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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STATE-SUBSIDIZED PRESCHOOL SPACES NOW AVAILABLE

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

The San Carlos Early Learning has a new, part-day, California State Preschool Program (CSPP) class at Arundel from 9:00 am -12:00 pm. 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:

First: The child is the recipient of Child Protective Services (CPS) or 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. Within each ranking, prioritize dual language learners based on the earliest wait list 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)
Sixth: Family resides in approved neighborhood school boundaries. Prioritize based on income ranking order.

How old does my child have to be to enroll?

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

4-Year Old Birthdate Range: September 2, 2020 - December 1, 2021

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

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.

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

State Fiscal Year 2025–26 Schedule of Income Ceilings

Family Size	Family Monthly Income Ceiling (100 percent of SMI)	Maximum Monthly Income for 15 percent above Income Eligibility Threshold
1-2	$8,071	$9,282
3	$9,159	$10,532
4	$10,612	$12,203
5	$12,309	$14,156
6	$14,007	$16,108
7	$14,326	$16,474
8	$14,644	$16,840
9	$14,962	$17,207
10	$15,281	$17,573
11	$15,599	$17,939
12+	$15,917	$18,305

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

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2025-26 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 2025-26 school year. If you are interested in applying, please fill out the pre-registration form associated with your Home School. 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 2025-26

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 8, 2024, Nov 6, 2024, Jan 7, 2025, Feb 7, 2025
Brittan Acres - Oct 10, 2024, Nov 5, 2024, Jan 8, 2025, Feb 11, 2025
Heather - Oct 16, 2024, Nov 12, 2024, Jan 10, 2025, Feb 5, 2025
White Oaks - Oct 18, 2024, Nov 14, 2024, Jan 9, 2025, Feb 6, 2025

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

*Tuition rates subject to change.

EARLY LEARNING PRESCHOOL SITES

Arundel ELC
200 Arundel Road
- Turtles (Room 14) 650-832-4678
- Penguins (Room 15) 650-832-4679
- Orcas (Room 22) 650-832-4646

Brittan Acres ELC
2000 Belle Avenue
- Blue Jays (Room 22) 650-832-4041
- Dragonflies (Room 23) 650-832-4042
- Hummingbirds (Room 24) 650-597-1329
- Ducklings (Room 25) 650-508-7330

Heather ELC
2757 Melendy Drive
- Koalas (Room 22) 650-832-4531
- Owls (Room 23) 650-597-1039
- Hedgehogs (Room 24) 650-654-7646

White Oaks ELC
1901 White Oak Way
- Butterflies (Room D) 650-597-1499
- Honey Bees (Room E) 650-632-8090

FACILITY NUMBERS

Arundel: 414004297

Brittan Acres: 414002899

Heather: 414002661

White Oaks: 414004199