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FAQs |
Please choose a section to learn more. If you still have questions, please reach out to [email protected] and we'll help you find the answers you need.
about little hands
Overview
When was Little Hands founded?
Little Hands began in 1975 when a handful of families attending Carlmont Parents Nursery School (CPNS) recognized the need for a preschool for younger siblings. Nancy Forbes, then a CPNS teacher, embraced the idea and founded Little Hands. Little Hands officially incorporated in 1978 and began operating out of its current location. We rent space from, but are not affiliated with, the Church of the Good Shepherd.
In 1992, Little Hands opened a sister school in San Mateo, which was incorporated independently and renamed Little Wonders.
Little Hands also helped create Family Connections, a tuition-free parent participation preschool for low-income families. In 1998, Family Connections became independent; however, Little Hands continues to support the program.
Today, Little Hands serves more than 100 families throughout the Peninsula each year. We are also proud to have many parents in our program who attended Little Hands when they too were babies and toddlers.
Why choose a play-based program?
Little Hands began in 1975 when a handful of families attending Carlmont Parents Nursery School (CPNS) recognized the need for a preschool for younger siblings. Nancy Forbes, then a CPNS teacher, embraced the idea and founded Little Hands. Little Hands officially incorporated in 1978 and began operating out of its current location. We rent space from, but are not affiliated with, the Church of the Good Shepherd.
In 1992, Little Hands opened a sister school in San Mateo, which was incorporated independently and renamed Little Wonders.
Little Hands also helped create Family Connections, a tuition-free parent participation preschool for low-income families. In 1998, Family Connections became independent; however, Little Hands continues to support the program.
Today, Little Hands serves more than 100 families throughout the Peninsula each year. We are also proud to have many parents in our program who attended Little Hands when they too were babies and toddlers.
Why choose a play-based program?
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“Play – what we call ‘floortime,’ which is getting on the floor and being imaginative with your children – that is what teaches your child to be creative. It teaches them to think.” - Stanley Greenspan
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"... each time one prematurely teaches a child something he could have discovered for himself, that child is kept from inventing it and, consequently, from understanding it completely." - Jean Piaget
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Research shows that children learn by doing and through play. Little Hands emphasizes this type of play-based learning, by encouraging children to actively investigate different stations (water, gravel, paint, play dough, climbing structures, dress up, music) for themselves.
A child’s inborn curiosity guides them to choose activities that interest them. In the Little Hands class environment, children are allowed to discover things on their own, which enables them to understand them more completely.
What programs are Little Hands affiliated with?
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Little Hands is affiliated with the Sequoia District Adult Education, a state-supported organization offering adult education classes, including parenting education. It is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Little Hands is a licensed exempt program which operates within Sequoia Adult School.
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The San Mateo Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools (SMCPPNS) is a regional organization that helps provide information and support to parents and teachers of cooperative nursery schools in San Mateo County. The Council strives to promote the parent participation movement and to provide services and support for the 12 member schools and their families.
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The Accrediting Commission for Schools, The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), a world-renowned accrediting association and one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the United States, works closely with the Office of Overseas Schools under the U.S. Department of State. ACS WASC provides assistance to schools worldwide, primarily in California, Hawaii, Guam, Asia, the Pacific Region, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
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Teachers & Class Setup
What role do the teachers play?
Teachers welcome children and parents, facilitate the activities and interactions, model appropriate behavior for both children and parents, and lead the observing parent discussions. Finally, they close the class with music time.
What are Little Hands’ requirements for teachers?
Among child-related programs, Little Hands is one of the few schools that requires its teachers to have a 4-year degree and credential. All Little Hands teachers hold a California teaching credential, adult education credential, or a master's degree in a related field (e.g., child growth and development).
How is snack time organized?
Midway through class, the children wash their hands and meet in the classroom for a snack. Snack is brought by a parent as her/his supervising duty for the day. In most classes, supervising and observing parents take turns going to the kitchen for a snack. Snack responsibility rotates, like all supervising parent stations. You usually have this job twice during the year.
