Days can be calm, energetic, or a little chaotic—typical of toddler groups. Parents and children experience a warm, playful, and stimulating environment, where flexibility and cooperation help everyone thrive.

Children naturally adapt to the group schedule for meals, snacks, naps, and potty/diapering. Toilet training is not required—peer support and parent guidance often help children learn quickly.

Adjustment varies by child. We recommend spending time preparing your child for this transition, keeping drop-offs consistent, and communicating with working parents. The teacher is also very experienced at making the transition smooth and supportive.

The school is closed for the following Holidays:

• Martin Luther King Jr Day

• Memorial Day

• Summer Break

  • 2 weeks (10 week days) inclusive of Independence Day *

• Labor Day

• Thanksgiving week inclusive of Thanksgiving Thursday & Friday *

• Winter Break

  • 2 weeks (10 week days) inclusive of Christmas Day and New Year's Day *

* these dates can be considered soft closures and parents are entitled to organize daycare, in a limited way, between themselves with use of the facilities

As outlined in Senate Bill 277 as of January 2016, all California school children are required to provide proof of the following vaccines:

• diphtheria

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (bacterial meningitis)

• measles

• mumps

• pertussis (whooping cough)

• polio

• rubella

• tetanus

• hepatitis B

• chicken pox

All parents and guardians providing care are required to provide proof of the following:

• Current flu shot

• COVID-19

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Children nap together on mats with their bedding and comfort items. Some may need extra guidance at first, which working parents handle individually.

Puddle Jumpers serves children 18 months to 3 years, with activities designed for this age range. Occasionally, early admission may be considered.

Parents generally work on the days their child attends. Shifts without your child may occasionally be arranged. Half-day attendance is not offered, but early pickups can be arranged as necessary.

Conflicts offer learning opportunities for children and parents alike and are a part of their social development. We redirect children from conflicts and offer calm spaces when needed. Brief time-outs may be used for older toddlers to help them regulate safely.

Working parents may not bring other children to shifts, but siblings are welcome at drop-off/pick-up times. The community supports families during newborn periods.

We accommodate allergies and special diets whenever possible. Please discuss your child’s needs during admissions. Full allergen-free guarantees cannot be provided due to shared space.

• Apply 12–16 months (up to 23 months). Two visits are required—one trial visitwith your child, and one training shift for working parents.

• Visits are evaluated by staff and members based on engagement, cooperative spirit, and skills/interests you bring to the co-op.

We try to accommodate preferred start dates and days, but flexibility improves your chances. Average wait time is ~2 months, with openings throughout the year, often in late summer and early fall.

Children leave Puddle Jumpers at three due to developmental readiness for preschool and more age-appropriate environments. Most children are ready between 30–33 months.