Frequently Asked Questions
Learning LinksLearning Links Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a calendar available?
What hours are you open?
Center Hours
Learning Links Palo Alto 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Learning Links Burlingame 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Learning Links Mountain View 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
How many children are in each classroom?
What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition costs at Learning Links vary by location and program. Here’s a quick overview of the monthly tuition rates for the main locations:
Burlingame:
- Jr. Preschool (Full Time): $2,800/month
- Preschool/TK (Full Time): $2,540/month
- Toddler (Full Time): $3,595/month
Mountain View:
- Infant (Full Time): $3,315/month
- Toddler (Full Time): $3,095/month
- Jr. Preschool (Full Time): $2,430/month
- Preschool/TK (Full Time): $2,125/month
Palo Alto:
- Toddler (Full Time): $3,495/month
- Jr. Preschool (Full Time): $2,635/month
- Preschool/TK (Full Time): $2,505/month
Redwood City (Elco Yards):
- Infant (Full Time): $3,595/month
- Toddler (Full Time): $3,595/month
- Jr. Preschool (Full Time): $2,800/month
- Preschool/TK (Full Time): $2,540/month
There are also part-time and flexible schedule options, as well as additional fees (registration, equipment, etc.) and tuition subsidies available for eligible families at Learning Links Mountain View. If you let me know which location and program you’re interested in, I can provide the exact tuition details!
Do you offer tuition subsidies?
When is school closed?
We are a year around program; however, we are closed holidays and a few professional teacher development days.
Here are the main dates when school will be closed for the upcoming year:
- August 7 & 8, 2025: Closed for Staff Development Days
- September 1, 2025: Closed for Labor Day
- November 7, 2025: Closed for Staff Development Day
- November 27 & 28, 2025: Closed for Thanksgiving
- December 24, 2025 (after 1pm) & December 25-31, 2025: Closed for Winter Break
- January 1-2, 2026: Closed for New Year’s Day
- January 19, 2026: Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- February 13, 2026 (after 1pm): Closed for Staff Development
- February 16, 2026: Closed for President’s Day
- March 6, 2026: Closed for Staff Development Day
- April 10, 2026 (after 1pm): Closed for Staff Development
- May 22, 2026 (after 1pm): Closed for Staff Development
- May 25, 2026: Closed for Memorial Day
- June 12, 2026 (after 1pm): Closed for Staff Development
- June 19, 2026: Closed for Juneteenth
- July 3, 2026: Closed for Independence Day
What is your educational philosophy?
Does my child need to be potty learned?
What does a typical day look like?
Here is a sample schedule:
|
9:00 – 9:30 am |
Outdoor Play |
|
9:30 – 10:00 am |
Circle Time |
|
10:00 – 10:30 am |
Morning Snack |
|
10:30 – 11:00 am |
Outdoor Time |
|
11:00 – 11:20 am |
Art / Free Play |
|
11:20 – 11:45 am |
Small Group Activities |
|
11:45 – 12:30 pm |
Lunch |
|
12:30 – 12:45 pm |
Clean-up / Story Time |
|
12:45 – 3:00 pm |
Nap |
|
3:00 – 3:30 pm |
Afternoon Snack |
|
3:30 – 4:00 pm |
Art / Facilitated Play |
|
4:00 – 4:30 pm |
Music and Movement |
|
4:30 – 5:30 pm |
Outdoor Play |
Is there a nap time?
Yes, Learning Links provide a designated rest or nap time each day, especially for younger children who benefit from a midday break. We create a calm and comfortable environment with mats, soft music, and dim lighting to help children relax. While napping is encouraged, children who do not sleep are offered quiet activities so they can rest peacefully without disruption.
Are you a nut-free school?
Yes, Learning Links are nut-free environments. We prioritize the health and safety of all children, especially those with food allergies. Families are asked to avoid sending any nut-containing products, and our staff carefully monitors snacks and meals to ensure compliance with this policy.
Do you provide snacks and lunch?
All Learning Links provide nutritious morning and afternoon snacks each day. While families currently provide their child’s lunch, we are exploring the option of offering an optional hot meal plan in the future. We also follow all food safety guidelines and ask families to inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions so we can ensure a safe and inclusive environment for every child.
Can I visit during the day?
Yes, parents are welcome to visit during the day! Learning Links has an open-door policy that allows families to visit throughout the day. Parent participation and communication with teachers are encouraged, so you can check in with your child’s teacher or schedule time to discuss your child’s progress if you’d like.
How old does my child need to be to attend Learning Links?
Learning Links Burlingame – 2 years old
Learning Links Palo Alto – 2 years old
Learning Links Mountain View – 6 weeks old
Is Learning Links open all year?
Yes! Learning Links offers year-round enrollment with flexible scheduling options to support busy families. Whether you need full-time, part-time, half-day, or drop-in care, our programs are designed to provide continuous learning and care throughout the year, including summer months.
Are immunizations required for enrollment?
How do you handle challenging behaviors?
At Learning Links, we approach challenging behaviors with empathy, consistency, and a focus on positive guidance. Our educators work to understand the underlying causes of behavior and use developmentally appropriate strategies to help children learn self-regulation, problem-solving, and communication skills. We model respectful interactions, set clear expectations, and provide a supportive environment where children feel safe and understood. When needed, we partner with families to create individualized approaches that support each child’s growth and well-being.
Does Learning Links offer a summer program?