What happens if it rains?
When it rains, teachers will generally offer more indoor activities to keep the kids busy. The back classroom has an awning over part of the outdoor play area, and teachers in that classroom can fence off the covered area to allow for some outdoor play.
The class interferes with my child's (current) nap time. What can I do?
We have arrived at this schedule after years of trying different class times for different ages. While it may not be perfect for all the children, we have found that most do adjust quite well. We suggest you try a few classes to see if your child can adjust to the class time. Keep in mind that your child's nap time may shift substantially between spring registration and the beginning of classes in the fall.
Teachers welcome children and parents, facilitate the activities and interactions, model appropriate behavior for both children and parents, and lead the observing parent discussions. Finally, they close the class with music time.
What are Little Hands’ requirements for teachers?
Among child-related programs, Little Hands is one of the few schools that requires its teachers to have a 4-year degree and credential. All Little Hands teachers hold a California teaching credential, adult education credential, or a master's degree in a related field (e.g., child growth and development).
How is snack time organized?
Midway through class, the children wash their hands and meet in the classroom for a snack. Snack is brought by a parent as her/his supervising duty for the day. In most classes, supervising and observing parents take turns going to the kitchen for a snack. Snack responsibility rotates, like all supervising parent stations. You usually have this job twice during the year.
What happens if it rains?
When it rains, teachers will generally offer more indoor activities to keep the kids busy. The back classroom has an awning over part of the outdoor play area, and teachers in that classroom can fence off the covered area to allow for some outdoor play.
The class interferes with my child's (current) nap time. What can I do?
We have arrived at this schedule after years of trying different class times for different ages. While it may not be perfect for all the children, we have found that most do adjust quite well. We suggest you try a few classes to see if your child can adjust to the class time. Keep in mind that your child's nap time may shift substantially between spring registration and the beginning of classes in the fall.
Parents' Roles in the Class
What are examples of supervising parent stations?
While at school during class, every other week you will be supervising a station. Stations include play areas with playdough, blocks, music, sandbox, patio area, art project, climber, loft, playhouse, snack, and so forth.
What are examples of observing parents' observation and discussion topics?
Every other class you will be an observing parent. Each time you will focus on a different topic. The first half of class is spent observing your child, and the second half you meet with the teacher and fellow observing parents for a discussion. Topics include: ages and stages of development, eating or sleeping patterns, limit setting and discipline.
Can I follow my child and/or can s/he stay with me as I work?
As an observing parent you will usually be observing your child. At discussion time, children are welcome to sit down and do a quiet activity near you, but encouraged to play outside or in the other rooms, if appropriate. While supervising a station, you must remain at your station. Your child is welcome to stay with you.
While at school during class, every other week you will be supervising a station. Stations include play areas with playdough, blocks, music, sandbox, patio area, art project, climber, loft, playhouse, snack, and so forth.
What are examples of observing parents' observation and discussion topics?
Every other class you will be an observing parent. Each time you will focus on a different topic. The first half of class is spent observing your child, and the second half you meet with the teacher and fellow observing parents for a discussion. Topics include: ages and stages of development, eating or sleeping patterns, limit setting and discipline.
Can I follow my child and/or can s/he stay with me as I work?
As an observing parent you will usually be observing your child. At discussion time, children are welcome to sit down and do a quiet activity near you, but encouraged to play outside or in the other rooms, if appropriate. While supervising a station, you must remain at your station. Your child is welcome to stay with you.
Absences, Visitors & Siblings
What if one of us is sick and we miss a class?
You are welcome (and encouraged) to make it up in another class (up to three per year). Please call the teacher to let her know you would like to do a make-up so she can plan accordingly. Attend the make-up class with the participating child only. Please no siblings. Remember the ages of the classes are as of September 1 of the current school year.
