Early Preschool Near Burlingame, Where Every Child Thrives

Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool at Safari Kid San Mateo

The Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool program at Safari Kid San Mateo is built around one central promise: a smooth transition between home and school. For Burlingame families exploring early preschool for the first time, that transition matters as much for the parent as it does for the child. Our program draws from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and other respected methodologies through a proprietary curriculum designed to meet young children where they are and support their growth with confidence.

Our center is located in San Mateo and serves families throughout Burlingame. As a global leader in early childhood education, Safari Kid San Mateo offers holistic, research-driven programs spanning infancy through elementary school. The Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool is where that journey often begins, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Schedule a campus tour and meet our educators. Call (442) 259-3752 or contact us online today.

A Curriculum Built Across Five Developmental Domains

What separates Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool from generic play-based programs is the structure behind it. Our curriculum addresses five named developmental domains, each brought to life through specific enrichment modules offered at our San Mateo center.

The Five Developmental Domains

Cognitive Development
Children engage in hands-on activities involving numbers, patterns, and cause-and-effect relationships. Open-ended play and artistic projects build curiosity and early problem-solving habits.

Language & Literacy Development
Daily storytelling, phonics exercises, and language games lay the groundwork for reading. Pre-writing, letter recognition, and phonetic awareness are woven into interactive lessons, and children get early exposure to basic words in foreign languages and sign language.

Physical Development
Fine motor skills grow through drawing, painting, and working with small objects. Gross motor development happens through active play, yoga, and outdoor activities that get children moving with purpose.

Social & Emotional Development
Cooperative play, turn-taking, and sharing are daily practice. Children also learn to identify, understand, and manage their emotions, a foundation that supports every other area of development.

Health & Care Development
Simple mindfulness and breathing techniques help children self-regulate. Guided conflict resolution activities give them tools to navigate relationships with peers and adults.

Six Enrichment Modules at Safari Kid San Mateo

These domains come to life through six named enrichment modules at Safari Kid San Mateo:

• Global Child TEMBO Talks focuses on social-emotional growth and global awareness
• Tumbling Tots builds gross motor skills through structured movement
• Busy Little Paws develops fine motor coordination through hands-on activities
• CHIRP strengthens language proficiency and early communication
• STREAM Activities integrates science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math
• Story Explorers nurtures creativity and reasoning through storytelling

Research in early childhood education supports integrating physical, social, and cognitive learning rather than isolating academic content from play. Our modules are designed with exactly that integration in mind.

Educators Who Bring Real Experience & Genuine Partnership

Our early preschool program centers on a passionate team of educators who believe in every child’s potential. We look for teachers with professional training in early childhood education, a caring presence, and a collaborative mindset. Ongoing professional development keeps our team current on the latest research and best practices.

The team at Safari Kid San Mateo brings substantial hands-on experience. Our lead teachers hold 4, 10-plus, and 20 years of experience respectively working with young children. Ms. Shelly Weinhauer, our Director, has worked in early childhood education for over 15 years, including as a lead Pre-K teacher at Safari Kid before stepping into her current role. Ms. Shanu Mathur, the center’s owner, holds education in child development alongside a diploma in HR Management from UCSC and a Bachelor’s in Commerce from the University of Mumbai.

Our teachers partner closely with Burlingame families, keeping communication open and providing personalized support from the very first day. Families appreciate our educators’ commitment through:

• Professional credentials in early childhood education
• Continuous training grounded in current practices
• Active family partnerships and direct, open communication
• Genuine care for each child’s individual growth

Inspired Spaces & Safe Exploration Near Burlingame

Children learn best in spaces designed for comfort, security, and inspiration. Our center near Burlingame features nature-inspired classrooms, age-appropriate play zones, and inviting indoor and outdoor areas that encourage hands-on discovery. Our environment design is guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which treats the environment as the third teacher. Sensory-rich spaces, predictable zones, and clear boundaries can help young children self-regulate during the transition between home and school, making the adjustment gentler for both child and parent.