Yes! While Learning Links is a year-round program, we do offer a vibrant Summer Adventures program from June through August, filled with themed curriculum activities designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and joy. Each week features engaging experiences like water play, science experiments, fitness games, art projects, and visits from community helpers. It’s a fun and enriching way for children to continue learning and socializing during the summer months in a playful, supportive environment.
How do you handle discipline?
At Learning Links, discipline is approached through positive guidance and respectful teaching. Our educators focus on helping children understand their feelings, make thoughtful choices, and learn appropriate ways to express themselves. We use strategies like redirection, modeling, and setting clear, consistent expectations to promote self-regulation and problem-solving. Challenging behaviors are seen as learning opportunities, and we work closely with families to support each child’s emotional and social development in a nurturing environment.
Does your program offer Special Education Services?
Yes, our program offers Special Education Services. We embrace early childhood inclusion, ensuring that all children—regardless of individual needs or developmental milestones—can participate fully in our curriculum. Our dedicated staff collaborates closely with families and outside specialists to provide the support each child needs. Developmental Specialists work with families to set goals and adapt our Creative Curriculum, and children can receive specialized instruction and therapeutic services tailored to their needs. If you’d like more details, you can visit our Special Education page or contact us at enroll@learninglinks.org.
What if my child cannot speak English?
Language development is a natural part of our play-based curriculum, and children are encouraged to express themselves in the ways that feel most natural to them. Over time, they begin to pick up English through daily interactions, songs, stories, and social play with peers.
We also value and celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity of our families. If your child speaks another language at home, we see that as a strength and encourage you to continue using your home language—it supports their overall development and identity. And we ask that you share specific words with our teaching team to help bridge communication and support bonding between the teachers and your child.
What does Inclusion look like at Learning Links?
Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do at Learning Links. We believe that every child—regardless of ability, background, or learning style—deserves to feel valued, supported, and empowered. Our classrooms are designed to be welcoming and accessible, with individual support and developmentally appropriate practices that meet each child’s unique needs. Educators foster a sense of belonging through collaborative play, diverse materials, and a curriculum that celebrates differences and promotes empathy, kindness, and respect.
How will you prepare my child for kindergarten?
At Learning Links, we prepare children for kindergarten by nurturing their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. We use Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum in all classrooms; Teaching Strategies’ Creative Curriculum is a research-based, evidence-proven framework designed to foster comprehensive learning and development in early childhood. Our educators focus on building foundational skills such as early literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, and self-regulation, while also encouraging curiosity, independence, and a love of learning. Children gain confidence through structured routines, group activities, and hands-on experiences that mirror the expectations of a kindergarten classroom—ensuring a smooth and successful transition.
How will you prepare my child for TK?
At Learning Links, we support a smooth and confident transition into Transitional Kindergarten (TK) by focusing on the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically. Whether you enroll in TK right here at Learning Links or at your local public school, our play-based curriculum builds early literacy, math, and problem-solving skills while also helping children develop independence, self-regulation, and confidence in group settings. We introduce routines and activities that mirror the TK classroom experience, so children feel ready and excited for the next step in their learning journey.
What milestones do you track for TK readiness?
To support a smooth transition into Transitional Kindergarten (TK), we observe and document key developmental milestones across several areas. These include early literacy skills (like recognizing letters and writing their name), basic math concepts (such as counting and sorting), social-emotional growth (like following directions, sharing, and expressing emotions appropriately), and self-help skills (such as managing personal belongings and using the restroom independently). We also look at attention span, fine motor development, and the ability to participate in group activities. These milestones help us tailor learning experiences and ensure each child is ready to thrive in TK.
How is my child’s learning shared with me?
At Learning Links, we believe in strong partnerships with families. Your child’s learning is shared through regular updates via the Teaching Strategies app, including digital portfolios, photos, and teacher observations that highlight developmental progress and daily experiences. We also offer parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, and informal check-ins to keep you informed and involved. This open communication helps us work together to support your child’s growth and celebrate their achievements.
How do you ensure quality in substitute teachers?
At Learning Links, we maintain high standards for all educators, including substitute or on-call teachers. Our on-call teachers are carefully selected, background-checked, and trained in our curriculum, classroom routines, and child development practices. Many are part of our regular staff or trusted network, so they’re familiar with our learning environment and expectations. We also provide detailed lesson plans and support from site leadership to ensure consistency and quality in every classroom, even when a regular teacher is absent.
How do I schedule a tour?
To schedule a tour at Learning Links, simply fill out the short tour form here. After you submit the form, the team will follow up with a link to pick a time that works best for you and to answer a few more questions so your tour can be tailored to your needs. This tour is a great way to explore the center, visit a classroom, and meet our dedicated teachers. If you have questions, you can also email enroll@learninglinks.org.
How do I reschedule my tour?
If you have to cancel your tour and need to reschedule, please reply to your tour confirmation email and let us know. We will send you a new calendar link to reschedule your tour at your convenience.
What is the enrollment process?
The enrollment process at Learning Links begins with scheduling a tour for you and your child. This is a great opportunity to visit the center, see a classroom, and meet our teachers. After your tour, you’ll receive more information about the next steps. These typically include submitting a completed physician’s report with immunization information before enrollment is finalized. Learning Links welcomes all families and individualizes services to meet each child’s needs, including those with disabilities or unique learning differences. For more details or specific questions, please email us at enroll@learninglinks.org.
Contact Us
Call or text us at 650-509-2695.