Longer absences due to the birth of another baby are frequently made up by another guardian or a grandparent.
Can other adults attend class with me or in my place?
You may bring an adult visitor to class with you, but please check with the teacher first. If the visitor is a prospective member of Little Hands, we ask that they schedule a regular visit through the Office Manager instead. On occasion, if you are ill or out of town, another adult may attend class in your place with your child. Since Little Hands is affiliated with the Sequoia Adult School as a parent education program, however, it is essential that a parent, grandparent or legal guardian be the primary attendee (participating parent).
I have another child. Can I bring him/her to class?
Very young babies that can be carried in front or back packs or asleep in a carrier (so that you can still do your supervising) are welcome in class. We ask that you make other arrangements when this no longer works. Your other (older) children are welcome to visit three times per year. An on-site nursery is available for families to use with their private caregiver. Families are encouraged to organize childcare opportunities with others in their class. For more information, contact [email protected].
You are welcome (and encouraged) to make it up in another class (up to three per year). Please call the teacher to let her know you would like to do a make-up so she can plan accordingly. Attend the make-up class with the participating child only. Please no siblings. Remember the ages of the classes are as of September 1 of the current school year.
Longer absences due to the birth of another baby are frequently made up by another guardian or a grandparent.
Can other adults attend class with me or in my place?
You may bring an adult visitor to class with you, but please check with the teacher first. If the visitor is a prospective member of Little Hands, we ask that they schedule a regular visit through the Office Manager instead. On occasion, if you are ill or out of town, another adult may attend class in your place with your child. Since Little Hands is affiliated with the Sequoia Adult School as a parent education program, however, it is essential that a parent, grandparent or legal guardian be the primary attendee (participating parent).
I have another child. Can I bring him/her to class?
Very young babies that can be carried in front or back packs or asleep in a carrier (so that you can still do your supervising) are welcome in class. We ask that you make other arrangements when this no longer works. Your other (older) children are welcome to visit three times per year. An on-site nursery is available for families to use with their private caregiver. Families are encouraged to organize childcare opportunities with others in their class. For more information, contact [email protected].
co-op requirements & structure
What is a co-op school?
A co-op school is a non-profit organization where parents play an active role and have a shared voice in how the school is run. While the Director and Teachers are responsible for curriculum and education, parents contribute in various ways to help run and maintain the school. Parents also have the opportunity to work together with the children in the classroom and create a parenting team with fellow families. This creates a strong sense of community, support, and friendship, and a rich environment for parents and children to learn together.
What is the Sequoia Adult School (SAS)?
Sequoia District Adult School is state-supported and offers adult education classes, including vocational training, computers, and parent education. Little Hands is one of seven parent education/parent participation programs which operate in affiliation with SAS. Although we no longer receive funding from SAS, our affiliation with SAS requires that Little Hands' parents (students) complete a certain number of parent education hours within the scope of our program.
How do the students fulfill their parent education hour requirements?
The parent education requirements are fulfilled by attending three required night classes plus weekly classes with the children. The required night classes include an orientation and two night classes with your own class. Our Parenting Together events also fulfill the requirement and can be attended to make up any missed required night classes. Please arrange class makeups with your Little Hands teacher.
What are examples of Co-Op Contribution tasks, and how much time should I expect to spend during the year?
Little Hands is a parent-child co-operative where everyone has an opportunity to learn and grow together. We understand our families are working hard to recover from a rough few years, so we are pleased to offer newly reduced co-op requirements. We hope you'll find that as you participate and get involved, you not only help your classmates and your school, but you'll also have a more rewarding experience. Each family that joins Little Hands will be part of a co-op contribution team. Each team works together to help support different aspects of the school. The team works as a community, and each member contributes based on their unique skills and interests. With teams working together, we ask that each family contribute about 8-10 hours throughout the year. Co-op Contribution Teams include:
Families will work with the board representative for their team to learn about opportunities to help around the school.
A job buyout program is also available. See below.
