Stephanie's Family Child Care & Preschool
LIC #566214429
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see our page "Current Openings" for a list of current and upcoming openings.
Please go to our "Get Started" page and fill out the form.
Tours are typically scheduled M & T at 6:15 PM.
We do not offer part-time or drop-in care.
Our program is thoughtfully designed to serve families in need of full-time Child Care & Preschool. With limited availability—especially for infants—our priority is to ensure that families seeking full-time care have access to a secure and nurturing environment for their child.
We understand that child care options can be challenging to find, and we want to support families who need consistent, reliable care. In our experience, children in full-time care thrive, forming strong bonds with caregivers and benefiting from the stability of a structured program.
We appreciate your understanding and encourage families in need of full-time care to reach out!
We do not offer a gradual start to our program.
From our many years of experience in Early Childhood Education, we’ve found that children who attend daily transition more smoothly, quickly building bonds with teachers and peers while becoming comfortable with our routines. This consistency helps them feel safe, cared for, and excited about the new experiences we offer.
A gradual or part-time start can make the adjustment period longer and more challenging for children. To support their well-being and ensure a positive experience, we encourage a consistent schedule from the very beginning.
Our program serves Breakfast, Lunch, and an Afternoon Snack at no additional charge. All meals and snacks follow the Ventura Child Care Food Program requirements for a balanced healthy diet.
Our staff includes me, the Teacher/Director, and two (2) Preschool Assistants. The staff-to-child ratio in the Morning during our most active hours is 1:4. This is above the minimum licensing requirements and allows us to deliver a quality program while meeting the children's individual needs. In the afternoon our ratio drops to 1:6 for nap time and the end of our day.
Our Dogs, Piper & Tallulah, Are Safe, Loving, and Well-Trained Around Children
Piper and Tallulah have been around children since they were just 4 weeks old, first handled by our breeder's grandchildren of various ages. They were specifically chosen for our home and program based on their gentle temperament and were raised using Puppy Culture, a proven socialization and training method.
We chose Labrador Retrievers because they are known for their loving nature and ability to bond with children of all ages. Piper and Tallulah are fantastic with the children in our program and spend time with them throughout the day—except during meal times.
We always ensure that interactions between the children and our dogs are safe, positive, and supervised. Children are taught how to interact respectfully with animals, and our dogs continue their training as they grow. Their presence adds to the warm, nurturing environment we strive to create!
Our program is structured for children who still take regular naps as part of their daily routine. We do not offer alternative activities during nap time, as this is a quiet and restful period for all children in our care.
If your child no longer naps, they may be better suited to a program that can provide the level of activity and engagement they need during this time. You can find more details about our Nap Time policy under "Our Program."
California Community Care Licensing (CCLD) Title 22 regulations require that all children in child care be up to date on their regular immunizations. Proof of vaccination is required for enrollment.
We focus on building self-help skills with all children, as these are the foundation for successful potty training. Rather than rushing the process, we observe each child for signs of readiness and a genuine interest in using the potty.
When a child shows curiosity and motivation, we provide opportunities and gentle encouragement. In my professional experience, children who are truly ready will naturally transition to using the potty with ease. For those who aren’t quite ready, pushing the process too soon can lead to frustration, power struggles, and frequent accidents—challenges that can be avoided by simply following your child’s lead.
Our goal is to make potty training a positive and stress-free experience for both children and parents!
Yes, we are currently enrolled as a provider with the following programs:
Child Development Resources (CDR)
Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN)
Many programs only pay a portion of tuition/fees. Parents are financially responsible for fees/tuition not covered by the subsidy.
If you are receiving financial assistance from a program not listed above, please reach out as our program may be able to accommodate your subsidy.
All Children are welcome in our program. Our responsibility is to provide a safe learning environment for all children in care. We strive to meet each child's individual needs every day. Each potential enrollment is evaluated before moving forward. This is to ensure that we can meet the needs of your child and all the children in care with the current staffing experience and program provided. If you are concerned about your child's development please go to our "Early Intervention" page for a list of resources in Ventura County. Although I have experience working with children who have special needs, my program is Not Designed for Early Intervention.