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Safari Kid of Mountain House
  • Today's Hours: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
  • Safari Kid of Mountain House
    • Monday
      6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
    • Tuesday
      6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
    • Wednesday
      6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
    • Thursday
      6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
    • Friday
      6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
255 W Legacy Drive Mountain House, CA 95391
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Ellie the Elephant

After School Program Near Tracy, CA

A Complete After-School & Transportation Partner for Your Family

The hours between school dismissal and the end of your workday can be the most stressful part of a parent’s schedule. You want your child to be safe, cared for, and learning, and you also need a school pickup plan that you can count on day after day. At Safari Kid of Mountain House, we bring all of that together in one thoughtful solution.

Our center offers a research-driven after-school program that feels welcoming for children and practical for families. We combine a warm, nurturing environment, a holistic learning approach, and a reliable school pickup service so you no longer have to juggle multiple arrangements or worry about where your child will be at 3 p.m.

As a global leader in early childhood education, we draw on proven educational philosophies and our proprietary curriculum to turn after-school hours into a time of growth, creativity, and connection. Our goal is to give your child a safe, engaging place to land each afternoon and to give you peace of mind about both transportation and care.

Looking for a structured, educational after-school program for your child near Tracy? Contact Safari Kid of Mountain House for details by calling (209) 584-3955 or contact us online now.

A Safe, Seamless Afternoons Solution for Tracy Families

Many families in Tracy have workdays that extend well past the time local elementary schools dismiss students. That gap can create daily stress, especially when traffic around school campuses and along major routes is heavy in the afternoon. We design our afternoons to bridge that gap so your child has a predictable routine and you can focus on your day, knowing exactly where they are.

Our team coordinates a school pickup service that brings children from their school to our center in a calm, supervised way. Staff members follow clear routines for meeting children, confirming attendance, and helping them transition from the school day into our program. Children arrive to a familiar space, are greeted by caring educators, and know what to expect next.

When your child reaches our center, safety remains at the center of everything we do. We use secure check-in and checkout procedures so we can account for each child throughout the afternoon. Our goal is for your child to feel at ease and for you to feel confident that every transition, from school to our doors and then back to you, is thoughtfully managed.

What Your Child’s Afternoon Looks Like Here

Arrival, Snack & Settling In

Once your child arrives, their afternoon follows a rhythm that balances comfort, learning, and play. Children typically begin with time to settle in and enjoy a nutritious snack. This gives them a chance to refuel, connect with friends, and shift out of the school mindset before moving into the rest of the afternoon.

Homework Time & Study Habits

After snack, we guide children into a mix of structured and flexible activities. There is time devoted to homework and reading, so assignments do not pile up in the evening. Educators are available to encourage focus, help children understand directions, and celebrate their effort. This support helps children build productive habits without turning the afternoon into more traditional classroom time.

Enrichment, Play & Afternoon Wrap Up

Beyond homework, children explore learning centers, hands-on projects, and group games that draw from our proprietary curriculum. You might see children engaged in science explorations, creative writing, building challenges, or cooperative activities that strengthen social skills. Indoor and outdoor movement is part of the routine whenever conditions support it, which helps children release energy and stay physically active.

As the day winds down, we move into quieter options like reading, art, or reflection so children are calm and ready to reunite with you. Throughout the afternoon, our educators pay close attention to each child’s temperament and needs, offering guidance, encouragement, and space to grow in confidence and independence.

Research-Driven After-School Learning That Nurtures the Whole Child

Educational Foundations

Afternoons are an important part of your child’s learning story, and we treat them that way. Our program draws inspiration from respected approaches such as Montessori and Reggio Emilia, and we weave these ideas into activities that feel engaging and age appropriate after a full school day.

Whole Child Development

Our curriculum supports the whole child. Cognitive development is strengthened through problem-solving, hands-on experiments, and guided projects. Language and literacy grow through storytelling, conversations, and opportunities to read and write for real purposes. Social and emotional skills are supported as children collaborate, take turns, resolve conflicts, and share ideas in a safe setting.

Play, Creativity & Movement

We also attend to physical development and health. Children have opportunities for movement and outdoor play when conditions support it, which helps with coordination and overall well-being. Creative experiences in art, music, and cultural exploration invite children to express themselves and learn about the wider world in ways that feel joyful, not pressured.