How does the job buyout program work?
Parents may request a buyout of their co-op contribution hours. To request a buyout, please reach out to our jobs board member [email protected]. A limited number of buyouts will be granted each year (based on enrollment and need). (Note: Buyouts do NOT include required night classes. )
What fundraising participation is required or requested?
Little Hands holds fundraising events throughout the year. While fundraising is not required, we strongly encourage each family to help in this area. Fundraising is what keeps our non-profit co-op going. We use these funds to make significant improvements to the school. In the past we have used our fundraising money to remodel the bathrooms, install the trough sink, remodel the art room, and install new vinyl and carpet in the music and playdough rooms.
A co-op school is a non-profit organization where parents play an active role and have a shared voice in how the school is run. While the Director and Teachers are responsible for curriculum and education, parents contribute in various ways to help run and maintain the school. Parents also have the opportunity to work together with the children in the classroom and create a parenting team with fellow families. This creates a strong sense of community, support, and friendship, and a rich environment for parents and children to learn together.
What is the Sequoia Adult School (SAS)?
Sequoia District Adult School is state-supported and offers adult education classes, including vocational training, computers, and parent education. Little Hands is one of seven parent education/parent participation programs which operate in affiliation with SAS. Although we no longer receive funding from SAS, our affiliation with SAS requires that Little Hands' parents (students) complete a certain number of parent education hours within the scope of our program.
How do the students fulfill their parent education hour requirements?
The parent education requirements are fulfilled by attending three required night classes plus weekly classes with the children. The required night classes include an orientation and two night classes with your own class. Our Parenting Together events also fulfill the requirement and can be attended to make up any missed required night classes. Please arrange class makeups with your Little Hands teacher.
What are examples of Co-Op Contribution tasks, and how much time should I expect to spend during the year?
Little Hands is a parent-child co-operative where everyone has an opportunity to learn and grow together. We understand our families are working hard to recover from a rough few years, so we are pleased to offer newly reduced co-op requirements. We hope you'll find that as you participate and get involved, you not only help your classmates and your school, but you'll also have a more rewarding experience. Each family that joins Little Hands will be part of a co-op contribution team. Each team works together to help support different aspects of the school. The team works as a community, and each member contributes based on their unique skills and interests. With teams working together, we ask that each family contribute about 8-10 hours throughout the year. Co-op Contribution Teams include:
- Facilities Team - Help with school grounds, including small projects, cleaning, plant maintenance, and other grounds work.
- Spirit Team - Help with on-site events (Ice Cream Social, Halloween Party and Sweetheart Breakfast), helps post flyers, takes photos, create connection within the classroom.
- Admin Team - Helps with office projects, tech and website, supports staff and director, creates graphics and flyers, makes playdough for curriculum, reaches out to past donors for support.
Families will work with the board representative for their team to learn about opportunities to help around the school.
A job buyout program is also available. See below.
How does the job buyout program work?
Parents may request a buyout of their co-op contribution hours. To request a buyout, please reach out to our jobs board member [email protected]. A limited number of buyouts will be granted each year (based on enrollment and need). (Note: Buyouts do NOT include required night classes. )
What fundraising participation is required or requested?
Little Hands holds fundraising events throughout the year. While fundraising is not required, we strongly encourage each family to help in this area. Fundraising is what keeps our non-profit co-op going. We use these funds to make significant improvements to the school. In the past we have used our fundraising money to remodel the bathrooms, install the trough sink, remodel the art room, and install new vinyl and carpet in the music and playdough rooms.
CLASSES & registration
How many families can enroll?
Enrollment is limited to approximately 15 families per class, depending on the age range of the class. For more information about registering your child, please refer to the registration instructions page.
What’s the current availability?
For questions about availability in classes, please contact the registrar, [email protected].
How do I get more information about the school and schedule a visit?
Visit our Contact Us Page to sign up for a tour or email [email protected].
How does the registration and enrollment process work?
