The ratio can vary based on the age of your child and what assistance the head teacher feels is necessary. In general, the maximum ratio for Toddlers (18 months—2.5 years) is 1:6. However, depending on toileting needs and other factors, it may be as low as 1:3. The Prep program (for children 2—3.5 years old) has a maximum ratio of 1:8, but it can be as low as 1:5—again depending on toileting needs and what the head teacher feels is appropriate. For the Primary children (3—6 years), the maximum ratio is 1:12. It may be as low as 1:8 depending on class needs. Fountainhead provides floater staff members who work in any class that needs additional support on a given day.

The Toddler program's maximum group size is 12. The Prep program's maximum group size is 16. The Primary program's maximum group size is 24. 

Children 2 years and 10 months through 6 years of age all learn in a very specific way. They need concrete, hands-on activities that engage both the body and the mind. This is necessary, as they do not yet think abstractly. Of course, the 3-year-old and the 4- or 5-year-old are not practicing or mastering the same skills. That is why there is such a broad range of activities in the environment. In addition, the younger children learn by seeing what the older children are doing. The older children reinforce their learning by being guides to the younger children.

In addition, this allows for a great deal of beneficial socialization and positive problem solving. A safe, respectful, and well-supervised environment allows children to engage in playing, working, and just getting along with a diversified group of children. Younger children can interact with older children without being overwhelmed. Older children can exercise their nurturing skills with younger children. All of this interaction happens while each child has the opportunity to do the work that best suits his or her need for fun and challenge.

We find that children tend to acclimate to their new school environment if they are there at least three days per week. Children thrive on routine, and more days at school can help foster both their physical, emotional, and academic comfort level.

By keeping your child in the Primary class for a second or third year, you are giving your child several important opportunities: he or she can continue to grow academically while secure in the relationship with a beloved teacher; he or she can build on the knowledge and skills he or she has already developed in a seamless, continuous way; and he or she will have the invaluable chance to be a leader in the classroom, gaining self-confidence and practice by being a model for the younger children. We learn most when we teach others.

We find that much of what is called homework for the prekindergarten child is busy work designed to reassure parents that children are learning. You have chosen a school that provides a broad range of academic, social, emotional, physical, and creative opportunities, and your child works very hard learning and having fun at school. We believe that home and family offer equally important experiences. The more involved your child is in the daily life of your home, balanced with a quality school experience, the more fully developed she will be as a person, and the more ready for lifelong learning. Please refer to our library of articles for more information on this topic.

Community Care Licensing is a division of the California Department of Social Services. They set the regulations and requirements for all licensed childcare providers. Our license assures parents that we comply with all the applicable rules and regulations.

All Montessori schools are privately owned and operated. If you have not observed Fountainhead, please schedule an observation. It is a great opportunity to see the options and expertise Fountainhead brings to you and your child.

For more information on what makes Fountainhead Montessori different from others, click here.

Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. We have an an entire page dedicated to this subject. For more details, click here.

There is a structure to the materials offered and the continuum of these choices. This lets the child and the adult simplify or escalate the subject matter for the child. Each activity is analyzed for clarification of concepts and success. This type of arrangement is freeing and contributes to the tranquility of the room. You can expect to hear a busy hum that is not punctuated by loud voices.

Art and imaginative play are an essential part of Fountainhead’s curriculum at every age level. We have found pretend play helps young children combine spoken language with imagination, to imitate, and to pretend to be someone or something else. It also encourages expressive language and furthers the understanding of symbols. For example, a doll becomes a symbol for a baby, slip of paper may become money, etc. Opportunities to create and use symbols help children to utilize other symbols, like letters and numbers. Pretend play allows children to differentiate between real and pretend. This is readily apparent when observing children using exaggerated voices to signal that they are playing their role.

Yes. Please call the office and ask to be placed in the wait pool. As soon as space becomes available, the office staff will contact you with more information. Please note that parents currently enrolled receive priority status for wait-pool openings.

There is a structure to the materials offered and the continuum of these choices. This lets the child and the adult simplify or escalate the subject matter for the child. Each activity is analyzed for clarification of concepts and success. This type of arrangement is freeing and contributes to the tranquility of the room. You can expect to hear a busy hum that is not punctuated by loud voices.

