History: The center has been in operation since 1985, originally as an infant/toddler center. To better serve the community needs, we expanded in the early 90's by establishing the preschool and the toddler program. Karen Peterson, executive director, monitors all aspects of the center on a daily basis and can be reached through her on-site office.

Accreditation:  We are accredited through the NAEYC through July 31, 2011. By this, it means that the high quality of our Center has been validated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. 

Licensing: We are licensed through the California Department of Social Services for children between the ages of 2 months and 5 years old (Licenses #410509027, 410519042, and 414000515). The Center accepts all children regardless of race, religion, or national origin.

Operating Schedule: The Center is open year-round from 7:00AM to 6:00PM, Monday through Friday. We offer full-time (all day) and part-time (morning or afternoon) enrollments. The Center is closed on National Holidays, one week during summer and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Facilities: We have both naturally cooled and air-conditioned indoor play areas, a large outdoor play area for toddlers and preschoolers, and a separate outdoor play area for our infants. Full-service kitchen and laundry capabilities are contained within the facility.

Special Programs: Special enrichments to our basic programs include age-appropriate gymnastics and music programs, which are available without additional fees. We have a volunteer librarian one day a week. She comes to the Toddler & Preschool class to read stories, show finger plays, and sing songs. We have field trips and outdoor strolls (weather permitting) on a regular basis. Our multi-passenger infant/toddler strollers, high staffing, and parent involvement make these outings possible! Please see "Daily Program" for each age group for additional descriptions of our programs.

Parent Participation: Because the Center is non-profit and relies on tuition as its primary funding source, parent involvement is essential to the Center's success and ongoing improvements. All parents are automatically members of the Parent Advisory Board. At least one family member is required to attend the 4 parent meetings per year. Additionally, parent representatives from each program (infant, toddler, preschool) meet monthly with the director as the Parent Advisory Board Committee to set priorities, plan events and activities, and work on fundraising. All two parent families are required to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per year; 10 hours for single parents per year for Center activities in order to strengthen our programs.

Registration/Withdrawal: A $ 100 registration fee and one month tuition deposit are required at the time of registration. Withdrawal requires one month notice.

Affiliation: The Sequoia Children's Center is non-profit and non-sectarian. The facilities and programs are sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Redwood City as part of its community service ministry. There is no religious instruction at the Center.