Little Hands processes all registrations online. To register, please visit the Classes & Registration pages for the individual session.
After completing the registration process, you will receive a confirmation via email, including the PDF file "Enrollment Kit" as an attachment. This file includes the health forms that must be completed prior to Orientation, as well as a copy of our school policies. Please keep copies of your completed health forms for your records.
Are scholarships available?
Little Hands offers limited financial aid. Requests are kept confidential. If you would like to request financial aid, please contact the registrar at the time of enrollment.
There's a chance we may need to drop our class. Can I get a refund?
We understand that families sometimes have to drop their Little Hands class due to conflicts or other commitments. Following is the Little Hands tuition reimbursement policy. Please read it carefully:
What classes are full? How does the waitlist work?
If you've missed registration, don't despair! Class availability varies periodically as families add, drop, and switch classes. Once you've reviewed the written information and visited the school, you and the registrar can discuss the class(es) that best meets your needs and current availability.
If the class you want is full, you will have the opportunity to join the waitlist at no cost during the online registration process. You may also register for one class and join the waitlist for a second class.
What if my child is a few weeks too old or too young for the class that I think is appropriate or convenient?
After years of experimentation, Little Hands has arrived at the specified age ranges and cut-off dates. We will consider slight age differences after classes commence, if space allows. This will be done on a case-by-case basis.
I never received any email from Little Hands. What should I do?
The Little Hands registration process is online, and most communication with families is via email. If you haven't received an expected email, please check your spam folder, which may have filtered out Little Hands communication. Additionally, try adding the email address [email protected] to your address book, and allowing all email originating from the domain "littlehands.org". If you cannot find the expected email, call us at 650-595-4830 or email the registrar at [email protected].
Enrollment is limited to approximately 15 families per class, depending on the age range of the class. For more information about registering your child, please refer to the registration instructions page.
What’s the current availability?
For questions about availability in classes, please contact the registrar, [email protected].
How do I get more information about the school and schedule a visit?
Visit our Contact Us Page to sign up for a tour or email [email protected].
How does the registration and enrollment process work?
Little Hands processes all registrations online. To register, please visit the Classes & Registration pages for the individual session.
- Fall Session enrollment includes a Registration fee, an Operations Fee and a Refundable Co-op Deposit (see enrollment page for current rates). For class tuition we offer two options; families may elect to pay full tuition at time of registration, or choose a Monthly Payment Plan.
- The Monthly Payment Plan option requires a credit card on file, and will charge the Non-Refundable Registration Fee and the last month's tuition at time of registration. The operations fee and refundable co-op deposit will be collected in August. Then, beginning on September 1, eight equal tuition payments will be charged to the card on file on the first of each month through April 1. If there is room in a class, and you enroll after September 1, the tuition will be automatically prorated based on the date of registration.
After completing the registration process, you will receive a confirmation via email, including the PDF file "Enrollment Kit" as an attachment. This file includes the health forms that must be completed prior to Orientation, as well as a copy of our school policies. Please keep copies of your completed health forms for your records.
Are scholarships available?
Little Hands offers limited financial aid. Requests are kept confidential. If you would like to request financial aid, please contact the registrar at the time of enrollment.
There's a chance we may need to drop our class. Can I get a refund?
We understand that families sometimes have to drop their Little Hands class due to conflicts or other commitments. Following is the Little Hands tuition reimbursement policy. Please read it carefully:
- Registration Fee - Please see enrollment pages for non-refundable registration fees.
- Drop Request - Families who decide to withdraw MUST submit a Drop Request by emailing your teacher, office manager, as well as the registrar with notice of your plans.
- Grace Period - Little Hands grants a grace period of four weeks following a family’s first day of class attendance, during which time the family may submit a Drop Request to withdraw from the class. If the last day of attendance is within the 4 week period, they will receive full reimbursement of the co-op deposit and the remainder of the prepaid tuition (excluding the May tuition).
