Starlite Child Development Center

Programs

One School. Familiar Faces. Years of Growing Together.

Children can grow with us from preschool through kindergarten and into school-age care. With familiar teachers and a consistent environment, we get to know each child as an individual—so we can support their growth every step of the way and help them feel ready for what comes next.

Program Ages Schedule What it is
Preschool Ages 2 to 5 Full day, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The first school experience, built around play, language, and getting along with other children.
Pre-K The year before kindergarten Full day, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Preparation for kindergarten and for the school system after it, with more focus on early literacy and numbers.
Kindergarten Age 5 by 1 December Twelve months A small kindergarten whose whole purpose is getting a child ready for first grade the following year.
School-age care Older children Until 6:00 p.m. Care for school-age children who need somewhere safe and familiar until a parent finishes work.
Summer program Preschool through school age Summer session A summer session that keeps the same building, staff, and rhythm through the summer holidays.

Ages and schedules are a guide. Every child is different — call (510) 238-8809 and we will tell you which room fits your child today.

What each program is like

Preschool

Ages 2 to 5 Full day, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The first school experience, built around play, language, and getting along with other children.

  • A nurturing environment, with a curriculum that is developmentally age appropriate
  • Dramatic play, art and craft, science, music, stories, and block building
  • Plenty of small and large motor activity, indoors and out
  • The basics — reading, writing, and arithmetic — introduced gently
  • Both languages used through the day, in songs, stories, and conversation

Pre-K

The year before kindergarten Full day, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Preparation for kindergarten and for the school system after it, with more focus on early literacy and numbers.

  • Letters, sounds, and early writing
  • Counting, sorting, patterns, and shapes
  • Group projects and following multi-step directions
  • Practice with the routines a kindergarten classroom will expect

Kindergarten

Age 5 by 1 December Twelve months

A small kindergarten whose whole purpose is getting a child ready for first grade the following year.

  • Twelve months long, not a school-year-only program
  • English and language arts, and mathematics
  • Chinese
  • Social studies, science, and computer studies
  • Physical education, arts and crafts, music, performing arts, and drama
  • Breakfast, lunch, and snack included in tuition

School-age care

Older children Until 6:00 p.m.

Care for school-age children who need somewhere safe and familiar until a parent finishes work.

  • Open until 6:00 p.m.
  • Homework help
  • Snack, rest, and free play

Summer program

Preschool through school age Summer session

A summer session that keeps the same building, staff, and rhythm through the summer holidays.

  • Same hours as the school year — 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Projects, cooking, the garden, and outdoor time every day
  • Visitors from the neighborhood, including the fire crew

How learning grows from age two to kindergarten

Children develop at different rates. These are classroom goals, not pass-or-fail requirements. Teachers meet each child where they are and help them build the skills for their next step.

Age two

  • Feel safe and comfortable in the classroom
  • Communicate basic needs with words and gestures
  • Follow simple routines and directions
  • Begin taking turns and sharing classroom materials
  • Build vocabulary through songs, stories, and conversation
  • Explore colors, shapes, counting, art, and movement

Age three

  • Participate more independently in classroom routines
  • Listen and contribute during short group activities
  • Practice cooperative play, sharing, and taking turns
  • Recognize their name and begin identifying letters
  • Count objects and explore sorting and patterns
  • Strengthen drawing, pencil, and scissor skills

Age four and pre-K

  • Recognize letters and begin connecting them with sounds
  • Practice writing their name
  • Count and compare groups of objects
  • Recognize shapes, patterns, and basic number concepts
  • Follow multi-step directions and complete short activities
  • Manage transitions and participate confidently in a group

Preparing for kindergarten

  • Build confidence and independence
  • Communicate needs and ask for help
  • Practice listening and following classroom routines
  • Develop early reading, writing, and mathematics skills
  • Strengthen curiosity, problem-solving, and persistence
  • Learn to work and play respectfully with others

A day at Starlite

Predictable days are what make a small child feel safe.

The day has the same shape every time, so children always know what comes next — and so do you, when you are planning your own day around drop-off and pick-up.

  1. 7:30 a.m. Doors open Children arrive and settle into free play in small groups as the room fills up.
  2. 8:30 a.m. Morning meeting Everyone together: the day, the weather, a song, and a story.
  3. 9:00 a.m. Learning centers Dramatic play, art and craft, blocks, books, and science, with teachers working with small groups.
  4. 10:30 a.m. Outside Play yard every day — running, climbing, sand, water, and the garden.
  5. 11:45 a.m. Lunch and rest Lunch, teeth, books, and a quiet rest period for the children who still nap.
  6. 2:30 p.m. Afternoon Project work, cooking, music, and a snack as children wake up.
  7. 4:00 p.m. Extended care Quieter play and homework help until families arrive.
  8. 6:00 p.m. Closed The building closes at 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Schedule a Tour

We enroll year-round, so there is no deadline to miss. Call the office or send us an email and we will tell you what is available for your child's age right now.

[email protected] Call (510) 238-8809