Toddler and 2s Programs at OFS San Rafael

Cristina Blouin, Program Director

The OFS 5th Ave. Spanish/English bilingual program for children aged 1 to 4 is rooted in the belief that early childhood bilingual education can be a powerful contributor for cognitive, social, and linguistic development. We harness young children's natural linguistic abilities, promoting bilingualism through immersive, play-based learning environments.

Children learn languages most effectively through interaction and meaningful contexts. By exposing them to both languages consistently, we foster a deep, intuitive grasp of each language. Our program leverages the brain's plasticity during these formative years, ensuring children acquire language skills and a lifelong appreciation for cultural diversity.

We integrate language learning into all daily activities, encouraging natural and confident use of both languages through stories, songs, games, and conversations. This approach nurtures bilingualism, critical thinking, creativity, and social skills.

Educators are crucial, serving as language models and cultural ambassadors. They create a nurturing environment that respects each child's learning pace and style, fostering positive emotional connections to both languages. This ensures children feel comfortable and motivated to explore and use them.

Family involvement is also essential. We engage parents through workshops and resources, guiding them to support their child's language development at home. This collaborative effort between educators and families creates a cohesive, enriching bilingual experience.

The OFS bilingual program prepares children for an interconnected and multilingual world. Future global communication will demand individuals who can navigate multiple languages. By fostering bilingualism early, we equip children with cognitive flexibility, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity needed in diverse settings. These early experiences lay the groundwork for advanced language proficiency and intercultural competence, essential in a globalized economy.

Research shows that bilingualism enhances problem-solving, multitasking, and creativity. These skills will be increasingly important as innovative thinking and adaptability become critical. By nurturing these abilities, the OFS bilingual program ensures children are prepared to tackle complex future challenges.

In summary, the OFS bilingual program cultivates bilingual proficiency and cultural awareness from an early age. Our commitment to bilingual education fosters well-rounded, globally-minded individuals ready to meet future challenges and opportunities.

Watch Our Video, “10 Reasons” To Enroll Your Baby in Our Spanish-English Bilingual Program

Applications are given to families who attend a tour or Open House. Tours are offered throughout the late fall and winter. Spaces are normally offered in March, or on a rolling basis should a space open up mid-year. The application fee is $60.

Children in our toddler program (Luna Room) attend 5 days per week; children in the preschool program (Chocolate or Colibri rooms) may attend 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week. Part-time schedules are available for 2s and preschoolers. Priority is given to families needing full-day care.

The Toddler Room

Trust is the core value of our toddler program, for we believe that it is necessary for the smooth development of the ego. We encourage our toddlers to develop their independence while creating warm and nurturing relationships with them. Our Toddler Room features a ratio of 1:4, with two teachers caring for eight children.  

Due to our strong belief in attachment and the young age of the children, we do not offer a part-week program with our toddlers. Children come for 5 full days or 5 part days.

Children in the toddler program for the 2024-25 school year should have birthdays between September 2022 and August 2023.

The 2's Room

Autonomy and verbal skills are the core values of our two-year-old program.   Two-year-olds are excited and curious about their world, and we help foster that need to explore in this classroom while giving them secure relationships. There are 12 children and two teachers in the classroom with a ratio of 1:6.  

We offer both half-day and full-day programs in our 2s classrooms.  Half-day spaces are limited.  Priority is given to families needing full-day care.