Because our curriculum is research-driven, our educators have a clear framework for what children are learning, even when it looks like simple play. We strive to ensure that the hours after school are not only enjoyable, but also meaningful for your child’s growth across cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains.

School Drop Off & Pickup Service You Can Rely On

For many families, transportation is the hardest part of the day to coordinate. Our goal is to make school drop-off and pickup a dependable part of your routine so you do not have to rush across town or arrange last-minute rides.

We offer a school pickup service that Tracy families can discuss with our team during enrollment. Together, we review your child’s school dismissal time, any specific procedures that school uses, and how your child will recognize our staff. We then work with you to put a consistent plan in place for the days your child attends our program.

During transportation, we focus on clear routines and close supervision. Children are guided as they board, attendance is checked carefully, and staff maintain awareness of each child’s well-being during the trip. When children arrive at our center, educators are ready to welcome them and help them transition into the afternoon schedule.

Some families think of this offering as a type of school cab service, but there are important differences. Our focus is on much more than simply moving children from point A to point B. Transportation is connected to a broader environment of care and learning, with the same emphasis on relationships, consistency, and communication that you see throughout our program.

Communication, Assessments, & Family Partnerships

Ongoing Daily Communication

We know that leaving your child in someone else’s care requires a high level of trust. Strong communication is one of the ways we work to earn and maintain that trust. Our goal is for you to feel closely connected to your child’s after-school experience, even when you cannot be there in person.

We use tools such as the Procare app to keep you informed about attendance, activities, and special moments from the afternoon. This platform helps you see what your child is working on and how they are engaging with peers and educators. You can also use them to share messages or questions with our team when needed.

Assessments & Progress

Regular assessments are another part of our approach. Educators observe how children are progressing in areas such as social interaction, language, and problem solving, as well as how they are managing responsibilities like homework. These observations inform how we support your child and can be shared with you during conversations about their growth.

Partnering With Families

Family events and ongoing dialogue round out the partnership. We invite families to participate in center experiences and to share insights about their child’s interests, strengths, and needs. This ongoing collaboration helps us shape an after-school experience that feels like a natural extension of both home and school near Tracy.

Why Families Choose Safari Kid for After-School Care

Global Strength, Local Care

When families compare options, they often look for more than a place where children simply pass the time until pickup. They want a setting where their child is known, supported, and encouraged to grow. At Safari Kid of Mountain House, we design our program around that vision.

Our position as a global leader in early education means we bring a wealth of research and experience to every afternoon. The same commitment that shapes our early childhood programs informs our after-school environment. Children benefit from our sparkling clean classrooms with educators who are passionate about nurturing curiosity and independence.

Balanced Routine & Child Choice

Parents tell us they value the way our routines blend structure with flexibility. Children come to expect snack, homework support, and enrichment, yet they also have room to choose activities that interest them and to pursue their own ideas. This balance helps them build confidence, creativity, and a sense of ownership over their learning.

One Team for Transportation & Care

Just as important, our integrated approach to transportation and care reduces the number of moving parts you have to manage. Instead of coordinating separate arrangements for a school taxi service and an afternoon caregiver, you can turn to one team that understands your child, your schedule, and your goals for their development. Our aim is to make each school day feel more manageable for you and more enriching for your child.

How to Get Started With Our After-School Program

Step 1: Connect With Our Team

Enrolling in our program is a straightforward process, and our team is ready to guide you through each step. The first step is to reach out so we can learn about your child, your schedule, and any specific needs you would like us to consider. We will then invite you to visit the center, see our spaces, and talk in more detail about how afternoons work.

Step 2: Visit, Plan & Enroll

During your visit, we can discuss your child’s school, how school drop-off and pickup may support your routine, and which days you are seeking care. We will walk you through our procedures for check-in, checkout, and communication, and we will answer your questions about curriculum, homework support, and social dynamics.

Once you decide to move forward, we will complete enrollment forms together and confirm your child’s start date. Our aim is for you to leave that conversation feeling clear about what will happen at dismissal, how your child will spend their time with us, and how we will keep you informed. From there, we work to make each afternoon smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your child.