Art and imaginative play are an essential part of Fountainhead’s curriculum at every age level. We have found pretend play helps young children combine spoken language with imagination, to imitate, and to pretend to be someone or something else. It also encourages expressive language and furthers the understanding of symbols. For example, a doll becomes a symbol for a baby, slip of paper may become money, etc. Opportunities to create and use symbols help children to utilize other symbols, like letters and numbers. Pretend play allows children to differentiate between real and pretend. This is readily apparent when observing children using exaggerated voices to signal that they are playing their role.

No. Before and After Care is an optional program. You may use it on an occasional basis, not at all, or on a regular basis.

If your child is scheduled to be picked up at 12 noon and you are more than 10 minutes late, your child will be clocked into Before and After Care. You will be billed at the end of the month for any Before and After Care you use.

Our campus is open from 7 AM to 6 PM. All children are to be picked up by closing. If you are unable to pick up your child before we close, please call the campus directly to let them know you will be late. You will be billed a late fee of $15 for every 10 minutes. If you pick up your child late three or more times per year, the late fees will double. If you pick up your child after we are closed six or more times per year, the late fees will triple.

We request you send your child with sunscreen already applied. Per Fountainhead’s policy, staff members reapply sunscreen twice a day (after lunch and later in the day, after 3 PM). If your child has a preferred sunscreen, please send it to school with your child. Please note this sunscreen must stay at school and be labeled with your child’s name.

Fountainhead is proud to offer Discovery Camps 4 weeks out of each year. These specialized, age appropriate camps are available for one week at the end of Summer session, Winter Break, Spring Break, and the end of the year before Summer School starts. These camps feature full day and half day options and will include on-site field trips, low teacher/student ratios, and before and after care options from 7 AM - 6:00 PM . Parents love the added structure and enrichment options during these special weeks. Any before and after care used on these days applies to your max or hourly Before and After Care rate depending on how much Before and After Care you use in the month. Please keep in mind that just like Childcare Only Days you must sign up in advance so we can plan for your camper to join us.

Signups for Discovery Camp are via email only. Please keep an eye on your inbox to sign up.

To learn more, visit our Discovery Camps page.

Sample Schedule of Discovery Camp:

• 7:00-9:00 AM: Before and After Care (if applicable)
• 9:00 AM: Campfire Circle
• 9:20-11:45 AM: Camp activities based on daily/weekly themes
• 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Camp wrap up/pick up
• 12:00-1:00 PM: Chowtime/Outside play
• 1:00-2:45 PM: Continuing Camp Activities (nap if applicable)
• 2:45-3:00 PM: Campfire Circle/pick up
• 3:00-6:00 PM: Before and After Care (if applicable)

At Fountainhead we understand that there are situations beyond a parent’s control. However, we require 30 days' written notice for withdrawal. We do this because of the expenses we incur due to our full expectation that your child will continue in the program.

No. Fountainhead does not charge any application, materials, compulsory fund-raising, or registration fees. You only pay for actual class or before and after care time.

Fountainhead is reserving space for your child. We therefore ask that you pay your tuition one month in advance. We bill one month ahead for tuition and one month behind on any before and after care. We do not know how much (if any) before and after care you have used until the end of the month.

Yes, you may pay for your account via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover Card. Please note a 2.6% transaction fee will be applied.

We do not offer makeup days. Once your child is enrolled, we have reserved that place. We have staffed for your child’s attendance and/or turned away other families for that placement, even if your child is not able to attend. We ask that you carefully choose your schedule to maximize your child’s attendance and get the most out of our program.

If you have elected to pay your bill on a monthly basis, you will receive an invoice. Invoices are emailed the first week of each month. Payment is due by the 15th and considered late after the 18th. Late fees of 2 percent will apply if payments are received after the 18th of each month. All on-going payments must be made by ACH or Electronic Payment. This invoice is for your records, and your payment is automatically transacted on the 15th. If the 15th of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, it will be transacted on the following business day.

