About Play Pals Toddler Program
Play Pals was started in February 2020 to bring social groups to families of young children who were lacking peer interaction during the COVID pandemic. We are excited to develop these play groups into a preschool program that supports play, learning, curiosity and friendships!
Frequently Asked Questions
Reggio-inspired education views children as competent, capable learners who direct their own learning through exploration and play. At Play Pals, teachers meet children where they are, and follow each child's natural curiosity. This approach is especially effective for children with diverse learning styles and developmental needs.
Play Pals is the only preschool in San Leandro with onsite speech therapy and ABA services. The inclusive model means children with and without developmental delays learn together, supported by teachers trained in diverse learning needs and a high adult-to-child ratio for personalized attention.
No. Play Pals does not require children to be potty trained. Students use the bathroom during all classroom transitions throughout the day. This consistent schedule helps children develop independence in toileting routines and ensures ample opportunities to practice and acquire self-care skills.
Parents receive daily updates via the Brightwheel app, including photos, videos, activities, and developmental progress. This keeps families connected to their child's day and informed about their growth – especially helpful for tracking therapy progress.
Play Pals started in February 2020 to bring social groups to families of young children who lacked peer interaction during the COVID pandemic. It has since developed into a full preschool program that supports play, learning, curiosity, and friendships in an inclusive setting.
Enrollment at Play Pals starts with a tour. After the tour, families attend two social play dates so children can experience the classroom. If we find your child to be a good fit for the program, parents submit a completed enrollment packet with registration fee, materials fee, and a deposit equal to one month's tuition for their chosen schedule.
Children bring their own lunch, a reusable water bottle and a blanket for naptime. Play Pals also asks families to provide a pair of slip-on indoor shoes with hard soles, which stay in the child's cubby. Play Pals provides everything else: wipes, morning and afternoon snacks, and a nap mat.
Yes. Play Pals maintains a nut-free environment. The morning and afternoon snacks provided by Play Pals are nut-free and include items from two different food groups. Families are asked to pack nut-free lunches as well.
