PROGRAMS
Learning Across Ages
Strata Learning Collective offers programs for children from infancy through adolescence.
Across all programs, learning is guided by curiosity, collaboration, and intentional teaching. Experiences are designed to support children as they build understanding over time, develop confidence, and engage meaningfully with others.
​
Programs differ by age and context, but they share a consistent approach to learning, relationships, and care.
STRATA EARLY LEARNING
Early Learning
Programs for 4 months to 5 years​
Strata’s Early Learning programs support children during their most rapid period of growth and development. Learning is designed to build over time, with environments, materials, and teaching practices aligned to how children develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally.
​
Rather than focusing on isolated skills or early academics alone, our approach emphasizes the development of executive function. These foundational skills support attention, flexibility, problem-solving, and self-regulation, and play a critical role in learning readiness and long-term success.
​
Early Learning educators use research-informed observation and reflection tools to better understand how children engage, persist, and grow over time. These tools support intentional planning and help families see patterns in learning, while keeping experiences grounded in exploration and relationships.
​
Educational Influences in Early Learning
Strata’s Early Learning approach is informed by well-established educational philosophies, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and movement-based learning.
​
From Montessori, we draw the importance of purposeful materials, independence, and focused work that allows children to build confidence and persistence. From Reggio Emilia, we take inspiration from inquiry, collaboration, and the belief that children construct understanding through relationships, dialogue, and shared exploration. Movement-based learning supports attention, self-regulation, and whole-child development by recognizing the close connection between physical activity, emotional regulation, and cognitive growth.
​
These influences help shape environments where children can think deeply, adapt to challenges, and engage meaningfully with their learning, without limiting them to a single model or methodology.
​​​Learning Across Early Development
While classroom groupings and offerings vary by location, Early Learning environments share a consistent focus on curiosity-driven exploration, meaningful hands-on experiences, collaboration, communication, and persistence over time.
​
Educators observe closely and design experiences that extend children’s thinking as they grow. Learning unfolds through projects, play, and shared inquiry, allowing children to revisit ideas, test assumptions, and build understanding over time.
​
Because children grow and learn differently at each stage, educators adjust environments, materials, and levels of support to reflect developmental needs while honoring children’s agency, curiosity, and independence.
Early Learning supports children across these developmental stages:
Infants (4 - 12 months)
Infants learn through relationships, sensory experiences, and movement. Educators build trust through consistent, responsive care and careful observation of each child’s cues and rhythms. Environments support early communication, curiosity, and physical development through safe, engaging materials and meaningful interactions.
​
Focus areas include:
-
Secure attachment and trust
-
Sensory exploration
-
Early motor development
​​Preschool (3 - 4 years)
Children explore ideas through conversation, projects, and creative expression. Educators support collaboration and guide children as they plan, test ideas, and reflect on their learning. Environments evolve based on children’s interests, questions, and progress, allowing learning to deepen over time.
​
Focus areas include:
-
Collaboration and communication
-
Creative expression
-
Reasoning and representation
Toddlers (12 - 24 months)
Toddlers develop independence, language, and mobility rapidly. Educators support exploration and choice within a predictable environment, helping children navigate early social interactions. Routines and materials invite movement, communication, and emerging autonomy while supporting emotional regulation.
​
Focus areas include:
-
Language development
-
Social awareness and interaction
-
Emerging independence
Pre-K (4 - 5 years)
Children strengthen independence, self-regulation, and confidence as they prepare for kindergarten. Educators support children in revisiting ideas, working through challenges, and persisting with complex tasks. Learning experiences emphasize reflection, problem-solving, and readiness for school routines.
​
Focus areas include:
-
Self-regulation and independence
-
Problem-solving and flexibility
-
Readiness for group and school routines
Early Preschool (2 - 3 years)
Children begin engaging in longer periods of play and early collaboration. Educators introduce materials and experiences that encourage problem-solving, communication, and shared exploration. Learning environments balance structure and flexibility to support growing independence and sustained attention.