You may be eligible for tax benefits to help pay for your child's education by reducing the income taxes you pay. Typically, all day care expenses and Summer Camp expenses counts towards this deduction. For specific guidance, please contact a tax professional.

A tax credit is even more valuable to families than a tax deduction. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes owed. Under current federal law, eligible families can claim tax credits up to:

$6,000 from the Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (up to $3,000 for each of your first two children—the exact amount depends on your income and actual childcare expenses); $1,000 per child from the federal Child Tax Credit.

Detailed information on federal tax credits for parents is available from the Internal Revenue Service at 800-TAX-1040.

Yes. We offer hourly before & after care, billed to the minute, both before and after your child’s class time. Before & after care can be used on a regular or occasional basis. Please note, we need 24 hours' notice in order to accommodate your occasional childcare needs. At the end of the month, we calculate the before & after care used by your child and bill you accordingly. The hourly childcare rates can be found on the individual campus pages under the monthly tuition rates for each program.

No. As a nonprofit organization, we are unable to offer scholarships.

No. We do not allow any "makeup days" or refunds for class time missed for any reason. We do this to ensure your child’s placement in class. If you would like, you may withdraw from our program while you are on holiday, and sign up again upon your return. However, we can not guarantee availability.

You can withdraw from our monthly program without penalty by giving 30 days' written notice prior to July 1st of each year. After July 1st, tuition is billed through mid-August when our school year ends. If Fountainhead is unable to accept your child, there is also no withdrawal penalty.

Yes. We are happy to prorate your tuition if you are joining us midyear.

Yes. If you are enrolled at one Fountainhead campus, you are welcome to transfer your enrollment to another Fountainhead Montessori campus.

The first installment is used to reserve your child’s place in the classroom. It also enables us to contract with our teachers for the school year. By prepaying for the first month, you are holding that placement for your child. Your payment will be applied directly to your child's tuition in the Fall.

Fountainhead can work with you regarding your child’s nap needs. We either structure a nap schedule for some days or offer naps to the child as needed. We know that many children have a transition period when they are finished napping and may only need an occasional nap.

We will let your child nap if you desire. The nap times will vary slightly. Naps will be in a separate room with a teacher who will always be attending the children.

Yes. Children each have their own cot for nap times. The cots are cleaned regularly. We do ask that you take home your child’s nap gear on a weekly basis to be washed and returned for the next week.

Yes. Fountainhead provides a morning and afternoon snack to our children. We serve fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, whole grain snacks, and other seasonal foods available to our children. You do not need to provide food and drinks from home, unless your child will be joining us for breakfast or lunch. If your child has any dietary restrictions, let us know immediately. We make a point of sending home any uneaten lunch so you know what your child has consumed.

Fountainhead offers InsectMobile, ZooMobile, and science programs that come to the campus once each year. There is no added cost for these programs. It is yet another way we add value and strengthen our program.

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Fountainhead has many teachers who have been employed here for over 10 years. Other teachers have been with us for over 20 years. We are fortunate to have a tenured staff and low turnover rates.

Head teachers are always Montessori educated. They are ultimately responsible for observations of the children in their class. They develop and maintain the learning environment, which promotes the wonder and joy of learning. The assistant supports the teacher in all areas from observations and supervision to maintenance of the environment. Because Fountainhead offers a Montessori Training Program, many of our assistants are currently enrolled in the classes. They may be currently working on their Montessori internship, student teaching, or have already completed their Montessori training.

Head teachers are always Montessori educated. They are ultimately responsible for observations of the children in their class. They develop and maintain the learning environment, which promotes the wonder and joy of learning. The assistant supports the teacher in all areas from observations and supervision to maintenance of the environment. Because Fountainhead offers a Montessori Training Program, many of our assistants are currently enrolled in the classes. They may be currently working on their Montessori internship, student teaching, or have already completed their Montessori training.

Assistants are trained in many ways. Some are entirely Montessori educated. Others have alternate education. Fountainhead offers staff development workshops for new employees. We also offer an accredited Montessori Training Program Teacher Training. This is an opportunity for assistants to learn about the Montessori philosophy and curriculum. Assistants are also trained by their individual head teachers, their site director, and our staff development director.

