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Safari Kid Newark - Ardenwood
  • Today's Hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Safari Kid Newark - Ardenwood
    • Monday
      8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Tuesday
      8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Wednesday
      8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Thursday
      8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Friday
      8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
34899 Newark Blvd Newark, CA 94560
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Ellie the Elephant

Entry Level Preschool in Newark

A Nurturing Your Child’s Early Learning Journey

Giving your child the right start in education is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At Safari Kid Newark - Ardenwood, our early preschool provides a warm, structured, and engaging environment for children starting at age 2. Transitions from home to preschool can feel big for families and children. Our team ensures this change happens smoothly, with care and attention for every child.

Our entry-level preschool in Newark builds curiosity, independence, and a love for learning. We go beyond traditional preschool education by integrating cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and creative development into every part of our curriculum. Our experienced educators provide a safe, stimulating space for children to explore, interact, and thrive.

We offer flexible half-day and full-day schedules to support families in Newark. Our center’s convenient location, near community landmarks like Newark Community Park, makes drop-off and pick-up efficient for parents with a busy routine.

Our approach blends structured learning with play-based activities, so children develop essential skills while having fun. We focus on early literacy, motor development, and emotional growth, carefully tailoring our programs to nurture each child's unique strengths.

Give your child a strong foundation with a program that advances both academic readiness and social-emotional growth. We focus on each child's strengths, delivering individualized lesson plans and building a lifelong excitement for learning that will shape their future success.

Call us at (510) 630-2286 for a tour or to learn more about our early preschool program near you.

Set Your Child Up for Success With Our Entry-Level Preschool

Choosing Safari Kid Newark - Ardenwood for your child's early education comes with numerous benefits.

  • Our preschool offers a nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported.
  • We focus on developing critical thinking skills, social-emotional growth, and physical development.
  • Our experienced educators are dedicated to providing personalized attention, ensuring each child reaches their full potential.

Families benefit from relationships built not only with teachers but also within the wider community. Seasonal events, family mornings, and classroom showcases welcome parents into the learning process, helping families across Newark form positive connections. We meet with families individually to set learning goals, discuss progress, and share ideas for supporting development at home.

Along with a secure environment, our teachers use diverse teaching methods to match a fast-changing world. Children develop resilient attitudes and adaptive skills through practical lessons and hands-on activities. Frequent communication keeps parents engaged, so they always know their child's progress and can join meaningful conversations on education at home.

Early Learning That Develops the Whole Child

Our early preschool curriculum in Newark is designed to provide hands-on learning experiences that support every part of a child’s development. Here’s what your child will gain:

  • Cognitive development: Children practice problem-solving with activities involving numbers, patterns, and cause-and-effect, building curiosity and creativity.
  • Language and literacy development: Through stories, phonics, and language games, children build reading and writing skills and broaden communication with sign and foreign language exposure.
  • Physical development: Drawing, painting, tumbling, yoga, and outdoor play help children improve motor skills and coordination.
  • Social and emotional development: Structure and play teach cooperation, taking turns, and healthy emotional expression for building positive relationships.
  • Health and care development: Children learn mindfulness, practice conflict resolution, and develop confidence through daily self-care routines.

Each day brings new experiences, like gardening in eco-friendly spaces, sampling foods from diverse cultures, or learning Bay Area-inspired songs. Newark classrooms use natural light and open access to the outdoors to encourage discovery. Teachers introduce science and art projects that connect children to their environment and community.

Our approach ensures each child grows in ways that balance critical thinking, clear communication, and healthy peer interactions. Starting strong helps students thrive throughout school and in life beyond the classroom.

What a Typical Day Looks Like at Early Preschool

Each day at Safari Kid Newark - Ardenwood follows a steady rhythm, balancing structure with opportunities for children to guide their own learning. Children start with welcome routines and circle time, greeting teachers and classmates, and previewing the day's activities. Academic learning, such as language, math, and science, happens in small groups that spark curiosity and collaboration. Outdoor play allows children to exercise and build friendships in our safe play spaces. Midday brings creative arts, music, and movement, supporting self-expression and motor skills. Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks at scheduled times to encourage good habits. In the afternoon, some children rest while others explore enrichment activities like storytelling and building games. By day's end, families receive updates about what happened in the classroom and important reminders, keeping everyone connected to the learning journey.

