change of clothes (things can get messy in the garden!), a water bottle, sunscreen, and any special comfort items they may need. All meals and snacks are provided by us.

If your child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious symptoms, we ask that they stay home until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours. This helps protect all the children and staff in our program.

We value open, ongoing communication. You'll receive daily updates, photos, and observations about your child's day. We also hold regular parent-teacher conferences and are always available by phone or email for questions or concerns.

We are located at 2742 Hunter Street, East Palo Alto, CA 94303. Our in-home family childcare setting provides a cozy, home-like environment surrounded by our beautiful edible garden.

Yes, we work with families who receive childcare subsidies. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation and we'll help guide you through the process.