Substitute teachers, as well as regular staff members, are selected through an interview process. We actually overstaff, to ensure the appropriate level of care if any teachers are unexpectedly absent. We do this to ensure consistency for your child and to ensure the level of care given by our teachers.

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled times for parents and teachers to meet together in order to discuss the child’s development and progress. These are wonderful, uninterrupted opportunities for parents and teachers to review, discuss, and plan the child's academic needs.

Parent-teacher conference days are held when regular class is not in session. However, childcare is available. Fountainhead offers two parent-teacher conferences during the school year. They are scheduled during winter and summer. Please check the school calendar for the exact dates. There are also two informal conference opportunities to discuss your child's goals during the school year.  These are held in the fall and spring.  This is an important opportunity for parents and teachers. 

California State Licensing requires at least one person on campus have first aid and CPR certification at all times. Fountainhead offers CPR workshops to its entire staff. As a result, most of the staff members are first aid and CPR certified.

Early childhood education units are classes offered at colleges or universities in the area of early childhood education and growth. A minimum of 12 units is required by California State Licensing for any teacher or assistant in the classroom.

Please refer to our required forms and materials section on the Join Us page for more information.

Young children who nap may bring a small cuddly toy for nap time. This toy must fit in their nap gear bag or cubby drawer. We ask that all other toys remain at home. Popular toys can easily be lost or claimed by others. We have many activities on campus, so toys from home are not necessary.

We love celebrating birthdays in the classroom. The children love to share this time with their classmates. You may also attend the celebration. If you would like to take photos, check with your child’s teacher. We ask that you and your child make a healthy birthday snack choice. This means no cakes, cookies, cupcakes, or candy. Some examples of appropriate birthday snack items would be healthy muffins, fruit kabobs, cheese, and bagels with cream cheese. If you’re unsure, please consult your child’s teacher for suggestions. Of special note: NO NUTS. Many children have nut allergies. We will be unable to accept items containing nuts or nut oils. If you are bringing homemade items, please be sure to list all ingredients for the teacher.

Please check with the Before and After Care head teacher or your site director to see if they can accommodate your needs. We ask that you give 24 hours' notice to occasionally add Before and After Care to your child’s schedule

Upon enrollment, we ask for your specific Before and After Care needs. It is important to know how many children will be scheduled for Before and After Care. This ensures proper care for the children. We always want to provide enough staff to meet your Before and After Care needs. Please try to contact the campus 24 hours before you feel you may need Before and After Care. We may be able to accommodate your Before and After Care needs with less notice if space is available. On days when school is not in session, we will have an online reservation form available. Please be sure to reserve space for your child.

Yes. Please feel free to drop by the campus. However, this can be distracting or upsetting, especially to young children. If you need to drop in, we appreciate your efforts to keep your visit brief, and of course let your child go about their day in the classroom.

Fountainhead provides a parent phone and email list. To ensure the privacy of our parents, we do not provide addresses.

We have two regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences a year, and your head teacher is happy to meet with you or chat on the phone anytime outside class hours. Schools where children all do the same thing at the same time can give daily reports. In a Montessori school like Fountainhead, every child is choosing his or her own activities throughout the day with guidance and redirection by the teachers. Teachers observe what each individual is doing and take cumulative notes but are not able to send home daily reports. Another way to learn more about what your child is doing in class is to schedule a class-time visit or meet with your child's teacher outside of class.

The only holiday we celebrate on campus is your child’s birthday. We will observe the many cultures of the world while exploring seasons and other cultures. For example, at Halloween we discuss the bones of the skeleton and how the body works. During the winter months, we will talk about snowflakes, trees, and other symbols children will be seeing throughout the holidays.

Yes. Your child may add any day provided we have availability. Please check with your child’s head teacher in advance. You will be billed for these additional “add days” at the daily rate.

Throughout the year your teacher may ask for help in the classroom. The class may be doing a special project that requires more adult input or supervision. Perhaps the class is learning something that’s of interest to you. Therefore, you can give a short talk or demonstration. We encourage parents to help children learn something about the different cultures that make up our school community. Some teachers like to invite parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and special friends to come and read stories to the children. The teacher provides guidelines on the types of literature we prefer. There may also be opportunities for parents to listen to the children practice their reading. The best way to learn more about these activities is to contact your child’s head teacher.