- Operations Fee - Please see the enrollment pages for non-refundable operations fee.
- Co-op Deposit Refund for Dropped Families - If the family has sufficiently contributed to their team and attended all night classes that occurred during their time at Little Hands, the $275 co-op deposit will be refunded. Early withdrawal past the Grace Period from the Little Hands program does not impact this policy and the maintenance deposit will be forfeited regardless of departure date.
- Refund of Tuition - If you decide to leave Little Hands and you prepaid tuition, the remaining tuition will be refunded as of the 1st of month after your planned departure. For those on monthly payment plans, you will no longer be billed beginning the month after you stop attending. For instance, if you notify us on October 1st that you plan to leave Little Hands on November 15th, you will be refunded tuition from December 1st onward or will not be billed from December 1st onward. No refunds are provided for missed days (such as days absent, holidays, illness, vacations or school closure). Make-up options for absences are available and should be discussed with your teacher.
What classes are full? How does the waitlist work?
If you've missed registration, don't despair! Class availability varies periodically as families add, drop, and switch classes. Once you've reviewed the written information and visited the school, you and the registrar can discuss the class(es) that best meets your needs and current availability.
If the class you want is full, you will have the opportunity to join the waitlist at no cost during the online registration process. You may also register for one class and join the waitlist for a second class.
What if my child is a few weeks too old or too young for the class that I think is appropriate or convenient?
After years of experimentation, Little Hands has arrived at the specified age ranges and cut-off dates. We will consider slight age differences after classes commence, if space allows. This will be done on a case-by-case basis.
I never received any email from Little Hands. What should I do?
The Little Hands registration process is online, and most communication with families is via email. If you haven't received an expected email, please check your spam folder, which may have filtered out Little Hands communication. Additionally, try adding the email address [email protected] to your address book, and allowing all email originating from the domain "littlehands.org". If you cannot find the expected email, call us at 650-595-4830 or email the registrar at [email protected].
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
We are committed to ensuring the safety of our families and staff. We will continue to follow CDC, California Department of Public Health and San Mateo County Health Department directives as well as the recommendations and best practices established through the Department of Social Services, who guide licensing, California Council of Parent Participatory Nursery Schools and the San Mateo County Council of Parent Participation Schools.
How will your school handle COVID? What are your COVID policies?
We remained open throughout the past few years and have established protocols for safely running the school. We follow CDC, state, county, and district guidelines. Currently we ask adults who are supervising an inside station to be masked. We will continue to maximize the amount of time spent outdoors. Our class sizes will also remain on the smaller size for safety. All of our families will receive an updated COVID and general policy reminder and signoff before the start of school.
Will all parents and staff be vaccinated against COVID?
Our Little Hands population is definitely at strong herd immunity. We follow the California State guidelines for vaccination, so we won’t require the vaccine until the state requires the vaccine. We strongly encourage every adult to get vaccinated, and we will be collecting confidential vaccine status from each attending adult. Our goal is always to be vigilant and careful to protect each other and all the children.
If you have specific questions, please reach out to us and we are happy to further discuss our policies.
How will your school handle COVID? What are your COVID policies?
We remained open throughout the past few years and have established protocols for safely running the school. We follow CDC, state, county, and district guidelines. Currently we ask adults who are supervising an inside station to be masked. We will continue to maximize the amount of time spent outdoors. Our class sizes will also remain on the smaller size for safety. All of our families will receive an updated COVID and general policy reminder and signoff before the start of school.
Will all parents and staff be vaccinated against COVID?
Our Little Hands population is definitely at strong herd immunity. We follow the California State guidelines for vaccination, so we won’t require the vaccine until the state requires the vaccine. We strongly encourage every adult to get vaccinated, and we will be collecting confidential vaccine status from each attending adult. Our goal is always to be vigilant and careful to protect each other and all the children.
If you have specific questions, please reach out to us and we are happy to further discuss our policies.