​
Focus areas include:
-
Early collaboration
-
Symbolic and imaginative play
-
Sustained attention and persistence
TK vs. Pre-K: Frequently Asked Questions
​
Explore Locations:​
-
Santa Inez | 4 months+ | San Bruno
-
Dolores Way | 18 months+ | SSF
-
Ortega | 2 years+ | Pacifica​​
STRATA AFTER SCHOOL
Before & After School
Grades TK–8
​
Strata’s Before and After-School programs provide a balance of structure, exploration, and choice. Time outside the school day is designed to support transitions, foster connection, and give children space to engage meaningfully with peers, materials, and ideas.
Programs are responsive to children’s energy levels and developmental needs, while maintaining consistent expectations and supportive routines.
Before School
Grades TK–5
Mornings at Strata support a steady, confident start to the school day.
​
The before school program offers a predictable environment where children reconnect with familiar adults and settle into the morning routine.
​
Children engage in quiet and lightly energizing activities such as reading, puzzles, open-ended materials, and gentle movement. Educators support transitions, encourage independence, and help children organize themselves for the school day ahead.
​
This time is intentionally structured to support focus, regulation, and readiness.
After School
Grades TK–8
Afternoons at Strata provide time to recharge, connect, and continue learning.
The after school program balances structure and choice, allowing children to transition out of the school day while staying engaged in meaningful experiences.
​
Children participate in creative projects, collaborative games, outdoor play, and quiet activities based on interest and energy level. Homework support is available alongside opportunities for social interaction and skill-building.
​
Educators support time management, peer relationships, responsibility, and independence as learning continues through exploration and collaboration.
Explore Locations:​
-
Millbrae Locations: Green Hills, Lomita Park, Meadows, Spring Valley, Taylor Middle (After School Only)
-
Pacifica: Ortega, Sunset Ridge​​
STRATA CAMPS
Camp Strata
Camp Strata extends Strata’s learning approach into full-day experiences designed for exploration, collaboration, and growth. Camps provide children and adolescents with the time and space to dive deeply into interests, work with peers across age groups, and experience learning in new contexts.
​
Across all camp offerings, experiences balance structure, choice, and play in ways that feel purposeful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate.
School-Year Camps
Grades TK–8
Offered during Winter and Spring breaks, Camp Strata school-year camps provide full-day care and programming while school is out.
​
Each session is built around a central theme and includes hands-on projects, creative expression, movement, and collaborative games. Activities are designed to keep children engaged while supporting social connection and skill-building in a familiar environment.
​
School-year camps offer continuity for families and give children a structured, enjoyable way to stay connected and engaged during school breaks.
Summer Camps
Entering Grades TK-12
Camp Strata summer camps offer immersive, full-day experiences that take advantage of extended time together.
The program features themed camps that emphasize curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and independence. Campers engage in a wide range of activities, including science exploration, design projects, movement, and group challenges.
Many campers return year after year, with older students stepping into leadership roles that support responsibility, confidence, and community. Extended sessions allow for deeper collaboration, skill development, and sustained engagement.
Expanded Learning Camps
Expanded Learning Camps are part of the Millbrae School District’s Expanded Learning offerings and are designed to support students during school breaks and summer programming.
​
These camps operate in partnership with the district and differ from Strata programs and Camp Strata in schedule, structure, and eligibility.
School-Year (Millbrae Students)​
Expanded Learning school-year camps are offered at each Millbrae Elementary School site during designated school breaks.
Students attending Taylor Middle School may participate in the Teen Leader in Training program and attend any of the four school-year camp locations. The Green Hills site is within walking distance of Taylor Middle School.
​
Enrollment information for school-year Expanded Learning camps is shared directly with Millbrae families.
​
Summer Camp (Millbrae Students)​
A part-day Expanded Learning summer camp is available for students attending summer school. Camp locations are determined by the school district.
​
Eligibility is determined by the school, and families are contacted directly if their child qualifies to participate.