Admission

Why Choose GMCC?

  • Innovative Curriculum: Combines play-based learning with cutting-edge technology integration, preparing children for the digital age.
  • Holistic Development: Focuses on the whole child, addressing cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.
  • Community-Oriented: Strong emphasis on family and community engagement, building a supportive and enriching learning environment.
  • Inclusive Environment: We welcome children from all backgrounds, ensuring diversity and inclusivity are at the core of our philosophy.
  • Affordable Education: Government-funded programs designed to make quality early childhood education accessible to low-income families.
  • Highly Qualified Staff: Passionate educators dedicated to fostering a love of learning, curiosity, and resilience in every student.
  • Personalized Attention: Maintains low student-to-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized care and attention for each child.
  • Safe and Nurturing Space: Offers a secure environment for children to explore, learn, and grow with confidence.
  • Family Support and Resources: Provides comprehensive resources and support services for families, including financial aid and community resources.
  • Future-Ready Skills: Prepares students with the skills, creativity, and critical thinking needed to succeed in school and beyond.

Admission Process

  • 100% Subsidy: We are committed to supporting families by providing 100% subsidized child care for those who qualify based on their income. This financial assistance ensures that children from lower-income families can enjoy the same nurturing and educational environment as all our students, allowing parents to work or pursue their education without worrying about the cost of childcare.
  • Eligibility: varies based on family income. Our school directors are available to offer more information on financial assistance and to assist with the application process. We aim to make high-quality childcare accessible to everyone in our community.

     

    Applications are accepted for children who will be ages 6 weeks to 5 years by the time they enter preschool. Please feel free to contact us for an admissions tour where you will learn more about the preschool and admissions process. Following the tour, you will receive an online application through Brightwheel. Once your online application is complete and processed, we will reach out to you to schedule a 20-minute small group play visit with your child at Growing Minds Children’s Center.

    June 3, 2024: Admissions for the 2024-25 school year. 

    For more information about Growing Minds Children’s Center, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or (805) 830-2177. We value your interest and look forward to answering any questions that you might have!

FAQs

We maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio to ensure personalized attention and a supportive learning environment for every child. For our toddler groups, the ratio is 5:1, and for preschoolers, it’s 8:1. This allows our educators to cater to the individual needs and learning styles of each student.

The health and safety of our students are of utmost importance. We work closely with parents to understand and accommodate any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Our meal plans are carefully designed to avoid common allergens and can be customized to meet the needs of individual students. We also maintain a nut-free environment and have strict protocols in place for managing food allergies.

We believe in a positive approach to discipline, focusing on teaching appropriate behaviors through understanding, respect, and communication. Our strategies include positive reinforcement, redirecting negative behavior to more constructive activities, and teaching conflict resolution skills. We always communicate with parents if there are any concerns or issues that need attention.

We are committed to providing an inclusive environment that supports the needs of all children, including those with special needs. We collaborate with parents, specialists, and therapists to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) that cater to each child’s unique requirements. Our staff is trained to implement these plans within the classroom setting, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Absolutely! We highly encourage parental involvement as it enriches our preschool community and supports children’s learning and development. There are many opportunities for parents to get involved, including volunteering in the classroom, participating in events and field trips, and joining our parent-teacher association. We also hold regular parent-teacher meetings and community events to foster a strong, supportive network among families and staff.

Our preschool uses technology as a tool to enhance learning, not replace traditional methods. We incorporate age-appropriate technology activities that promote interactive learning, creativity, and digital literacy. These activities are designed to complement our hands-on, play-based curriculum, ensuring that children benefit from a balanced approach to early education.

The safety of our students is our top priority. Our preschool is equipped with secure entry systems to ensure only authorized personnel and families have access. We conduct regular safety drills, including fire and lockdown drills, to prepare both staff and students for emergencies. Additionally, all staff members are trained in first aid and CPR, and our facilities are designed to be child-safe with close supervision at all times.

We believe in open and continuous communication with parents. Our educators provide regular updates through a variety of channels, including email newsletters, a secure online portal, and parent-teacher conferences. We also offer detailed progress reports twice a year to discuss your child’s achievements, areas for growth, and ways parents can support learning at home.

Physical development is a crucial part of our curriculum. Our daily schedule includes structured outdoor playtime in our safe and well-equipped playground, where children can explore and engage in physical activities. We also incorporate physical education classes that focus on gross motor skills, coordination, and group sports, promoting healthy habits and teamwork from an early age.

Our curriculum is designed to lay a strong foundation in early literacy and math through engaging, play-based activities. For literacy, we incorporate storytelling, phonics, and interactive reading activities that foster a love for books and language. In math, children explore basic concepts through games, puzzles, and hands-on activities that teach counting, patterns, and problem-solving. Our approach is to make learning these essential skills enjoyable and relevant to their everyday experiences.