If you are ready to explore whether our after-school program offering is a good fit for your family, we invite you to connect with our team and begin the conversation.

Make your afternoons easier with our after-school program with engaging classrooms, educators, and reliable pick-up/drop-off service. Call (209) 584-3955 or contact us online now to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you pick my child up from their school?

We work with you to create a clear plan for how your child will move from their school into our care. During enrollment, we discuss your child’s dismissal time, any procedures the school follows, and how your child will recognize our staff. On pickup days, staff follow a consistent routine, such as meeting children at a designated area, confirming attendance, and guiding them calmly to our transportation. Once they arrive at the center, another team of educators is ready to welcome them and transition them into the afternoon schedule.

Will my child get help with homework every day?

We build homework time into our routine on school days so children have regular support. Educators encourage children to take out their assignments, read directions carefully, and work through tasks one step at a time. While we do not replace their classroom teacher, we can often help clarify instructions and encourage problem-solving. If your child finishes early, we offer reading or other quiet academic activities so they continue to use that time productively. Our goal is for evenings at home to feel more relaxed because much of the schoolwork has already been addressed.

How do you keep kids safe during school drop-off and pickup?

Safety is central to every part of our school pickup service and afternoon routine. We use clear attendance procedures to confirm which children should be with us each day and to verify that they arrive as planned. Staff supervise children closely during loading, travel, and unloading, and they follow consistent routes and routines that children grow to recognize. At the center, secure check in and checkout practices ensure children are only released to approved adults. If plans change, we rely on timely communication with parents and guardians so everyone stays aligned.

Can you work with my family’s changing schedule?

We understand that work hours, school events, and other commitments can make your schedule complex. During enrollment, we talk through the days and times you know you need care and discuss how we may be able to accommodate occasional changes within the structure of our program. When you anticipate an early dismissal day or a shift in your work schedule, we ask that you let us know as early as you can. Our team strives to partner with you so that the plan we put in place supports your family while remaining safe and predictable for children and staff.

How will I know what my child did after school each day?

We work to keep you connected to your child’s experience, even when you cannot be here in person. Through tools such as Procare, you can see check-in times, checkout times, and notes about activities or highlights from the afternoon. We may also share updates and photos through approved channels so you can glimpse what children are exploring. If there is something specific you are wondering about, our educators are available to talk with you at pickup or through arranged conversations. This ongoing communication helps you feel confident about how your child is spending their time.

Is your after-school program right for my child’s age and personality?

Our program is designed to support a range of ages and personalities, from energetic children who need movement after school to quieter children who prefer small group or individual activities. We offer a mix of structured times, like homework and group projects, along with choices that let children follow their interests. During enrollment, we invite you to share what motivates your child and what situations feel challenging for them. Our educators use this information, along with their ongoing observations, to help your child feel comfortable, included, and appropriately challenged within our after-school environment.

To talk with our team about after-school options and school pickup for your child, call (209) 584-3955.

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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Safari Kid Builds Relationships

Relationships are important to many aspects of life, and it's no different for young children. At Safari Kid, we value building strong relationships with our parents and students, as well as helping children develop relationships with peers and teachers. We foster meaningful relationships through:

  • Encouraging parents to participate and collaborate with teachers
  • Creating a nurturing environment with highly qualified, caring staff
  • Teaching children how to interact with peers and develop positive relationships

Good friends, teachers, and schools are foundations for success in life. Early relationships can shape the way a child learns, grows, and develops into adulthood.

2025 Weekly Themes

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
1 /

Safari Kid Offers a Safe & Welcoming Environment

At Safari Kid, the environment plays a crucial role in the learning process, influenced by the renowned Reggio Emilia philosophy, which considers the environment as the “third teacher.” They’re crafted to inspire exploration, discovery, and the joy of learning. Key elements of our environment include

  • Sparkling clean, modern facilities maintained with meticulous care
  • Thoughtfully organized and modern spaces that encourage your child’s natural curiosity
  • Engaging indoor and outdoor spaces designed for safe, active play

Where your child spends their day matters! Our facilities are designed to provide a safe, healthy, and welcoming space for children to learn and grow.

Wondering where to start? Explore our early child education programs to learn more about specific age groups and curriculum options. You can also contact us online to find out more!

Ellie the Elephant