Island Summer FAQ
Who is this for? Children between two and a half and five years old, along with a parent or caregiver who stays for the morning. If you are drawn to staying close while your child plays, you are exactly who we built this for.
Does my child come alone? No. This is the part that makes Island Summer what it is. A trusted grownup stays for the whole session. That can be you, or a grandparent, a nanny, or another adult your child knows well.
Do I have to stay the whole time? Yes. The accompanied format is why we can run this program before our preschool license is complete, and it is also how we like to begin with families. Your child gets to explore a new place with their own person right beside them.
When and where is it? Monday through Friday, nine to noon, at Our Island Preschool, 1910 Santa Clara Avenue in Alameda. Free preview mornings are June 29 & 30. Paid sessions begin July 1 and the program runs through July 31.
What does it cost? Twenty dollars per morning. We accept cash, check, or Venmo. The preview mornings in late June are free.
Do I need to come every day? No. Come for the mornings that work for you. Pre-registering for the dates you want holds your spot, since we are limited to fifteen children per morning.
What happens during a morning? Open play with a mud kitchen, sandbox, play yard, art table, creation station, blocks, and a train table, plus a community circle with a song and a story. Children move at their own pace, and you are welcome to play alongside them or sit nearby.
Is Island Summer licensed? No, and it does not need to be. Because your child stays in your care the entire time, the program does not fall under state child care licensing.
What about snacks and allergies? You are welcome to bring a snack for your own child. Depending on the other children in the program, we may ask families to skip nuts or other specific allergens, and we will let you know if so. The attending adult supervises their own child during snack time.
What do I need to do before our first visit? Two things. Fill out the registration form so we can learn a little about your family, and sign the short waiver we send you afterward. That is it.