Toddler School in Mountain House
Whole Child Development Starting at 18 Months
Safari Cub Toddler Care at Safari Kid of Mountain House is designed for the way toddlers actually learn: by touching, exploring, moving, and discovering. Starting at 18 months, your child enters a safe, secure environment where play-based learning and a research-driven curriculum work together to nurture every dimension of their development, not just the academic pieces.
Our curriculum draws from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and other respected methodologies to support five distinct development domains. Families in Mountain House, Tracy, and the broader San Joaquin County area choose this program to support a confident, well-rounded start before preschool.
Early Education vs. Daycare: What the Difference Means for Your Toddler
The distinction between licensed daycare and an early education program comes down to intent. Daycare prioritizes supervision and care. An early education program like Safari Cub Toddler Care structures each activity around a specific developmental focus, turning every part of the day into a learning opportunity.
Our educators don’t direct learning from the front of a room. They facilitate discovery, respond to each child’s cues, and build the responsive, trusting relationships that help toddlers feel safe enough to explore. The curriculum is tailored to each child’s unique learning style, and ongoing assessments allow educators to refine their approach as your child grows.
Our nature-inspired environment is thoughtfully designed to support this kind of learning. Classrooms balance structured guidance with open-ended exploration, giving toddlers the freedom to follow their curiosity within a framework that supports development across all five domains.
Ready to see the program in person? Call us at (209) 584-3955 to schedule a tour and meet our team.
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Cognitive
We encourage curiousity and a love for learning that inspires children to explore and discover.
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Social
Children learn vital social skills through activities that emphasize cooperation and sharing.
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Language & Literacy
Communication skills are developed through interactive and engaging activities.
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Physical
We ensure children build strong, healthy bodies while fostering a love for movement.
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Emotional
Our approach to emotional learning helps children recognize, express, and manage feelings.
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Health & Care
Children learn to recognize and attend to their own needs, those of others, and the environment.
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Whole Child DevelopmentWe nurture academic, social, emotional, and physical development through play. -
Cutting-Edge CurriculumResearch-backed education provides an invaluable headstart. -
Welcoming EnvironmentThoughtfully designed facilities foster curiosity, safety, and rich learning.
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2005The first Safari Kid Launches in Newark, CA
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2007Safari Kid’s Eclectic Philosohpy is Introduced
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2008The Proprietary Booklet System is Released
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2009After-School Programs & Summer Camp Launch
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2011The Safari Kid Toddler Program is Launched
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2014The Safari Kid Infant Program is Launched
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2015Environmental Guidelines Are Developed
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2020The Kindergarten Program is Launched
Five Domains of Development in Safari Cub Toddler Care
Most toddler programs focus on keeping children safe and stimulated. Safari Cub Toddler Care goes further, structuring every activity around five named development domains so you know what your child is working on and why.
Cognitive Development
Toddlers learn to recognize shapes, colors, and numbers and to work through simple problems using puzzles and games. Sensory activities, art projects, and imaginative play build self-expression and early creative thinking.
Language & Literacy Development
Children practice following simple instructions, expressing their wants and needs verbally, and holding basic back-and-forth conversations with peers. Exploring books and words at this stage lays the groundwork for language acquisition that can carry well beyond the toddler years.
Physical Development
Large motor skills, coordination, and balance develop through activities like tricycle riding, balance beam walks, and obstacle courses. Fine motor skills grow through sensory exploration, early writing tool practice, and hands-on work with small objects and manipulatives.
Social & Emotional Development
Toddlers learn to identify and name their emotions, a foundational step in social-emotional learning. Guided turn-taking and cooperative play teach children how to interact positively with peers and begin building the social skills they’ll rely on throughout school.
Health & Care Development
This domain guides toddlers toward healthy choices and builds the self-regulation skills that support kindergarten readiness. Children practice managing big feelings, building self-awareness, and approaching small challenges with resilience and confidence.
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I would recommend safari kid to anyone looking for a great experience.Jill Turek
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The dedicated staff at Safari Kids create a nurturing and stimulating environment, making it a perfect place for early childhood development.Sushma Venkatayogi
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School environment is exceptional. Very colorful, bright, and playful environment, which attracts children’s attention.Katie LO
Named Enrichment Activities That Make Learning Tangible
One thing parents appreciate about Safari Cub Toddler Care is that the enrichment activities have names, purposes, and measurable development goals. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Tumbling Tots Physical Play: Develops gross motor skills and whole-body coordination through structured movement.
- Busy Little Paws: Supports sensory exploration and fine motor development through hands-on materials.
- CHIRP Language Development: Builds communication abilities and gives toddlers tools to express themselves before full verbal fluency arrives.
- Parachute Story Time: A group activity that weaves movement and language together in a shared, joyful experience.
- American Sign Language: Introduced as an enrichment activity to support early communication and build confidence in toddlers still developing their verbal skills.
- STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math): Integrates literacy, science, math, and creative arts into early learning, supporting divergent thinking and problem-solving.
The program also includes music, movement, dramatic play, block play and manipulatives, arts and crafts, and pre-writing skills activities, rounding out a full day of purposeful exploration.
A Partnership That Starts on Day One
Sending a toddler to school for the first time is a big step. We work to make that transition feel like a collaboration, not a hand-off. At Safari Kid of Mountain House, families stay connected through Procare, our parent communication platform, as well as regular assessments that help you track your child’s progress. Family events and ongoing communication keep you involved in the daily life of the program so you’re not left wondering what your child’s day looked like.
We encourage parents to ask questions, share observations, and work alongside our educators as true partners in their child’s development. That kind of relationship is part of what makes choosing a toddler school in Mountain House worth taking the time to get right.
Schedule a Tour at Safari Kid
The best way to understand what Safari Cub Toddler Care looks like is to see it. Come meet our team, walk through the learning environment, and get your questions answered in person.
Call (209) 584-3955 or reach us through our online contact form to set up a time that works for your family.
