FAQs

Where is the school located and what is the age group?
In the Outer Sunset district, this facility is located at 1984 Great Highway in San Francisco (94116), facing the ocean, and is situated between Ortega and Pacheco Streets. The front entrance is on Great Highway and the back entrance is on 48th Avenue. This location accommodates ages six weeks through 5 years.

In the Inner Richmond district, our other facility is located at 1028 Balboa Street in San Francisco (94118) and is situated between the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park between 11th and 12th Avenues. This location accommodates ages six weeks through 3 years.

How long has the preschool been in business?
Growing Tree Childcare and Preschool was established in the Inner Richmond district in 2000.
Our second facility will be having its Grand Opening in the Outer Sunset district in Fall 2014.

What is the school's education philosophy?
The objectives of our program are:
Building up strong confidence
Developing social skills
Enhancing esteem through self-accomplishment
Encouraging cognitive development appropriate for each child's learning style
Developing an appropriate pattern of dependence and independence
Fostering a sense of continuity between school and the outside world

What type of curriculum do you follow?
Growing Tree Childcare and Preschool combines child development, bilingual language, academics, and play. Therefore, our curriculum focuses on promoting learning and development in social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language; on reflecting what is developmentally appropriate for children of all ages; on incorporating time and materials for play, self-initiating learning, and creative expression; and on implementing in a manner that reflects responsiveness to family home values, beliefs, experiences, and language

Is my child required to know the Chinese language?
No prior Chinese language is required of either the child or the family. Our program offers children the opportunity to learn Mandarin in an activity based environment with our experienced bilingual teaching staff in a very large setting.

What is the indoor play zone?
Our 1300 square foot creative indoor discovery play zone will provide children with a fun experience and adventure of imaginary play, which supports our curriculum. Since play is interesting and important to children, they are eager to learn new vocabulary, new physical skills, and new social behavior that will allow them to stay engaged in play.

Is there an outdoor play area?
Yes, there is approximately 5000 square feet of outdoor play area at our 1984 Great Highway facility and there is approximately 1500 square feet of outdoor play at our 1028 Balboa Street location. Outdoor play offers play structures, water and sand box, swings, seesaw, and bikes. Children will also experience outdoor planting and explore natural living things in their science learning program

Does my child have to be potty trained to attend?
Children are not required to be potty trained in our program. Children will begin potty training when they are ready. Our trained staff will provide the best support by teaching and assisting.

Do you provide meals? If so, what type of food do you offer?
We serve nutritious homemade meals and provide snacks in accordance with food requirements by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. While ensuring the healthy development of the children in our care, we introduce children to family style food consisting of meat and vegetables, milk, fresh fruits, and we are a nut free zone.

How often does staff leave the school each year? What is the turnover rate of the teacher?
We are very selective in our teaching staff. The individuals we hire require patience; creativity; an ability to nurture, motivate, teach, and influence children; and leadership, organizational, and administrative skills. In addition, we provide assistance with their training and other qualifications. Therefore, the turnover rate is very low with our teaching staff.

Is there a Director on site each day?
An onsite Administrative Director will be present each day primarily answering phones and interviewing prospective families.

How does the school/staff communicate with parents and how do you handle conflicts?
We communicate regularly with parents to keep them updated with their child's progress and development. Staff will engage briefly with parents daily to communicate about their child's day at pick up time. If additional time is required, parents may set up an appointment for a teacher-parent's meeting.

Does the staff welcome parents as visitors and volunteers?
Absolutely! Parents are welcome to visit and observe classroom activities at any time. Parents are encouraged to participate and volunteer in outside and classroom activities including holiday parties, field trips, arts & crafts, and performing arts. We work together with parents and listen to and respect their cultural values, preferences, and ideas.

Do you participate on field trips?
Yes, children will attend field trips. We will take children to the nearest local library to check out books, to a local supermarket for Halloween pumpkins, to a nearby park for an Easter egg hunt, and to the Zoo to see farm animals. Permission slips will be sent home with parents if you wish to have your child participate. This is a great opportunity for parents to volunteer and partake in their child's special outdoor activity.

What will my child be doing on any given day?
You may view the Daily Schedule link on our homepage. The schedules are broken down into infants, young toddlers, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Do you offer extracurricular activities?
Definitely! Among the extracurricular activities to be offered include ballet, dancing, basketball, piano, and guitar. Please ask teacher or director for application form(s) and additional information.

Are your toys and activities age-appropriate?
All toys are age appropriate, challenging, multi-usage and safe. Our indoor discovery play zone develops social skills and interaction, problem solving, increased concentration, coordination, and creativity

How do you handle a child with a temper tantrum?
A temper tantrum is generally caused by child's inability to express their true feelings. We must attempt to figure out the type of tantrum the child is experiencing and why the child is acting in a challenging behavior first. Possible handling includes helping child learn to deal with anger or frustration.

How do you handle disruptive children?
First, we must understand why the child behavior is inappropriate because that may be their way of telling adults what they need. Then, we could help children learn to control themselves and at the same time, develop a healthy conscience. If it becomes necessary, teacher-parent communication and/or conference may be requested.

Is there a waiting list and how do I get on it?
There is a waiting list and there is no cost for waiting list placement. Parents are notified immediately once a space becomes available. Then, if parents accept the space available, a processing fee is required to finalize the enrollment into the program. For comprehensive information on the enrollment process, you may view the Admission link on our homepage.