Our Approach
At Happy Feet, we believe early childhood should feel joyful, safe, and full of discovery. We blend the warmth of a loving home with the structure of Montessori principles — so every child thrives.
Excellence
Learning Feels Best When It Feels Like Home
Happy Feet was born from one simple belief — every child deserves a safe, joyful, and stimulating place to grow. What started as a small, home-based program in Foster City has blossomed into a trusted Montessori preschool & extended care center loved by dozens of local families.
A Gentle, Purposeful Daily Rhythm
Our days follow a warm, consistent rhythm that gives children comfort in routine while leaving plenty of room for play, imagination, and discovery. Little ones always know what's coming next — and always look forward to it.
Morning Welcome & Free Play
Children arrive, settle in, and ease into the day with free exploration at their own pace.
Circle Time & Theme Activity
Songs, stories, calendar, and a short group activity tied to our weekly theme.
Snack & Outdoor Play
Nutritious morning snack followed by outdoor time — fresh air, movement, and social play.
Montessori Work Cycle
Hands-on, self-directed Montessori activities at learning centres — calm, focused, age-appropriate.
Lunch, Rest & Afternoon
Warm nutritious lunch, quiet rest time, then enrichment activities until pickup at 6:00 PM.
Three Ways Children Grow
Play is children's work — and we take it seriously. Every activity at Happy Feet is designed to build skills, confidence, and curiosity through three distinct types of play.
- Balance, climbing, jumping & trike riding
- Safe outdoor space with soft rubber flooring
- Gross motor development & body awareness
- Confidence through skill-building & small risks
- Teacher-prepared hands-on activities
- Circle time — songs, stories, group skills
- Arts & crafts for fine motor & focus
- Montessori activities like lacing & stamping
- Child-led exploration with open-ended toys
- Dramatic play areas that rotate weekly
- Nature art with found materials
- Process-focused creativity with no direction
Tried, Tested & Loved
Our Montessori-inspired curriculum is designed to develop the whole child — building language, numeracy, creativity, and independence through age-appropriate, hands-on learning.
Language & Literacy
- Letter recognition, phonics & storytelling
- Vocabulary through songs, books & conversation
- Pre-writing & fine motor work for pencil control
- Bilingual songs & cultural storytelling
Math & Logic
- Counting, sorting & pattern recognition
- Exploring size, shape & numbers through play
- Early problem-solving woven into daily routines
- Montessori math manipulatives & bead chains
Art & Creativity
- Drawing, painting & crafting for exploration
- Music, movement & sensory projects
- Open-ended art that nurtures imagination
- Seasonal crafts tied to weekly themes
Fresh, Healthy Meals — Every Day
We believe good nutrition is the foundation of great learning. Every meal at Happy Feet is carefully planned to be balanced, colourful, and genuinely delicious — because children eat best when food is real, warm, and made with care.
Our menu rotates weekly and accommodates all common dietary requirements and allergies. From morning snack to afternoon snack, every bite is intentional.
The Values That Guide Everything
Every activity, every conversation, every meal — guided by six core beliefs about how children grow best.
Nurturing Care
Every child feels safe, seen, and celebrated — like a member of our family.
Curious Minds
We follow each child's natural curiosity — never rushing, always encouraging.
Community First
Diversity makes us stronger — all families are welcomed with open arms.
Safety Always
Licensed, CPR-certified, background-checked — safety is never compromised.
Excellence Always
We hold ourselves to the highest standard — in curriculum, care, and communication.
Family Partnership
We see parents as partners. Open communication and transparency in everything.
Licensed, Certified & Trusted
State Licensed
Fully licensed CA childcare facility, inspected & compliant
CPR Certified
All staff CPR & First Aid certified, re-trained regularly
Montessori Trained
Teachers trained in authentic Montessori methodology
Background Checked
Every staff member passes comprehensive background screening