Safety and well-being shape our daily routines. Secure entry systems are in place at our facility, all staff are trained in pediatric first aid and CPR, and we conduct regular safety drills to keep everyone prepared. Our facility is modern and maintained to a high standard, and we follow strict health and cleanliness protocols across every area of the center.

• Secure, nature-inspired environment designed for young learners
• Compliance with California state licensing standards for early childhood facilities
• Thoughtful design that reflects the warmth of the Burlingame community
• Close ties to local families and organizations

Partnering With Parents at Every Step

We see parents as essential partners in their child’s early preschool journey. Through Procare, our educators share daily updates, photos, and notes so you stay connected with your child’s day in real time. Teachers conduct regular check-ins to discuss progress, set development goals, and address any concerns, and we create multiple opportunities for families to get involved throughout the year.

• Real-time daily updates and classroom insights via Procare
• Annual conferences and regular feedback sessions
• Opportunities to participate in events, projects, and celebrations
• Open channels for feedback to continually improve our program

How to Get Started Near Burlingame

Your first experience with our early preschool program should feel comfortable and straightforward. Scheduling a tour at our center near Burlingame lets you see our classrooms, meet our team, and ask the questions that matter most to you. Our staff can walk you through each step, from enrollment to what to expect in your child’s first days.

Whether you’re curious about our curriculum or have concerns about your child’s adjustment, we’re here to listen and give you clear answers. Our enrollment process is designed to help every child and parent feel prepared before the first day arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Tailor Learning for Each Child?

We start by getting to know every child’s interests, strengths, and pace through observation and ongoing conversations with families. Our educators adapt projects and classroom activities to support individual growth, and we use continuous assessment to refine what’s working. Parents receive frequent updates and work directly with teachers to set goals or work through challenges. This personalized approach helps children feel seen, engaged, and ready to learn.

What Safety & Health Protocols Are in Place at Your Center Near Burlingame?

Your child’s safety is our highest priority. We use secure entry systems, carefully selected materials, and child-centered classroom design. All staff are trained in pediatric first aid and CPR, and we conduct regular safety drills. We follow strict cleaning and hygiene procedures and keep families informed of any health policy changes so families can feel confident in our commitment to a safe, healthy environment.

What Is Unique About the Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool Curriculum?

Our curriculum integrates research-based practices from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and other respected methodologies, addressing five named developmental domains through six structured enrichment modules. Children experience a combination of guided activities and open exploration, with learning spanning cognitive, social, emotional, language, and physical growth. Named modules like STREAM Activities, Story Explorers, and Global Child TEMBO Talks make the approach concrete and trackable, so families can see how each part of the day connects to their child’s development.

How Do You Help Children Transition Into Early Preschool?

We focus on supporting a smooth transition between home and school for every child. Before a child starts, our team learns about their routines, comfort items, and any specific concerns. In the first days, our educators provide gentle guidance, encourage gradual separation, and build trusting relationships with both child and parent. We stay in close communication throughout the adjustment period so families know how their child is settling in.

Can Families Visit or Tour Before Enrolling?

Yes, and we encourage it. Scheduling a personalized tour gives you a chance to see our classrooms, meet our educators, and get a feel for the daily routine. You’re welcome to ask anything about our curriculum, safety measures, or family involvement. We want you to feel informed and confident before making any enrollment decision.

How Are Families Involved in Your Community?

We value families as active partners, not just observers. Parents can join family events, classroom activities, and community projects throughout the year. Your feedback helps us improve the experience for everyone, and through ongoing events and open dialogue, we build a connected community where children, families, and educators share in each other’s success.

Start Your Child’s Journey With Confidence at Safari Kid Near Burlingame

Choosing early preschool near Burlingame is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make for your child. Our whole-child curriculum across five developmental domains, experienced educators, and genuine family partnership model give Safari Kid San Mateo a strong foundation. We’re ready to welcome your family and support your child as they begin this chapter with confidence.

Call (442) 259-3752 or schedule your tour today and take the first step toward enrolling in the Tembo Tots Entry Level Preschool program.