How We Support Your Child’s Transition to Preschool

Starting preschool is a major step, so we support families through each phase of the transition. Before your child’s first day, we invite you to tour the classroom, meet educators, and get used to routines. Our phased introduction offers shorter visits that grow longer as children build comfort and confidence. In the first weeks, teachers work closely with families and provide extra support with visual cues, calming spaces, and encouragement during drop-off and transitions. Children adapt at different paces, so our team offers regular feedback and practical strategies customized for your family. For those new to Newark, we share local tips and connect you with resources to make settling in welcoming and smooth.

Safari Kid Newark - Ardenwood Teaching Methods for Early Preschool

Our teaching methods meet the varied needs of our students. We use play-based learning, project-driven activities, and individualized instruction to create an environment where every child flourishes. Focusing on whole-child growth prepares students for the next stage in their education.

We hold regular trainings for our educators on current California early childhood research and best practices. Our team adjusts lesson plans using progress tracking tools and family feedback to match local interests and needs. We build independence, emotional management, and teamwork with steady support and positive reinforcement in every classroom.

We keep our curriculum dynamic and flexible by embracing new research. We use adaptive learning tools and technology so children get an active and relevant education. Building strong partnerships with parents helps us tailor our approach to fit every child’s strengths and personality.

Preschool Learning Environment

The learning environment at Safari Kid Newark - Ardenwood inspires and motivates young learners. Our classrooms hold age-appropriate materials that promote discovery and active engagement. We focus on safety and cleanliness, creating a healthy space where children can confidently explore and grow. Our outdoor spaces fuel physical development and social skills through play and connection.

Children enjoy our campus’s access to local Newark parks, occasionally taking lessons outside to extend learning beyond the classroom. We add covered areas for creative work during seasonal weather changes. All staff are trained in California child care health guidelines, and we practice regular earthquake and fire drills to keep children protected and prepared.

We believe the environment acts as a third teacher, shaping how children learn and engage. By designing active, inspiring spaces and constantly updating materials, we give every student the opportunity to think creatively and solve problems independently.

Understanding Newark's Early Childhood Education Regulations

Operating in Newark, we follow the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing standards for preschools. These rules set clear standards for safety, health, and quality education. In Alameda County, we regularly review staff credentials and building codes to match all current guidelines from state and local agencies.

We meet or exceed all staff-to-child ratios, complete background checks for every team member, and maintain thorough emergency readiness plans. Our clear and open reporting keeps families updated on policy changes and ensures confidence in every aspect of care.

As regulations evolve, we update our curriculum and operations to reflect new expectations and best practices. Families benefit from a setting that always meets, or goes beyond, the requirements for early childhood programs in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age does your entry-level preschool program start?

Our entry-level preschool program at Safari Kid Newark - Ardenwood welcomes children starting at age 2. We create a friendly setting to help young learners adjust from home to school life. Our team understands typical milestones and supports children through each stage.

How does Safari Kid incorporate local culture into its curriculum?

Our curriculum celebrates Newark's diverse culture. We include local traditions, festivals, and community history in classroom activities, helping children build a strong sense of belonging and pride in their home.

Is parent involvement encouraged in your preschool?

Absolutely. We believe working together with parents is vital for a child’s development. We provide regular updates, host feedback sessions, and extend invitations to family events and workshops so every parent can feel included.

What safety measures are in place at Safari Kid Newark - Ardenwood?

We put safety first by following state guidelines. Access to the facility is secure, learning spaces are childproofed, and we keep up with strict health practices. Our staff maintains training in first aid and emergency readiness so children stay protected each day.

How are children’s development milestones assessed?

Educators track each child’s growth with regular assessments guided by state standards. These assessments allow us to adjust teaching strategies and keep parents informed, so they know how their child is progressing in every part of development.

Enroll Today at Safari Kid Newark - Ardenwood & Give Your Child a Head Start

Ready to give your child the best start in their educational journey? Enrolling at Safari Kid Newark - Ardenwood is the first step toward a nurturing, structured environment where learning and exploration thrive. Our dedicated team is here to support your child's growth and development every step of the way, fostering the academic and social skills needed for long-term success.

Don't wait to secure a spot in a program committed to inspiring creativity and encouraging confidence. Contact us today to learn more about our curriculum and schedule a tour of our facility. We look forward to welcoming your family and providing your child with the supportive community they need to achieve a true head start.

Give your child the best start! Contact us today to learn more or schedule a tour.

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
    School environment is exceptional. Very colorful, bright, and playful environment, which attracts children’s attention.
    Katie LO
    The dedicated staff at Safari Kids create a nurturing and stimulating environment, making it a perfect place for early childhood development.
    Sushma Venkatayogi
    I would recommend safari kid to anyone looking for a great experience.
    Jill Turek
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