# About 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. Source: https://wonderyears.school/about-us ## Our philosophy 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. ## 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## Frequently asked questions ### What ages do you accept at Wonder Years Preschool? We accept children from 3 months to 5 years old in our infant, toddler, and preschool programs in San Francisco. ### What are your preschool hours? Wonder Years School is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, year-round. We offer full-time and part-time options for working families in San Francisco. ### What is your teacher-to-child ratio? Our ratios are: Infant Program 1:3, Toddler Program 1:4, and Preschool Program 1:6, ensuring personalized attention for each child. ### What curriculum do you follow? We use a play-based, emergent curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, focusing on hands-on learning, STEAM activities, and social-emotional development. ### Is Wonder Years School licensed? Yes, we are fully licensed by the State of California. Our license numbers are: Infant License #384004810, and Preschool License #384004811. ### Does Wonder Years School accept ELS vouchers? No, we do not accept ELS vouchers. ### How much is tuition? Monthly tuition for the Infant and Toddler programs is $3,400 full time (8:30 AM – 3:00 PM) or $3,600 extended (8:00 AM – 5:30 PM). The Preschool program is $2,750 full time or $2,950 extended. Part-time and half-time options are available — contact us for details. ### Are meals included? Yes, for toddlers and preschoolers: an AM snack, a freshly made hot lunch and a PM snack are included in tuition every day. For infants, parents provide food and bottles from home. ### Do you help with toilet training? Yes. Depending on your child's and your family's readiness, we fully support toilet training at school by creating and following a toileting plan together with parents. ### How do I schedule a tour? You can pick a time online at wonderyears.school/book-tour, call us at 415-209-5488, or email info@wonderyears.school. We are at 380 21st Ave in the Richmond District of San Francisco.