Safari Kid Downtown Hayward

510-241-3756

1253 A Street Hayward, CA 94541

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Toddler School in Hayward

Safari Cub Toddler Care: Play-Based Learning That Grows With Your Child

Starting at 18 months, toddlers are ready to explore, discover, and begin building the skills that shape everything that follows. Our Safari Cub Toddler Care program gives them a structured, play-based learning environment where that natural curiosity is met with intention. At Safari Kid Downtown Hayward, whole-child development isn’t a tagline. It’s the framework behind each activity, interaction, and space in our center.

Safari Kid Downtown Hayward is part of a global early childhood education network founded in 2005, now operating more than 50 locations worldwide. Our curriculum draws on Montessori and Reggio Emilia methodologies alongside our own research-based approaches, giving families something far more intentional than a standard care setting. We were welcomed by the Hayward Chamber of Commerce at our grand opening, and we’ve been building roots in the downtown community ever since. Families from Hayward and Cherryland choose us because they can see the difference a purposeful toddler program makes.

Ready to see what Safari Cub Toddler Care looks like in person? Call us at (510) 241-3756 to schedule a tour and ask about current availability.

Discover The Difference Safari Kid nurtures every aspect of your child’s development.

Cognitive

We encourage curiousity and a love for learning that inspires children to explore and discover.
Social

Children learn vital social skills through activities that emphasize cooperation and sharing.
Language & Literacy

Communication skills are developed through interactive and engaging activities.
Physical

We ensure children build strong, healthy bodies while fostering a love for movement.
Emotional

Our approach to emotional learning helps children recognize, express, and manage feelings.
Health & Care

Children learn to recognize and attend to their own needs, those of others, and the environment.

Empowering Bright Futures Cultivating Curiosity, Confidence, and Lifelong Learning

Whole Child Development
We nurture academic, social, emotional, and physical development through play.
Cutting-Edge Curriculum
Research-backed education provides an invaluable headstart.
Welcoming Environment
Thoughtfully designed facilities foster curiosity, safety, and rich learning.

Safari Kid Milestones

2005
The first Safari Kid Launches in Newark, CA
2007
Safari Kid’s Eclectic Philosohpy is Introduced
2008
The Proprietary Booklet System is Released
2009
After-School Programs & Summer Camp Launch
2011
The Safari Kid Toddler Program is Launched
2014
The Safari Kid Infant Program is Launched
2015
Environmental Guidelines Are Developed
2020
The Kindergarten Program is Launched

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Five Development Domains, One Connected Program

What sets Safari Cub Toddler Care apart from a general toddler program is its structure. Each day is built around five defined development domains, each targeting a specific area of growth during one of the most critical windows in early childhood.

Cognitive Development
We guide toddlers in recognizing shapes, colors, and numbers and support problem-solving through puzzles and games. Sensory activities, art, and imaginative play foster the kind of creative thinking that carries forward into each stage of learning.

Language & Literacy Development
Children practice following simple instructions, expressing their wants and needs verbally, and engaging in basic conversations with peers. Book exploration is woven into daily routines to build early literacy habits from the start.

Physical Development
Large motor activities, including tricycle riding, balance beam walks, and obstacle courses, help toddlers build strength and coordination. Fine motor development is supported through sensory exploration, practice with writing tools, and manipulation of small objects.

Social & Emotional Development
Our educators guide toddlers in identifying and understanding their emotions and model positive interactions through turn-taking and cooperative play. These early social experiences can help children feel secure and build confidence in group settings.

Health & Care Development
We encourage toddlers to make healthy choices and pursue small goals with resilience. Learning to identify and regulate emotions helps build self-awareness and the stress management skills children carry with them as they grow.

Families stay connected to their child’s progress through Procare, our parent communication platform, along with regular assessments and family events. The partnership between home and school supports children’s development.

What Parents Are Saying

I would recommend safari kid to anyone looking for a great experience.

Jill Turek
The dedicated staff at Safari Kids create a nurturing and stimulating environment, making it a perfect place for early childhood development.

Sushma Venkatayogi
School environment is exceptional. Very colorful, bright, and playful environment, which attracts children’s attention.

Katie LO

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What a Day in Safari Cub Toddler Care Looks Like

Our days balance structured lessons with open-ended exploration. Toddlers need both: the predictability of a routine and the freedom to follow their curiosity. Our educators hold that balance carefully, guiding each adventurer through activities that build skills without interrupting the wonder of discovery.

The learning environment at Safari Kid Downtown Hayward is modern, thoughtfully designed, and equipped to support safe exploration at every turn. Children engage with arts and music, participate in cultural activities, and move through spaces built for their size and developmental stage. Each element of the classroom reflects our approach to early childhood education.

A Clear Path Forward

Families enrolling in our toddler school often ask what comes next. Children who complete Safari Cub Toddler Care can move into our entry-level preschool program right here at Safari Kid Downtown Hayward. Clear routines and consistent caregiver communication can help make that transition gentle rather than jarring. Growing up within the same learning community means familiar faces, familiar rhythms, and a foundation that can build on itself through preschool and into kindergarten.

Educators, Safety, & Enrollment at Safari Kid Downtown Hayward

Every educator at Safari Kid Downtown Hayward meets or exceeds California licensing requirements for early childhood settings, including relevant ECE coursework, mandated reporter expectations, and role-specific experience. Staff complete thorough background checks and receive training in health, supervision, and child development practices, plus additional training aligned to our curriculum. Qualified, passionate teachers are what help transform a good environment into a great one.

A Safe, Secure Environment

Our facility uses controlled access and authorized pick-up procedures so families can drop off with confidence and focus on their day. California’s Community Care Licensing sets the minimum standards for toddler settings, and our practices are designed to meet those requirements across health, safety, and supervision.

Starting the Enrollment Process

Enrollment for Safari Cub Toddler Care requires standard documentation, including immunization records, emergency contact information, and any medical or allergy details needed for safe participation. Tuition is based on your child’s attendance plan, and current rates are provided during the admissions process. The best first step is a tour: you’ll see the classrooms, meet our educators, and get answers to your specific questions about availability and start dates before making any commitment.

Schedule a Tour & See Safari Cub Toddler Care for Yourself

If you’re looking for a toddler school in Hayward that offers more than basic care, we’d love to show you what Safari Cub Toddler Care looks like firsthand. Families from Hayward, Cherryland, and throughout the East Bay are welcome at Safari Kid Downtown Hayward. Seeing the space and meeting our team can help you decide whether it’s the right fit for your child.

Reach out through our online contact form or call us directly to ask about availability and schedule your visit. Call Safari Kid Downtown Hayward today at (510) 241-3756 to take the first step.