FAQ

Can you send me tuition information without completing a tour?

We share full tuition schedules with families after completing a tour. We believe seeing our program helps parents make the most informed decision for their families. We completely understand if you are too busy to schedule a tour. We are fortunate that there are many wonderful preschools in our area. 

Can I get on the waitlist without doing a tour?

We ask all families to complete a tour and a parent-child visit before joining our waitlist. It’s important to us that you feel confident and comfortable with our program. We want to be sure our school is a good match for your child and your family’s needs.

Is there a fee to join the waitlist?

Joining our waitlist is completely free.  All families can join the waitlist after completing a tour and a parent-child visit.

Can I enroll my child mid-year, or only in August?

We enroll year-round, based on availability. We know timing isn’t always predictable, and we do our best to accommodate families when space allows.

Do you offer virtual tours?

We don’t currently offer virtual tours. If you're relocating, we encourage you to book a tour for the next time you’re in the area so we can meet in person and help you get a real sense of our community.

Can I drop in anytime for a tour?

To be respectful of our classrooms and students, we schedule tours in advance. Our goal is to give you our full attention while keeping disruptions minimal for the children already in our care.

Do you close for the summer?

We are a year-round school and remain open throughout the summer.

Do children move to a new classroom on their birthdays?

Children remain in the same classroom for the full school year. Keeping children with the same group allows for deeper bonds with teachers and peers and provides a stronger sense of security and belonging. Mid-year moves can be disruptive socially and emotionally.

Do you offer part-week schedules?

We currently offer full week, Monday-Friday, schedules at this time. 

How much academic work do you provide?

We use a play-based approach to support early learning in language, math, science, and social development. Learning happens naturally and joyfully through hands-on activities and guided exploration. Our goal is to foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence—building a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond. 

At Children’s Corner, children gain the social-emotional and academic skills necessary for a successful transition to elementary school, which allows them to thrive in elementary school and beyond.

What are the advantages of play-based learning?

Play is how children make sense of their world. It builds important life skills while keeping learning meaningful and engaging.

Here are just a few of the benefits:

• Social-emotional growth – learning to cooperate, resolve conflict, and build friendships

• Language development – strengthening vocabulary and communication through conversations and storytelling

• Cognitive skills – encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking

• Motor development – improving physical coordination through building, climbing, drawing, and more

• Joyful learning – cultivating a love for learning that stays with them

How do you support children who don’t speak English?

We’ve welcomed many children with limited or no English. Our play-based environment provides plenty of natural opportunities for language development. Children typically gain confidence and pick up English quickly while feeling supported and included.

Which elementary schools do your students go on to attend?

Our students transition to a wide range of schools across Los Altos School District, Mountain View Whisman School District, Palo Alto Unified School District, Cupertino Union School District, and Sunnyvale School District—including both public schools and private schools such as Pinewood, Harker, Helios, Tessellations, Keys, Khan Lab School and others.

Are preschool and daycare the same thing?

Not exactly. While both offer care for children, preschool focuses on learning, development, and school readiness in a more structured setting.

We blend the best of both—providing the nurturing care of a daycare with the rich, intentional learning experiences of a preschool.

Does my child need to be potty-trained?

Children do not need to be potty-trained to attend.

Does my child have to nap?

Naps are not required. If your child does not nap, we provide quiet activities during nap time to ensure they have a restful part of their day.

When is nap time?

Nap time runs from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. If your child naps, please send a crib-sized fitted sheet and blanket. A small pillow and comfort item are welcome. Bedding is stored in your child’s cubby and sent home each Friday to be washed.

How do you help with separation anxiety?

Transitions can be hard, and we’re here to support both you and your child.

• Parents are welcome to stay for up to an hour during the first few days.

• Gradual drop-offs and consistent routines can really help ease anxiety.

• You’re always welcome to call and check in—our classrooms have phones so you can speak directly with a teacher.

• We strongly recommend saying goodbye before leaving, rather than slipping out—this helps build trust.

• If your child remains upset for more than 20 minutes, we will give you a call so we can work together to help them settle in.

Do you provide lunch?

No, we ask families to send lunch from home. We do not offer hot lunch or work with outside providers.

Can you heat or refrigerate my child’s lunch?

We do not have a microwave or a large refrigerator, so we ask families to pack food in thermoses for warm items or with ice packs for cold foods.

What snacks do you provide?

We serve small snacks at 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. Typical snack items include cereal, crackers, cheese, fruit, and vegetables. Please let us know about any allergies or dietary needs so we can make safe accommodations.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for 30 days' notice for cancellation. All prepaid fees are non-refundable.

We understand that plans can change, but because we operate on a small, carefully managed budget, filling spots mid-year can be challenging. This is one reason we prioritize tours—we want you to feel confident in your choice before committing.

Are you affiliated with Foothill Covenant Church?

We are not affiliated with the church, but we are grateful tenants of their space and value our warm, respectful relationship with them.