Munchkinland cares for up to 14 Munchkins at a time, 2 years old and over. On occasion we might have a spot or two for a 12 month old :) 

Our hours are 8am to 6pm Monday through Thursday and 8am-5pm on Fridays.

We are a year-round private preschool/ family daycare and we are closed during all major holidays.

From time to time after hours care can be provided, including overnight care, with prearranged dates and times.  

Drop in service, short term care, long term care are all at times possible. For specifics please contact 415.386.2006

How Long is the Preschool and Family Relationship?

It very much varies on your needs, wants, and circumstances. Sometimes it ranges from a few hours, if you are using the drop in service-to what is generally the case of several years- until your Munchkin is ready to Graduate and move on to Kindergarten. Our friendship though, lasts a lifetime :)  

What you get... 

• Uninterrupted actively involved supervision- we are an intentional program with a well balanced curriculum and time for play :)

• A Program Director with the following credentials and gifts:
• Licensed by the State of California (Child Care Licensing Agency Lic# 384002664)
• Certified Infant/Child CPR and first aid
• Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology 
• Child Care Provider Diploma
• Child Development Associate Professional Certification  with Honors
• All degrees, diplomas, and professional certifications were acquired from accredited universities 
• A Son and a Daughter :) 
• Three meals and two snacks (organic whenever possible):
• Menu designed using the expertise of an R.D.Nutritionist and Certified Lifestyle Counselor. 
• Munchkins drink H2O that is purified for healthy hydration. We do not offer juice from concentrate!
• During cooking class, if we are going over fruits and veggies, we will make fresh squeezed juice or smoothies all together 
• A daily schedule filled with activities that inspire creativity, knowledge, speech development and the road to independence. Each child needs an individual approach, hence we address specific needs (potty training, color differentiation, or brushing teeth habits, etc.) Having a daily schedule is important for preschoolers. They tell time differently. The predictability of knowing what comes next helps children to feel secure, which leads to them feeling comfortable to engage and participate in activities throughout the day. The daily schedule helps predict this. 

• Some well-deserved nap time – kids need sleep. Nap. It's a small word, but it’s a hugely important one. Why? Sleep is a major requirement for good health, and for young kids to get enough of it, some daytime sleep is needed. Crucial physical and mental development occurs in early childhood, including processing and storing memories that are the foundation for learning, and naps provide much-needed downtime for growth and rejuvenation. Naps also help keep kids from becoming overtired, which not only takes a toll on their moods but may also make it harder for them to fall asleep at night. It keeps their nervous system intact, and makes Munchkins happy and ready to go for the second part of our busy day. Let’s remember there is so much more magic to be made before pick up time ;)

• Take home projects, outdoor playtime (weather permitting) in the backyard, beach, park, and nearby playgrounds

• Photos and videos via text, email, and/or other means

• Kids reciting poems, singing songs, parallel play, imaginary play, theater reenactments

• Birthday celebrations; we help celebrate your child’s special day. If there are several Munchkins with birthdays close together, we will have a joined Celebration :) 

• Happy kid(s)!

What we get...

• We go into this field because of our love for children; their ability to say the funniest thing, their eyes lighting up at seeing something new, their happy faces when they've mastered something like writing the number 8 on their own. With that in mind, this is a business facility. A very emotionally rewarding and gratifying one, but one with bills and expenses. You get what you pay for.
 The price of quality preschool/childcare generally reflects the excellence of the services offered. If you go with a place because of their "great price" but they end up providing poor quality care and little teaching, you've actually overpaid. A preschool that takes care of your child(ren) will help set the foundation for years to come, physical, mental, and emotional- a lifelong love of learning, build self-esteem, teach manners, creativity, imagination, and so much more. As with most things in life, "good" and "cheap" usually do not go together. Prices at times change, and will be discussed during an in person family interview, if a spot is available. 
• Is tipping necessary? If you feel that your Munchkin is receiving care above and beyond your expectations, tipping is completely at your discretion. We guarantee the same level of quality and professionalism regardless. Forms of payments that are excepted are cash and checks at this time. Munchkinland provides a receipt upon request. You can use full advantage of the Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account, if eligible. We are also contracted with several subsidies. Some of thoese are the Children's Council of San Francisco, Military assistance programs such as Child Care Aware of America and GSA Subsidy Administration. Feel free to inquire more if you have questions. 
• For the safety of your Munchkin(s) and others' Munchkins, all children must be fully immunized upon entering daycare. Please see this form and these requirements.
• Super Important: Please let us know of any allergies that your child(ren) have. Not only food allergies, but any potential animal allergies. As part of the learning process, Munchkins at Munchkinland will be exposed to a lot of different animals who make guest appearances (domestic, farm, aquatic, and insects in the Insect Discovery Lab). Not to worry, they won't all be at the same time :)

 As parents-- or the village (let's face it, it takes a village)-- raising your Muchkin(s), you want to be fully comfortable and confident with the care your child is receiving. I strongly encourage you to meet with us and several other daycare providers to find the best fit for you and your child(ren) as he or she will spend 10+ hours every day in the daycare environment. If you feel that Munchkinland is not the place for your Munchkin, I will provide alternative referrals, because ultimately I want to do what’s in the best interest of your Munchkin(s). Click here for some helpful hints on what to look for when exploring daycare possibilities. But most importantly follow your parental instinct! 

Our Sample Daily Schedule

*This schedule is merely a guideline for our day; actual times and activities often vary in response to the children’s needs and interests.

8:00-8:30: Arrival

During parental check-in, as you walk your Munchkin in, please let us know anything you think is worth mentioning to make the day great (i.e., woke up from a nightmare-- anything we can help with)

At this time, our Munchkins will be washing their hands and brushing their teeth, free-playing or working on a project of their choice (play-dough or other toys or games)

8:30 – 9:00: Breakfast

9:30 – 10:00: Morning music exercises

Transition from large group time to small group activities

10:00 – 10:30: Morning learning (Letters, Numbers, and Theme Lesson)

10:30: Snack

10:35: Transition to outdoors – bathroom and hand washing (hygiene)

10:40-11:30: Outdoor Play

Transition to indoors – bathroom break and hand washing

11:30-12:30: Art Project, Puzzles, Imagination time, Play time, Story time

12:30: Brunch

Transition to nap; bathroom and hand washing

1-3:30: Nap/Quiet time

Transition to waking up, changing PJ’s – bathroom break and hand washing

4:00-4:30: After nap Lunch

Transition to outdoor activities: Outdoor play structures, climbing, jumping, fresh air, group games

4:30-5:30: Outdoor play (weather permitting)

Transition to indoors – children begin getting picked up and reunited with family members who missed them so much.

Kids usually share everything that they did at daycare that day, and we encourage you to ask every day.

This also might be the time to ask your child if there is anything special for tomorrow, especially if you see a note on the parent communication board (for example, wear jeans and bring a bandana, we will have cowboy and cowgirl day, etc.)

5:30- Snack

6:00 Pick-up

 We can continue describing what it is that we do, but the best way to find out is just to call us, meet us, and join us :)