Questions About Sierra Preschool & After School
Everything you need to know about enrollment, programs, meals, and more.
Last updated: March 2026
What ages does Sierra Preschool & After School accept?
Sierra Preschool & After School accepts children from 18 months through school age. Our programs are organized by developmental stage: Toddler Program (18–30 months), Junior Pre-K (3–4 years), Pre-K (4–5 years), Transitional Kindergarten (5–6 years), and Before & After School Care for school-age children up to age 12. Each program has age-appropriate teacher-to-child ratios, curriculum goals, and classroom environments designed specifically for that developmental window. Enrollment is open year-round pending availability; we recommend scheduling a tour early as spots fill quickly, especially in our toddler rooms.
Is Sierra Preschool a daycare or a preschool?
Both. Sierra Preschool & After School is a licensed child care center (CA License No. 304371707) that provides full-day daycare hours — Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM — built around a structured, Montessori-inspired preschool curriculum. Families searching for daycare in Riverside get the same long, work-friendly hours they expect from a daycare, plus a real early-education program: theme-based academics, STEAM, Spanish-English dual language, and outdoor learning. Children 18 months through pre-K attend our preschool programs during the day, and school-age children join our before & after school care.
What is the Montessori method and how do you use it?
The Montessori method is a child-centered educational philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori that emphasizes independence, hands-on learning, and respect for each child’s natural development. At Sierra Preschool, we blend Montessori principles with an enriched curriculum — children work at their own pace using purposeful materials, while teachers act as guides who observe and support rather than lecture. This approach builds intrinsic motivation, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning. Practically, it means our classrooms feature activity stations that children move between freely, open-ended materials that grow with the child, and project-based themes that integrate language, math, science, and art. We have used this approach continuously since opening in 2004.
Are meals provided? What does the menu look like?
Yes — hot breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are all included in tuition for full-time children at no extra cost. All meals are prepared fresh on-site every day by our kitchen staff following USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, which set minimum standards for protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. A typical lunch might be baked chicken with brown rice, steamed broccoli, fresh fruit, and milk. We accommodate common dietary restrictions on a case-by-case basis — please discuss your child’s needs during enrollment. Monthly menus are posted on our website so families always know what their child is eating. Meals are not available for part-time children who attend half-day only.
What enrichment activities are included in tuition?
All enrichment programs are included in your tuition — there are no add-on fees or opt-in extras. Every child participates in STEAM activities, Spanish-English Dual Language instruction, Music, Dance, Soccer, Tae Kwon Do, and Yoga as part of their weekly schedule. Outdoor enrichment is delivered through our dedicated Outdoor Learning Centers, which offer Outdoor Art, Outdoor Music, and Outdoor Science programs. These are not drop-in classes but structured weekly sessions woven into each program’s curriculum. This all-inclusive model means the tuition rate you see on our fee schedule is the complete cost — no surprises on your monthly invoice. We believe every child deserves access to enriched early learning regardless of family budget.
What are your hours of operation?
Sierra Preschool & After School is open Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM. We are closed on major federal holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day), plus the Friday after Thanksgiving. We offer both full-time (five days per week) and part-time (three days per week) scheduling options. Contact us to discuss the specific schedule that fits your family and your child’s program.
How do I enroll my child?
Enrollment starts with scheduling a campus tour, which you can do by calling us at (951) 689-9492 or submitting the contact form on our website. Tours typically take 30–45 minutes and give you a chance to see the classrooms, meet our staff, and ask questions specific to your child’s age group. After your tour, if you decide to move forward, we will provide an enrollment packet that includes the licensing forms required by the California Department of Social Services, our enrollment agreement, and a registration fee of $100. Spots are held on a first-deposit basis, so we recommend enrolling as early as possible.
Is financial assistance or subsidy available?
Yes. Sierra Preschool & After School is an approved provider for the California Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP), also known as the Alternative Payment Program. If you qualify for subsidized childcare through Riverside County Social Services Agency, your approved voucher can be applied directly toward your tuition — in many cases covering the full cost. We also accept payments by cash and check. Contact us directly for details on how to apply for CCAP.
What is your teacher-to-child ratio?
We maintain teacher-to-child ratios that exceed California state requirements at every age group. For toddlers (18–30 months) our ratio is 6:1. For preschoolers ages 2–3 our ratio is 8–10:1 (state maximum is 12:1). For pre-K (4–5 years) our ratio is 10–12:1 (state maximum is 14:1). Lower ratios mean each teacher can observe every child’s developmental progress closely and adapt activities to individual learning styles.
Is Sierra Preschool & After School licensed?
Yes. Sierra Preschool & After School is fully licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Our license number is 304371707. We are inspected regularly and have maintained continuous licensure since 2004. All staff members are trained in early childhood education, hold current pediatric CPR and first aid certifications, and participate in ongoing professional development. You can verify our license status at ccld.dss.ca.gov using license number 304371707.
What areas do you serve?
Our campus is located at 11077 Whitford Ave in Riverside, CA 92505, minutes from the 91 Freeway and accessible from throughout central Riverside County. We primarily serve families from Riverside, Corona, La Sierra, Arlington, Magnolia Center, and surrounding cities. We are 5 minutes from the Corona border via the 91 Freeway and within central La Sierra. Free parking is available on-site.
What makes Sierra Preschool different from other preschools in Riverside County?
Three things consistently distinguish us: first, every enrichment activity — STEAM, Dual Language Spanish-English, Music, Dance, Soccer, Tae Kwon Do, and Yoga — is included in tuition with no add-on fees. Second, hot breakfast and lunch are cooked fresh on-site daily for full-time children under USDA CACFP guidelines. Third, we have maintained below-state-maximum teacher-to-child ratios since 2004 — over 20 years of continuous operation at the same Whitford Avenue campus.
What curriculum does Sierra Preschool use?
Sierra Preschool uses a Montessori-inspired curriculum refined over 20 years. Core academics are delivered through theme-based monthly units. We supplement with the Creative Curriculum framework for infant and toddler rooms. STEAM projects, dual language Spanish instruction, and outdoor science are woven throughout the week. We share monthly curriculum summaries with families so you know exactly what your child is exploring.
How do I schedule a tour?
Call us at (951) 689-9492 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–6:30 PM), or submit the contact form on our website and we will respond within one business day. Tours last approximately 30–45 minutes and include a walk through every classroom, a meeting with our director, and time for your questions.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes — Sierra Preschool & After School offers a sibling discount for families enrolling two or more children simultaneously. The discount applies to the second (and any subsequent) child’s tuition. Specific discount amounts vary by program and schedule combination; please contact us at (951) 689-9492 to discuss the rates for your specific situation.
Still have questions?
Call us at (951) 689-9492 or schedule a tour to see our campus in person.