Childcare
+ Montessori Preschool
Mandala offers
private-pay, as well as State-Subsidized, childcare for young children
in our program. Children are cared for in the nurturing home environment
of licensed family childcare homes and they are also given a preschool
experience in the Mandala classroom. We believe this arrangement offers
the best of both worlds to children in early childhood education.
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State Grant for Low-Income Childcare
In 1976, the State Department of Education awarded grants to programs
offering innovative childcare approaches. We received a grant that
we have retained and expanded, enabling us to give childcare and preschool
to low-income families for 26 years.
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How
Do Parents Find Childcare at Mandala?
Interested parents may call and speak with Jean
Buell, our Family Childcare Director. Jean has been with us
for over 25 years and she is very experienced in the childcare
field. She is in the Mandala office four days a week (T-F). Parents
may come in or call her at (408) 251-8633. Jean will work with you
to help you find what you need.
Mandala
Childcare Network
We have a network of 10-12 family childcare providers who are licensed
by Community Care Licensing and monitored by the State of California.
They enjoy affiliating with Mandala because of the extra support
and training they receive. They are part of our "Mandala community."
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Referral List
Parents who need childcare are given our Childcare Referral List,
and they may visit all our available homes. Mandala believes that
parents are the ones who are best able to choose and evaluate childcare
for their child. They know their own child, and they are able to choose
the environment that best suits their child's needs. |
Payment and Fees
All our childcare providers are independent contractors who re-contract
with us on a yearly basis. They set their own fees. Private-paying
parents pay their childcare provider directly. (They pay their preschool
tuition to the school separately.) Parents who qualify for our State
Subsidized Program have their childcare paid by Federal or State contracts
through Mandala. As determined by eligibility standards, they may
also be required to pay a small fee. |
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Admission Policy
At any time, families may call our Family Childcare Director and ask
about enrollment. If there are immediate openings in the State Subsidized
Program, our Director will ask parents about their eligibility and
she will tell them how to proceed. If there are no current openings,
parents may be put on our waiting list. When a slot opens, they will
be called to see if they meet the criteria and are still interested.
Note:
Siblings of enrolled children will be admitted first (they must
be at least two years old), if space becomes available.
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Eligibility Requirements
To receive State subsidized childcare services, families must meet
certain criteria:
Family is a public assistance recipient and in a training program
or looking for employment.
Family is income-eligible, as verified by their most recent pay
stub or letter from employer.
Family is homeless and parents are seeking permanent housing.
Family is referred by Child Protective Services.
A parent is medically or mentally unable to provide child care
for their child and this is verified by a legally qualified professional.
The child has a medical or psychiatric special need, including
children with exceptional needs, which cannot be met without provision
of services, verified by a legally qualified professional.
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Fees
Fees for childcare services are based on a sliding scale. They are
reviewed at least once a year. Fees are "family fees." If
another child is in care (and not covered by Mandala), then the fee
will be only the amount assessed, minus the amount paid for the other
child. Mandala must receive a monthly receipt from the other caregiver,
stating the amount paid.
It is the responsibility of parents receiving subsidized childcare
to inform Mandala of any changes in their income. Failure to notify
us is considered fraud. |
Choice of Childcare Provider
Families have a choice (if space is available) as to which licensed
childcare provider in the Mandala Childcare Network will care for
their children. Only childcare providers who have contracted with
Mandala Children's House are used. A parent may change childcare providers
within the network at any time, or when a space becomes available. |
Non-Discrimination Policy
Mandala Children's House provides equal access to public accommodations.
Applications for enrollment are acted upon without regard to race,
color, national origin, disabilities, or special needs. |
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| NOTE:
A Mandala referral does not imply a recommendation, and we urge parents
to carefully review and check references before leaving a child in
care. |
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