Why Wonder Years School

We believe "Play" is the foundation for all learning. Through play, we inculcate in children a lifelong love of learning laying the foundation for academic excellence in the years to come.

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We believe in providing an environment where the health and well being of all children is protected and nurtured, where they build a sense of belonging, a sense of community and confidence to imagine, investigate, experiment and problem solve. Our teachers create a play based curriculum using an emergent approach keeping the child’s interest at the core and providing experiences which cultivates the joy of learning.

Relationships are at the heart of our pedagogy. We believe teacher- child relationships play a vital role in the learning and development of children in our care. Therefore, we build strong positive relationships with children and their families. Children will learn and develop holistically when they feel safe and have a trusting, secure and responsive relationship with the teacher and their peers.

We believe each child is competent and unique with an innate quality to learn and discover. Children have different ways of learning and understanding new information. Therefore, we provide a play based curriculum with plenty of opportunities for the child to choose from and teachers actively responding to each child’s aspirations, strengths, interests and abilities in order to meet the needs of all children.

Meet the team behind Wonder Years School

Parneet Sandhu - School Director

Parneet Sandhu

School Director

Parneet studied and worked as an early childhood educator in New Zealand which is considered a world leader in early childhood education with a curriculum regarded as an empowering framework for early learning. Due to her commitment, dedication and passion for early childhood education along with her compassionate and thoughtful nature, Parneet had a highly successful career as an educator and administrator at a Head Start program for young children here in San Francisco. Parneet, mom of two brings her profound knowledge and experience to provide a high quality education and care everyday in the classrooms.

Katelynn Ruprecht - Toddler Teacher

Katelynn Ruprecht

Toddler Teacher

Meet Katelynn, our dedicated passionate Toddler Teacher! Katelynn began her journey in 2015, tutoring children with learning disabilities and volunteering with those on the autism spectrum. After relocating to San Francisco in 2021, she gained experience working in preschools across the bay and spent a semester teaching middle schoolers. Through these experiences, Katelynn discovered her true passion lies within an Early Childhood setting. An advocate for play-based learning and sensory experiences, Katelynn engages toddlers in enriching activities that encourage creativity and exploration. Currently pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Education, she finds joy in incorporating STEM activities into the classroom, observing the raw scientific curiosity of young children. Beyond the classroom, Katelynn has a love for trying new things, from art projects and poetry to exploring the sites of the Bay. You can always find her with a good book, though she may never finish it. Her approach to teaching is guided by empathy and a want to foster nurturing relationships with both her students and their families. Her love for teaching shines through in every interaction, making her an invaluable member of our team.

Stephany Rivas - Preschool Teacher

Stephany Rivas

Preschool Teacher

Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Stephany has always had a passion for working with children. She studied Early Childhood Education and began her teaching journey in Santa Monica, CA. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience working with children of various age groups, ranging from infants to middle schoolers, developing a deep understanding of their unique needs and developmental stages. A fluent Spanish speaker, Stephany incorporates the language into her teaching, fostering cultural appreciation and enriching her students’ experiences. She is passionate about nurturing children’s individuality, encouraging autonomy, and teaching the values of kindness, friendship, and cultural exploration through art and music. Outside the classroom, Stephany enjoys spending time with her pets—a dog, two cats, and two guinea pigs—along with baking, dancing, exploring new cuisines, and relaxing at the beach.

More staff bios coming soon!

Our core values

Well being

The well-being of children is the cornerstone of growth and development. It's more than just safety and comfort; it's about nurturing a holistic environment where children feel valued, confident, and inspired. We are committed to creating a space where children are not only safe and comfortable but also joyful and engaged. Our approach ensures that every child feels good about themselves, fostering a readiness to explore, learn, and develop. By prioritizing well-being, we provide a stable and nurturing environment that empowers children to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

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Relationships

We provide an environment where respectful relationships, encouragement, warmth and acceptance are the norm. Through consistent, attentive, and responsive interactions, teachers become attuned to each child's unique needs, interests, and abilities. This personalized approach not only enhances the learning experience but also cultivates social skills, self-esteem, and resilience.It's through these meaningful connections that we empower children to become curious learners, compassionate friends, and confident individuals, ready to embrace the world around them.

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Joy of learning

We recognize children as competent learners and we celebrate the inherent capabilities of every child as they journey towards holistic development. To nurture this innate passion for knowledge, we have meticulously crafted an environment that is abundant with open ended materials, offers ample time and space for exploration, and is guided by dedicated educators who are committed to empowering our young minds.

Within these walls, we don't just educate; we inspire. Here, we hold in high regard each child's ideas, from inception to execution. We encourage their creativity, innovations, imaginative endeavors, applaud their courage in taking risks, facing challenges and place immense value on their ability to plan and make choices. By fostering such an atmosphere of respect and appreciation, we sow the seeds of an enduring passion for learning that will accompany them throughout their lives.

About Wonder Years School

Discover, Learn and Grow