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Today's Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Monday8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Tuesday8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Wednesday8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Thursday8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Friday8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Tembo Tots Entry-Level Preschool in San Mateo, CA
Welcome to Our Community-Focused Early Preschool Program in San Mateo
Transitioning from home to school is a significant milestone for young children. At Safari Kid San Mateo, our Tembo Tots Entry-Level Preschool program provides a nurturing, supportive environment that helps children as young as 3 years old grow, learn, and thrive.
We understand that choosing the right preschool is crucial for your child's future. That's why we focus on creating a seamless transition from home to school, ensuring your child feels comfortable and excited to discover new things each day. Our seasoned educators are devoted to nurturing young minds, guiding them through meaningful interactions, and instilling a genuine love for learning that will last a lifetime.
A Holistic Approach to Early Learning
Our preschool program fosters each child's development. We support growth in cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and creative domains through an engaging and dynamic curriculum.
Key developmental areas include:
- Cognitive Growth: Hands-on activities introduce foundational concepts like numbers, patterns, and cause-effect relationships. Open-ended play and artistic projects spark creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.
- Language & Literacy Skills: Daily storytelling, phonics exercises, and language games build essential reading and writing skills. Early exposure to basic words in foreign and sign languages fosters communication and cultural awareness.
- Physical Development: Fine motor skills are enhanced through drawing, painting, and manipulating small objects. Active play, yoga, and outdoor activities develop gross motor skills and coordination.
- Social-Emotional Growth: Children learn cooperation, turn-taking, and sharing through group play. Emotional intelligence is nurtured by teaching children to effectively identify, understand, and manage their emotions.
- Health & Wellbeing: Simple mindfulness and breathing techniques help children manage anxiety and develop self-regulation. Guided conflict resolution activities build problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
Our preschool program empowers children to express themselves, explore their interests, and build a lifelong love for learning.
By integrating a diverse range of methodologies within our playful learning environment, we give children room to grow at their own pace. Our approach ensures that every day brings new adventures, equipping them with essential skills that go beyond the classroom.
Ready to embark on this exciting journey with your child?
Enroll your child in our Tembo Tots Entry-Level Preschool in San Mateo, CA, today! Contact us at (442) 259-3752 or schedule a tour and learn more.
Cultivating Curiosity & Lifelong Skills
At Safari Kid San Mateo, our preschool curriculum incorporates enriching activities to support every aspect of early childhood development, including:
- Global Child TEMBO Talks: Enhances social-emotional growth.
- Tumbling Tots: Develops gross motor skills.
- Busy Little Paws: Strengthens fine motor skills.
- CHIRP: Builds language proficiency.
- STREAM Activities: Introduces science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math in exciting, interactive ways.
- Story Explorers: Encourages creativity and reasoning through engaging storytelling.
Additionally, pre-writing, letter recognition, and phonetic awareness are taught through fun, interactive lessons, ensuring your child develops a strong educational foundation.
We believe in a balanced approach that blends guided instruction with freedom of expression. This balance ensures that children not only gain academic skills but also develop the critical thinking necessary to tackle future challenges confidently. By collaborating closely with families, we adapt our methods to meet each child's unique needs, ultimately fostering an inviting and effective learning environment.
Preparing Your Child for Preschool & Beyond
The Tembo Tots Entry-Level Preschool program focuses on more than just academic preparation. It fosters confidence, emotional intelligence, and creative thinking, setting children up for long-term success.
Safari Kids Preschool Program:
- Promotes exploration and self-expression, inspiring a lifelong love for learning.
- Strengthens communication skills, fostering cultural understanding and effective interaction.
- Builds emotional intelligence and social skills, encouraging healthy relationships and resilience.
- Encourages critical thinking and creativity, preparing children to adapt and innovate in diverse situations.
With a research-driven curriculum led by passionate educators, Safari Kid San Mateo ensures every child is equipped to excel in preschool, kindergarten, and beyond.
Our focus on readiness extends beyond the classroom. By collaborating with local San Mateo community programs, we provide children with meaningful opportunities to engage with their surroundings, broadening their understanding and appreciation of their environment. Integrating local experiences enriches learning and helps children apply their newfound skills in real-world contexts.
Why Choose a Preschool in San Mateo?
Choosing Safari Kid San Mateo in San Mateo offers unique advantages, influenced by the vibrant community and abundant resources found in this locale. San Mateo provides a rich cultural backdrop, offering children exposure to diverse perspectives and cultural experiences right from the start. This setting fosters an environment where inclusivity and understanding are at the forefront of our educational approach.
Our location in San Mateo means that we are accessible to numerous parks and natural reserves, providing our preschoolers with ample opportunities for outdoor learning and exploration. Additionally, our proximity to local educational institutions allows us to collaborate on innovative programs that enrich our curriculum. These local connections empower us to provide a truly dynamic learning experience tailored to the community's unique characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ages Are Accepted Into the Preschool Program?
Our Tembo Tots Entry-Level Preschool is designed for children aged 3 and up. We welcome children into our nurturing environment as they transition from home to school, providing a foundation that supports both early development and future educational success.
How Does Safari Kid San Mateo Involve Parents in the Learning Process?
We believe that education is a collaborative journey shared with parents. Safari Kid San Mateo actively involves parents through regular communication, detailed progress assessments, and interactive family events. We utilize platforms like Procare to keep parents informed, ensuring they are a part of their child's educational journey every step of the way.
What Safety Measures Are in Place at the Preschool?
Ensuring the safety of our students is our top priority at Safari Kid San Mateo. Our facilities are equipped with secure entry systems, and we conduct regular safety drills to prepare children and staff for emergency situations. Moreover, our staff is trained in pediatric first aid and CPR, maintaining a secure environment where children can learn and grow with peace of mind.
Give your child the best start in their educational journey!
Call us at (442) 259-3752 or contact us online to enroll your child in our entry-level San Mateo Preschool program, and watch them grow, learn, and succeed!
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We encourage curiousity and a love for learning that inspires children to explore and discover.
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Children learn vital social skills through activities that emphasize cooperation and sharing.
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Communication skills are developed through interactive and engaging activities.
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We ensure children build strong, healthy bodies while fostering a love for movement.
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Our approach to emotional learning helps children recognize, express, and manage feelings.
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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.
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Cutting-Edge CurriculumResearch-backed education provides an invaluable headstart.
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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
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.



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School environment is exceptional. Very colorful, bright, and playful environment, which attracts children’s attention.Katie LO
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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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I would recommend safari kid to anyone looking for a great experience.Jill Turek
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!