Early Learning | Preschools

OUR PHILOSOPHY
San Carlos School District Early Learning Preschools are built on the principle that children learn best through play! In our rich, developmentally appropriate environment, positive self-identities and proactive communication skills develop through hands-on experiences. As children engage in multi-sensory activities they are involved in experiences which build awareness of varied viewpoints. Children are encouraged to explore, invent, and discover ways to create their own unique understanding of the world. We value family traditions and family involvement in the ongoing education of young children. We believe in building a strong community through mutual respect, cooperation, understanding, and open communication.

DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICE
We follow Developmentally Appropriate Practice, which is a guideline for educators designed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). It is a guideline for maintaining a high-quality program. The basics of these guidelines are as follows:

Our curriculum is based on knowledge of how children learn.
Activities and learning experiences reflect concepts and ideas that are relevant to the child’s world.
Teachers understand the sequence of development, and that children develop at their own, unique rate.
Individual and cultural variation is celebrated.
Teachers provide many opportunities for children to work in small groups to practice problem-solving.
Teachers provide opportunities for children to choose their own activities from varied learning areas based on program goals and information teachers have collected about each child.

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2026-27 EARLY LEARNING PRESCHOOL PRE-REGISTRATION

If you have any questions, please email Director of Early Learning, Leah Scholer.

REGISTRATION

We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. If you are interested in applying, please reach out to our Preschool Assistant Director, Jeannine Solis. We use the Brightwheel website and app for collecting and storing documents, all tuition payment and family/staff communication. If you have any questions, please email the Director of Early Learning, Leah Scholer.

LOTTERY

In the event that we have more applicants than we have spaces for, we will hold a lottery to determine preschool placement. We will begin notifying families shortly thereafter.

PRE-REGISTRATION LINKS for 2026-27

Arundel Full Day - Arundel Pre-Registration Form
Brittan Acres Full Day - Brittan Acres Pre-Registration Form
Heather Full Day - Heather Pre-Registration Form
White Oaks Full Day - White Oaks Pre-Registration Form
Brittan Acres Two-Year Old - Brittan Acres Two-Year Old Pre-Registration Form
Heather Two-Year Old - Heather Two-Year Old Pre-Registration Form
White Oaks Two-Year Old - White Oaks Two-Year Old Pre-Registration Form

TOUR DATES (No appointments necessary) All tours are from 9:00 - 10:00 am

Arundel - Oct 9, 2025, Nov 6, 2025, Jan 6, 2026, Feb 5, 2026
Brittan Acres - Oct 10, 2025, Nov 7, 2025, Jan 7, 2026, Feb 6, 2026
Heather - Oct 14, 2025, Nov 10, 2025, Jan 8, 2026, Feb 9, 2026
White Oaks - Oct 15, 2025, Nov 12, 2025, Jan 9, 2026, Feb 10, 2026

STATE-SUBSIDIZED PRESCHOOL SPACES NOW AVAILABLE

Preschool Flyer CSPP Flyer Spanish

Learn more about our State-Funded Preschool Program (CSPP) | Click to Expand

The San Carlos Early Learning has two California State Preschool Program (CSPP) classes - a part-day class at Arundel and a full-day class at Heather. Student tuition may be covered for families that qualify, based on income.

Family Selection Criteria

Recruitment and Priority - 10% of CSPP funded enrollment is set aside for Children with Exceptional Needs. All families will be ranked based on the following Admission Priorities list, as mandated by the State:

Enrollment Priorities:

Priority	Eligibility Criteria
First	The child is the recipient of Child Protective Services (CPS) or is at risk of being neglected, abused, or exploited.
Second	Once the set-aside is filled, children with exceptional needs are from income-eligible families. Prioritize based on income ranking order.
Third	Eligible 4-year-old not enrolled in Transitional Kindergarten. Prioritize children enrolled in CSPP as a 3-year-old, then prioritize dual language learners within each ranking based on the earliest waitlist date.
Fourth	Eligible 3-year-old. Prioritize dual language learners within each ranking based on the earliest waitlist date.
Fifth	Family income is not more than 15% above the income threshold. Prioritize exceptional needs children, then 4-year-olds, then 3-year-olds. (limited to 10% of funded enrollment)

How old does my child have to be to enroll?

3-Year Old Birthdate Range: December 2, 2022 - December 1, 2023

4-Year Old Birthdate Range: September 2, 2021 - December 1, 2022

Note: Children who turn 3 on or after December 2, 2022, must wait until their 3rd birthday to begin.

