Honest, practical articles on play-based learning, navigating San Francisco's childcare landscape, and making the most of your child's early years.
San Francisco has licensed capacity for only 15% of its infants. If you're expecting — or recently had a baby — here's a practical, neighborhood-specific strategy for finding a spot before you need it.
Mayor Lurie's expanded Early Learning for All program launched this year, opening free and subsidized care to thousands more SF families. Here's what changed, who qualifies, and how to apply at an approved provider like Amores.
Three philosophies, dozens of programs, one confused parent. We break down the real differences — not the marketing — between the three most popular childcare approaches you'll encounter in San Francisco, and what questions to ask on your tour.
The separation anxiety is real — for parents as much as children. Here's the play-based transition approach we use at Amores, and what you can do at home in the weeks before your child's start date to make the transition genuinely smooth.
From pediatricians near the Embarcadero to weekend activities in SOMA and Rincon Hill — everything an Amores family uses to navigate life with young children in the heart of San Francisco.
Both options have real trade-offs for SF families. We break down cost, social development, flexibility, and working-parent logistics — with input from families who have done both.
With property costs what they are in San Francisco, outdoor space is a genuine differentiator. Here's what questions to ask on a tour, what to look for in a courtyard vs. nearby park access, and why it matters for your child's development.
From organic meals and non-toxic cleaning products to composting programs and nature-based curriculum — what to look for when you want a childcare center that aligns with your family's environmental values.
SFUSD and kindergarten teachers consistently say SEL skills — self-regulation, empathy, conflict resolution — matter more than academic readiness for kindergarten success. Here's how quality San Francisco daycares build these skills from infancy.
SFUSD ends in June and many SF preschools close or go part-time in summer. Here's a complete guide to full-time summer childcare options in San Francisco — including which licensed centers stay open, what summer camps accept which ages, and how Amores handles the summer season.
Tech-industry parents often ask whether a STEM-focused preschool gives children a developmental edge. We look at what the research actually says, how Montessori's materials address STEM naturally, and what to watch out for in "STEM preschool" marketing.
Our enrollment coordinator is happy to answer anything — childcare subsidies, curriculum questions, waitlist timelines, or anything else on your mind.