As mentioned above, sometimes parents—especially those with busy schedules—find they have extra time and would like to drop in and see their child. You are always welcome to visit any time. However, this may create confusion for your child. To your child, when you visit his or her class, it is time for him or her to go home. Most if not all children become upset when you have to leave. Therefore, we do not recommend this. A better choice might be arriving early to pick up your child from school.

No. We feel that toilet training is an individual process for each child. We will encourage using the restroom throughout the day. If your child is still in diapers, we ask that you bring your brand of diapers. Children tend to be more comfortable in their own brand of diapers, as they are very sensitive to the feel and familiarity of these items. Of course we have diapers on hand, if needed. Please do not bring pull-ups, as they inhibit toilet training and cleanliness.

We provide seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, crackers, and of course, water. We do not serve juice. The menu for each day will be posted in your child’s classroom, for a sample please refer to our parent portal.

Being in a class with other children and teachers, rather than parents, presents new challenges for a child. Learning to get along in certain situations is why school is important for young children. To ensure a child’s first school experience is a positive one, discipline is based on respect. To the extent that is developmentally appropriate, children are respected as independent individuals with rights to self-determination and self-direction. Such an attitude leads to a strong sense of self-esteem and dignity.

Respect for the rights of other children and adults as well as the materials in the environment are fundamental rules of conduct at Fountainhead. By defining the limits within which children may act, and by being explicit about the reasons for these limits, a child learns self-discipline and self-control.

Please visit our About Us page for more information.

It is legally required that you sign your child in to school using your full signature. If you do not sign your child in with a complete signature, we will ask you to return to campus or fax in your signature. Teachers will be there to greet you. They will assist you, if necessary, as you say a quick good-bye to your child. Please update us with any information we might need while your child is in our care, such as toilet training, a sleepless night, special snacks, etc.

If you arrive after drop-off time, please come directly to class and sign your child in on the sign-in sheet provided. We ask that if you are late, you enter quietly and say a quick good-bye, as most classes are in circle at this time.

Children, depending on their schedule, may be picked up between 12 noon and 12:15 PM , 3 and 3:15 PM , or 4 and 4:15 PM , outside their classroom door. Please refrain from looking in through the windows, which can be very upsetting to the children, especially during those first days of school. If you are late picking up your child, a teacher will take him or her and clock him or her into childcare. A snack will be offered while he or she waits for your arrival.

Each child has their own property drawer in each classroom. Please check your child's property drawer each day for important communications from the school, activities from the classroom, or any personal property. If your child uses childcare you only need to check their childcare property drawer. Please note we are not responsible for items lost or clothing that is stained or damaged at school. Do not send your child to school with precious or irreplaceable clothing or personal property. For property that does come to school please be sure to label each item.

Some children may cling or cry at drop-off time. This is their way of letting you know that you are most important. It’s also nature's way of hastening bonding between the teacher and child. It is easier for your child to begin the connection with his or her teacher if you say a quick goodbye. Please leave even though your child is crying. This can be difficult, but by leaving you are communicating to your child that you have confidence in him or her and the teacher. A positive attitude on your behalf makes this transition much easier. You are welcome to call after 9:15 AM or 12:15 PM to check on your child's progress.

During the first week of school, you may come to the classroom to show your child his or her classroom and the property drawer designated for his or her use. Then, of course, give a big hug, a kiss, a smile, and say good-bye.

If your child cries for an extended period of time, we will contact you to coordinate a plan to help ease the transition. However, this is very uncommon and most children only have a few minutes, if any, of separation anxiety.

It can be frustrating that your child’s teacher is unable to talk at length with you during drop-off or pickup. The times for drop-off and pickup are especially busy. Teachers are giving their full attention to the children. They are looking out for their safety and welfare. If you need time to talk to your child’s teacher, please contact the teacher by phone before 8:50 AM or after 12:15 PM. You may also make an appointment to meet with the teacher in person. We do offer biannual parent-teacher conferences. These take place in November and May of each year. This is a great time to meet one on one. However, you are welcome to meet with your child’s teacher at any time in the year by calling to set up an appointment.

