Our Island FAQ

Enrollment & Tuition

What ages do you serve?
We serve children from 2.5 years old through their entry into first grade.

How many children are in the program?
We're licensed for 15 children. We built Our Island small on purpose. Small means every child gets seen.

Tell us more about tuition and schedule.

Daily Schedule & Curriculum

What is your teaching philosophy?
At Our Island Preschool, children learn through play and connection. 

Child-directed play is fun, intrinsically motivated, and learning is happening all the time. When children interact with their environment through hands-on experiences, they start to make sense of the world around them. This powerful form of learning leads to increased self awareness, deeper learning, and confidence.

What is your teacher-to-child ratio?
We have a ratio of 1 teacher to every 7.5 children. In addition, we cap our enrollment at 15 so that the program, space, and our attention on the children is manageable.

Do children bring their own snacks?
Yes. Families bring healthy nut free snacks for their own child.

Are there other requirements?

Because we are a community focused school, we do require that each family attend 2 events and 2 parent education meetings each school year.

Our Staff

Who oversees the program? Are they experienced?
I’m Maria Chew. I started my career as an elementary school teacher, with a focus on early literacy. Everything changed when my son entered a play-based preschool. I watched him learn through self-directed play. Seeing the power of self directed play changed the direction of my career.

I went on to teach at a large co-op preschool. I became director and led the school for over two decades. I wanted to work closer to home, so I explored teaching TK. But I couldn't shake the pull of play-based learning.

Then I found this site, close to home. It was the final piece. I opened my dream school, a small school where every child is welcome, and invited to play.

Are your teachers licensed and background-checked?
Yes. All staff meet Title 22 requirements and complete required background clearances before working with children.

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