Full Day CSPP Eligibility & Need Requirement

Unless otherwise specified in this section, to be eligible for Full-day CSPP, a family shall meet both eligibility and need criteria as follows:

Criteria	Requirements
1. ELIGIBILITY - Family Eligibility Criteria	Eligibility is based on the documentation and verification of at least one of the following: Child Protective Services (CPS) or at risk of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation; Homelessness; Income Eligibility and Family Size; or Current CalWORKs cash aid recipient. Children with Exceptional Needs
2. NEED CRITERIA	The child is identified by a legal, medical, social services agency, transitional shelter, emergency shelter, or Local Education Agency liaison for children and youths experiencing homelessness pursuant to 42 US 11432 as: Receiving child protective services, Being neglected, abused, or exploited, or at risk of neglect, abuse or Exploitation; Experiencing homelessness The parent(s) are: Employed Seeking Employment Engaged in vocational training leading directly to a recognized trade, paraprofessional, or profession; Engaged in an Educational Program Seeking permanent housing for family stability or Incapacitated.

Criteria

Requirements

1. ELIGIBILITY - Family Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is based on the documentation and verification of at least one of the following:

Child Protective Services (CPS) or at risk of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation;
Homelessness;
Income Eligibility and Family Size; or
Current CalWORKs cash aid recipient.
Children with Exceptional Needs

2. NEED CRITERIA

The child is identified by a legal, medical, social services agency, transitional shelter, emergency shelter, or Local Education Agency liaison for children and youths experiencing homelessness pursuant to 42 US 11432 as:

Receiving child protective services,
Being neglected, abused, or exploited, or at risk of neglect, abuse or Exploitation;
Experiencing homelessness

The parent(s) are:

Employed
Seeking Employment
Engaged in vocational training leading directly to a recognized trade, paraprofessional, or profession;
Engaged in an Educational Program
Seeking permanent housing for family stability or
Incapacitated.

Eligibility and Need Requirements for Full-Day CSPP (EC 8236, 8236.3, 8261, and 8263[a][1][A] and [B], CSPP NSEC Implementation Guidance 18130.4) * Fees may apply

Complete the CSPP Interest Form. You must fill out the interest form to determine if you qualify, but completing the form does not guarantee placement in the program. An eligibility wait list will be maintained throughout the year to ensure enrollment according to state eligibility guidelines. This wait list will be utilized to fill vacancies that occur throughout the school year.

If you have any questions about the program, please email:

Director of Early Learning, Leah Scholer - [email protected]

Community Liaison, Jenny Salazar - [email protected] (habla español)

State Fiscal Year 2026–27 Schedule of Income Ceilings for CSPP

State Fiscal Year 2026–27 Schedule of Income Ceilings

Family Size Tamaño de la Familia	Family Yearly Income Ingresos Anual de la Familia	Family Monthly Income Ingresos Mensuales de la Familia	*Maximum Monthly Income for 15% above Income Eligibility Threshold Ingreso Mensual Máximo para el 15% por* encima del Umbral de Elegibilidad de Ingresos
1-2	$100,510	$8,376	$9,632
3	113,708	$9,476	$10,897
4	$136,044	$11,337	$13,038
5	$157,811	$13,151	$15,124
6	$179,578	$14,965	$17,210
7	$183,659	$15,305	$17,601
8	$187,741	$15,645	$17,992
9	$191,822	$15,985	$18,383
10	$195,903	$16,325	$18,774
11	$199,985	$16,665	$19,165
12+	$204,066	$17,006	$19,556

** There are some cases where families are served whose income exceeds 100 percents of State Median Income in CSPP, the California Department of Education (CDE)

Income limits are based on monthly gross pay, before taxes or deductions.

Directions to Preschools | Click to Expand

Directions to Arundel Preschool

Come up Phelps Road to the large parking lot
Come through the gate and walk down the steps
Come through a second gate and turn right at the corridor
Meet in front of Rooms 14 and 15

Directions to Brittan Acres Preschool

Head up Brittan Ave toward Alameda de las Pulgas
Turn right on Cordilleras
Turn left on Elizabeth
Turn left on Rutherdale
Preschool at the end of the cul de sac
Park on the street
Come through the first gate, we will let you in the second gate

Directions to Heather Preschool

Park in parking lot
Preschool buildings on the far right side of the campus
Come through the green gate
Meet in front of Rooms 23 and 24

Directions to White Oaks Preschool

White Oak Way off Cedar Avenue
Come through the black gate on the right side of the street
Meet in front of Rooms D and E

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EARLY LEARNING CENTER DOCUMENTS

Holiday Schedule 2026-27

SCEL 2026-2027 Monthly Tuition Rates

*Tuition rates subject to change.

CONTACT

Director of Early Learning - Leah Scholer (650) 590-5963

Enterprise Admin Assistant - Jackie Gee (650) 590-5966

FACILITY NUMBERS

Arundel: 414004297

Brittan Acres: 414002899

Heather: 414002661

White Oaks: 414004199