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled times for parents and teachers to meet together in order to discuss observations of the child’s development and progress. These are wonderful, uninterrupted opportunities for parents and teachers.

Parent-teacher conference days are held when regular class is not in session. However, before and after care is available. Fountainhead offers two parent-teacher conferences during the school year. They are scheduled during Fall and Spring. Please check the school calendar for the exact dates. An online sign-up form will be available for all parents to schedule a time to meet with their child’s teacher. This is an important opportunity for parents and teachers. Please be sure to sign up.

We feel it is appropriate to have field trips come to Fountainhead. Two to three times a year, we have outside vendors such as the Oakland Zoo, the InsectMobile, or others bring their presentations into the classroom. This is a great way for your child to receive all the benefits of such programs while in a safe and secure classroom environment. For more information on our on-site field trips, click here.

Fountainhead offers Back-to-School Nights, various other parent nights, and beginning and end-of-year picnics. These are all great opportunities to meet other families. Also, at the beginning of the year we send out contact lists to all enrolled families. Please check our calendar out for exact dates.

Yes, we will assist your child. As Montessori teachers, we encourage your child and guide him or her in learning the process of toileting. We encourage independence but will help your child every step of the way.

Holidays are included in studies of specific cultures. Throughout Fountainhead we celebrate nature and the universality of the seasons.

• Diarrhea, vomiting
• Fever, particularly if over 101°
• Certain rashes until diagnosed by a physician
• Pink eye
• Cold and coughs, when a child’s energy is low or too sick to participate
• Being too sick to participate

With written permission, a doctor’s note, and the original prescription in the original container, we can dispense medication. Please contact our administrative office for more information.

Fountainhead feels strongly that a healthy classroom goes beyond faculty, classroom equipment and curriculum. We also do not use pesticides, air fresheners, or caustic cleaners that give off fumes or odors. Fountainhead uses Oxivir, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved disinfectant and cleaner, that is so effective and safe it is used in Hospitals and medical centers.

Yes. We wipe down the classrooms and environments on a daily basis. In addition, we have professional cleaning crews each evening who further clean our classrooms. Cleanliness of our environments is a priority at Fountainhead.

Your child will come to school every day in an eco-friendly and sustainable setting. Our furniture has passed the toughest tests for indoor emissions and air quality, Indoor Advantage™ Gold certification. Most classrooms meet the American Lung Association indoor air quality guidelines via extensive carbon filters. Plus our headquarters, Dublin, and Elementary campus are powered by over 900 solar panels–the largest privately held solar array in the Tri-Valley.

Your child will learn and play in a safe setting. Our facilities are secured by Digital Signal Processing (DSP) readers that offer high facility security and detailed information on who is accessing our buildings. Upon enrollment you will receive a FOB to access the building(s). Additionally, all visitors must check in with the Site Director or Main Office.

Yes. We have a formal earthquake and disaster plan for each location. We also have emergency supplies for all children on campus. These supplies would only be used in case of a large-scale emergency or earthquake.

Fountainhead provides three days' worth of food and boxed water. In addition, we provide blankets, shelter, light sticks, whistles, dust masks, space blankets, wind-up radio, flashlights, body warmers, water purification tablets, and hygiene supplies.

Providing these supplies is yet another step we have taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the children. In addition to these supplies, Fountainhead teachers have current CPR and first aid certifications. Each classroom is equipped with an emergency first-aid backpack.

Emergency and disaster plan by campus:

• Danville
• Livermore
• Pleasant Hill

If you elect to have your child join an enrichment program, your child can stay in Before and After Care (standard Before and After Care fees apply) until the class starts. He or she will then be taken from Before and After Care by the third-party teacher and brought to that campus classroom. While in the after-school class you will not be billed Before and After Care fees. After the class is finished, you may pick up your child or he or she will be brought back to Before and After Care where you can pick him or her up at your convenience.

No, our after school enrichment offerings are only available to currently enrolled Fountainhead students. We have done this to help guarantee placement for currently enrolled students.