Michelle's Wonderschool

Our Teachers

Michelle Vines - Director

Hello! I am Michelle, the founder of Michelle’s Wonderschool. I was inspired to start my own program because I am passionate about helping families and serving my community. I have 6 years of experience working with young children. I taught in child care centers growing up and worked as a Caregiver for senior citizens and adults with Alzheimer’s for 9 years.

I always wanted to own my own business and had been caring for my own and family members’ children for many years. It was my family who encouraged me to finally open my own program.

I am originally from San Francisco. I have two children of my own and am proud to have raised them as a single mother. I am also excited to be a grandmother now.

Philosophy

At Michelle’s Wonderschool, we believe that children grow, learn, and thrive by feeling safe, loved, and nurtured. It is our goal to provide an environment that makes children feel welcomed and at home. In our program, children will feel supported as they engage with new ideas and learnings.

Our program follows a play-based philosophy. We believe children learn social, cognitive, and emotional skills by exploring new experiences. Our environment is responsive to the children in our care, and allows children’s own interests to help facilitate their learning and engagement.

Location

Michelle’s Wonderschool is located in a welcoming, bright townhouse in the Park Merced neighborhood.

We’ve designed our care environment with play and learning areas that allow children to explore various developmentally-appropriate activities based on their interests. Some of our favorite areas include music and movement area (for physical activity and cultural learning), reading / cozy area (for literacy, relaxation, and respite), and art area (for expressing emotions and ideas).

Children will have some outdoor time every day. We have a private outdoor space that’s great for play, especially on hot days. Children can cultivate and harvest their own vegetables in our outdoor garden. We will also visit a few child-friendly parks located just blocks away. Connecting with nature is vital to a child’s happiness and growth.

At Michelle’s Wonderschool, we want to provide an enriching environment where children feel free to explore and play.

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About our program

Our goal is for every child to reach their full potential through learning, playing, and having fun. We will also help prepare them for kindergarten by practicing fine motor skills like learning to write.

We value health and nutrition in our program. Children will have the opportunity get their hands dirty and learn about nutrition and wellness firsthand in our outdoor veggie garden.

Open communication is key: we record each child’s daily progress to share with parents and always keep our door open to questions or feedback from parents as well.

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Admissions

Join the Michelle’s Wonderschool community in four easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Tour our program

Come see what makes Michelle’s Wonderschool unique. Please schedule a tour or attend an Open House event.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application at www.wonderschool.com/michelle-s-wonderschool-2190/apply – Please note that we require tours for all prospective families. Please do not submit an application if you have not visited the program.

4. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation you’ll pay your enrollment fee, fill out enrollment documents and review our Parent Handbook.