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DOLORES WAY
Ages Served
18 months–5 years
Location & Contact
350 Dolores Way
South San Francisco, CA 94080
650.663.4646
Program Hours
Monday - Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Why Families Choose Dolores Way
Dolores Way offers a calm, structured early learning environment designed to support young children during one of the most important periods of brain development.
During the first five years of life, children build the foundations for executive function skills such as focus, working memory, self-regulation, and flexible thinking. At Dolores Way, daily experiences are intentionally designed to strengthen these skills through play, exploration, and meaningful routines.
Children participate in a balanced day that includes hands-on learning, collaborative activities, outdoor exploration, and opportunities for rest and reflection. Educators guide children through experiences that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and growing independence.
The preschool campus includes open outdoor lawn space that supports movement, imaginative play, and social interaction. Time outdoors is integrated throughout the day as part of the learning rhythm.
Snacks are provided daily, while lunch is packed from home to support individual preferences and family routines.
Families who value thoughtful structure, intentional learning, and a supportive environment for early brain development often find Dolores Way to be a strong fit.
Programs Offered at Dolores Way
Daily Rhythm
Each day follows a consistent, thoughtfully designed rhythm that supports how young children learn best, balancing focused learning, movement, and rest. Predictable routines help build focus, self-regulation, and confidence throughout the day.
Schedules may vary slightly based on age, group needs, weather, and ongoing classroom experiences.
7:00 – 9:00 AM | Arrival & Connection
Children are welcomed into a calm, predictable environment where they settle in, connect with educators, and begin their day.
9:00 – 10:30 AM | Morning Guided Learning & Exploration
Structured, hands-on learning experiences build focus, language, and problem-solving through small-group instruction and independent, skill-based work. Collaborative activities are also woven in to encourage curiosity, communication, and deeper thinking, with a mid-morning snack integrated into the routine.
10:30 – 11:15 AM | Outdoor Play & Movement
Time outdoors supports physical development, social interaction, and the regulation needed for sustained learning.
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Lunch & Social Connection
Children share a meal together while building independence, communication, and daily life skills.
12:00 – 2:30 PM | Rest & Reset
A consistent, quiet rest period supports emotional regulation, energy recovery, and overall well-being.
2:30 – 4:00 PM | Afternoon Guided Learning & Exploration
Children re-engage in focused learning through a balance of independent work, guided instruction, and collaborative experiences. Educators support critical thinking, creativity, and social learning as ideas are explored together, followed by a structured afternoon snack.
4:00 – 4:45 PM | Outdoor Play & Movement
Additional outdoor time provides movement, fresh air, and continued social development.
4:45 – 6:00 PM | Flexible Pickup & Wind-Down
The day ends in a calm, supported environment with quiet activities that help children transition smoothly from school to home.
Outdoor Exploration
Outdoor experiences play an important role in supporting children’s development.
Children spend time outdoors each day exploring, moving, and engaging with the environment. Outdoor play supports coordination, confidence, and social learning while providing space for children to test ideas and collaborate with peers.
The outdoor environment at Dolores Way includes open lawn areas that encourage running, games, imaginative play, and group activities. These experiences complement classroom learning and help children regulate energy and attention throughout the day.
Meals & Snacks
Nutrition supports both learning and brain development.
Meals and snacks provide opportunities for conversation, social learning, and independence. Children practice serving themselves, communicating with peers, and participating in shared routines.
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Morning Snack | Provided by Strata Learning
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Lunch | Packed from home
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Afternoon Snack | Provided by Strata Learning
Family Events
Families are an important part of the Strata Learning community.
Throughout the year, families are invited to participate in events that celebrate learning and strengthen relationships between children, educators, and families.
These gatherings offer opportunities to connect with the classroom experience and build community with other families.
Schedules & Tuition
FULL DAY | 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Jr. Preschool | $1,775/month
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Sr. Preschool | $1,535/month
EXTENDED CARE
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7:00-7:30 AM | $100/month
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5:30-6:00 PM | $100/month
Availability varies by schedule and age group.
Part-time and flexible schedule options are also available. For information on additional fees, discounts, and tuition subsidies for eligible families, view the complete 2026–2027 Tuition & Fee Schedule.
Meet Our Educators
Meet the educators who guide learning, build relationships, and support children’s growth at Dolores Way.
Shelley
Center Director
Shelley has been working in Early Childhood Education for over 22 years and has been a director for the last 17. She joined Happy Hall in 2014 and is really enjoying being part of a neighborhood school that has such a strong community. She received her B.A. and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Santa Clara University. She has also taken some Early Childhood Education classes from different community colleges in the bay area. In her free time Shelley enjoys taking day trips with her husband and twins as well as watching movies, camping and playing with her dogs.
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Eunice
Teacher
Coming Soon! --
Kathleen
Lead Teacher
Kathleen has been a dedicated member of the TTT team since 2013, demonstrating her commitment and passion for early childhood education through her varied roles within the organization. Initially, Kathleen balanced her time between the South San Francisco preschool site in the mornings and the Sunset Ridge location in the afternoons until 2015. Her dedication and hard work led to a full-time position at Sunset Ridge, where she continues to contribute her skills and knowledge to the development and growth of young learners. Her educational journey includes comprehensive coursework at Skyline College, where Kathleen has accrued 26 units in Early Childhood Education. This academic pursuit complements her Associate of Science degree in Health Science, illustrating her broad interest in both education and health, and how these fields intersect to support the holistic development of children. Outside of her professional endeavors, Kathleen finds joy and relaxation in spending quality time with her family. Her hobbies include bowling, hiking, sightseeing, and visiting museums, activities that not only offer her personal fulfillment but also inspire her creativity and teaching practices. These interests allow Kathleen to bring a rich variety of experiences and insights into her classroom, benefiting her students in numerous ways. Kathleen is also CPR and First Aid Certified, ensuring she is well-equipped to provide a safe and caring environment for all children under her care. Her qualifications, experience, and personal interests make her a well-rounded educator who is deeply committed to the well-being and education of the children she teaches.
Kylie
Teacher
Coming Soon! --
Monica
Lead Teacher
Monica holds a B.S. in Human Development with a concentration in Child Development from Cal State East Bay, as well as an A.S. in Allied Health from Skyline College. She gained valuable experience as an Early Learning Tutor, where she provided additional support to students preparing for kindergarten. In this role, Monica led small groups focused on alphabet knowledge, phonemic awareness, numbers, and language comprehension through interactive games and activities. She also planned lessons that reflected the children’s interests and abilities, ensuring engaging and meaningful learning experiences. As a full-time tutor, Monica had the opportunity to stay with the children throughout the day, participating in daily routines, play, and conversations. This allowed her to build strong, trusting relationships with her students, which she believes are essential for their growth and confidence. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating safe, welcoming environments where children feel comfortable exploring their surroundings, developing new skills, and discovering their unique strengths. In her free time, Monica enjoys spending time with her two Westies, taking them on adventures to new places. She is also passionate about arts and crafts, including painting, sticker-making, and sewing.
Mahia
Teacher
Coming Soon! --
Alyssa
Teacher
Alyssa graduated from high school in 2021 and is currently enrolled at Skyline College, taking Early Childhood Education classes while working towards her Associate’s degree in Art History. She plans to transfer to a four-year institution, hopefully a state college. Alyssa has previous work experience as a Sales Associate at Hot Topic and spent about 2 ½ years working at Temporary Tot Tending before it was acquired by Happy Hall. She has developed leadership, public speaking, and community skills. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys drawing, watching YouTube and anime, engaging in theatre, solving puzzles, and listening to music.
Marie
Teacher
Coming Soon! --
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