Stephanie's Family Child Care & Preschool
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.
No, we only offer full-time care. Our program is designed to provide children with the consistency and routine they need to thrive, while ensuring families have support every day, all day. Children benefit from the stability of being in the same environment, building strong relationships with caregivers, and following a predictable routine that helps them feel secure.
We do not offer a gradual start. From our experience, children adjust best when they attend daily, allowing them to bond quickly with teachers and peers and become comfortable with routines. A consistent full-time schedule helps them feel secure and makes the transition smoother for everyone.
Yes, we serve breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack at no extra cost. All meals follow the Ventura Child Care Food Program guidelines to ensure a healthy, balanced diet for every child.
Our team includes me as the Teacher/Director and two Preschool Assistants. In the mornings during our most active hours, our ratio is 1:4—well above licensing requirements. In the afternoons, the ratio shifts to 1:6 for nap time and the close of the day. This ensures children always receive individual attention and quality care.
Yes! Our Labrador Retrievers, Piper and Tallulah, are safe, gentle, and well-trained around children. They were raised with kids from a young age and chosen for their calm temperament. The dogs spend time with the children each day—except during meals—and all interactions are supervised. Children also learn how to interact respectfully with animals, which helps create a safe and nurturing environment for everyone.
Our program is designed for children who still benefit from a daily nap. We do not offer alternative activities during this quiet time, as it’s important for all children to rest. If your child no longer naps, they may be better suited to a program that provides active engagement during the afternoon.
Yes. California Community Care Licensing (Title 22) requires all children in child care to be up to date on their immunizations. Proof of vaccination is required at enrollment.
Yes, we support potty training when your child is ready. Our approach is focused on waiting for signs of readiness, such as curiosity and motivation, rather than rushing the process. When children are ready, we provide gentle guidance, encouragement, and consistency to help them succeed with confidence. We also work closely with families to keep the approach aligned at home and school.
In our experience, starting too early can lead to setbacks such as frustration, power struggles, and frequent accidents. Waiting until your child is truly ready makes the process smoother and more positive 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.
Yes, all children are welcome in our program. Our first responsibility is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for every child in care. Each potential enrollment is thoughtfully reviewed to be sure we can meet your child’s needs, as well as the needs of the group, within the staffing and resources we provide.
While I have experience working with children who have special needs, our program is not designed as an Early Intervention program. If you are concerned about your child’s development, please see our Early Intervention page for local Ventura County resources.