Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)

We welcome children from infancy through preschool (ages 0–6). Our programs are tailored to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, so each child gets age-appropriate care and learning.

Tuition at Meaningful Beginnings ranges from $1,700–$4,000 per month, depending on your child’s age group and schedule (full-time or part-time). Contact us to learn about current openings and tuition options.

We follow California state guidelines: 1 teacher for every 4 infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:12 for preschoolers, ensuring personalized attention and quality care.

Our daily schedule includes play-based learning, circle time, outdoor play, healthy meals, rest periods, and enrichment activities that support early childhood development.

We use a play-based, holistic curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Our approach nurtures creativity, social skills, and early academic readiness while fostering curiosity, independence, and confidence. Children are viewed as capable, active participants in their own learning, and our teachers serve as guides and co-learners. This foundation ensures that our program is developmentally appropriate, child-centered, and aligned with the values recognized by ELFA and other government subsidy programs.

Yes, Meaningful Beginnings is fully licensed by the State of California and carries complete childcare insurance for your peace of mind.

Our teachers are credentialed, background-checked, fingerprinted, and all Leadership Teachers and Administration are CPR-certified. Additionally, we invest in ongoing training to ensure they provide the highest quality of care and education.

We require children and staff to follow California state immunization guidelines to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.

Children with fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or contagious illness must remain home until symptom-free for 24 hours. We follow updated CDC and San Francisco Department of Public Health guidelines for COVID-19 and other contagious illness safety.

Yes, we provide nutritious, balanced meals and snacks each day. To keep all children safe and to avoid any risk of cross-contamination, we aren’t able to prepare specialized meals or accommodate allergies. However, families are always welcome to bring a meal from home, as long as it is nut-free. We’re happy to partner with you to make mealtimes safe, positive, and enjoyable for your child.

Yes! We keep parents connected with daily reports, photos, and milestone updates through our secure parent app, Brightwheel

Our centers open early and close in the evening to support working families. Specific hours vary by location; please check with your center for details.

Tuition is billed monthly and due one month before care. Payments can be made online via credit card, debit card, or ACH. A deposit is required to secure your child’s spot.

Yes, tuition is required to hold your child’s space during vacation. This ensures consistent staffing and availability for your family when you return.

Yes, we offer flexible full-time, part-time, and drop-in childcare options designed to fit the needs of San Francisco families.

We observe major U.S. holidays and select staff development days. A yearly closure calendar is provided to families in advance.

We use positive guidance techniques that encourage cooperation, respect, and problem-solving. Our goal is to support children’s social-emotional growth in a nurturing way.

Our centers have secure entry, emergency drills, and trained staff in CPR and first aid. We Follow all California childcare safety regulations.

Yes, we encourage parents to schedule visits and stay connected with their child’s experience. We maintain an open-door policy while prioritizing safety.
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Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Families can schedule a tour, complete the enrollment packet, and submit a deposit to reserve a spot.

Not all staff are required to be vaccinated.

Not all children are required to be vaccinated.

We follow CDC guidelines for travel and outbreak procedures.

The deposit is not refundable upon request, but when the required 60-day notice is provided, the deposit may be applied toward the final month’s tuition. Any unused portion remaining after the final month’s tuition is applied will be returned to the family.

New Year’s Day

Martin Luther Jr. Day

President’s Day

Lunar New Year

Cesar Chavez Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Summer Break (1st week of August)

Labor Day

Indigenous People’s Day

Parent Teacher Conference

Veteran’s Day

Thanksgiving Day/Friday

Christmas Day

Holiday Break (Last 2 weeks of the year)