Question 1

What does Spanish Immersion mean at MSV?

Accepted Answer

This means that 100% of our curriculum is taught in Spanish throughout both preschool and Kindergarten. Our entire teaching team is composed of native Spanish speakers from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries, bringing authentic language, culture, and warmth into every classroom. Children are immersed in Spanish all day, every day—learning naturally through conversation, stories, music, and meaningful connections.

Question 2

When can my child start? How old do they need to be?

Accepted Answer

MSV has open enrollment, and children may join at any time throughout the year based on availability. Our school is licensed to serve children from 18 months through Kindergarten.

Summer Camps are available for children ages 18 months through first grade.

Question 3

What ages does MSV serve?

Accepted Answer

We are one of the few schools that offer preschool programs beginning at 18 months and continuing all the way through Kindergarten. We also provide engaging Summer Camps for children ages 18 months through 1st Grade!

MSV is a full-time escuelita, with a minimum attendance of five days per week.
Part-time options are available at our Walnut Creek location.

Question 4

What are the MSV hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

MSV is open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Early drop-off is available starting at 7:00 a.m. upon request, and the latest pick-up time is 5:00 p.m.
 • 7:00 a.m. early drop-off available at our Walnut Creek location
 • 7:30 a.m. early drop-off available at our Pleasant Hill location

Question 5

What schedules does MSV offer?

Accepted Answer

Our core school day runs Monday to Friday from 8:45 am –3:30 pm - full time. Parents have the option to extend the day to 5:00 pm as needed.
Our schedules options are:

Walnut Creek: 
Full time extended day: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Basic full time: 8:45 am to 3:30 pm
Part time morning: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Part time afternoon: 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

Pleasant Hill:
Full time extended day: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Basic full time: 8:45 am to 3:30 pm

Question 6

What is the “MSV curriculum”? What does my child learn?

Accepted Answer

Our curriculum offers a unique opportunity to embrace a school environment that builds readiness and structure while still keeping play at the heart of learning—all in a 100% Spanish-immersion setting.

Question 7

Will my child be ready for Kindergarten and First Grade?

Accepted Answer

At MSV, our teaching approach inspires children to fall in love with learning while preparing them for success in Kindergarten and beyond. Students build strong foundations in literacy, math, science, creativity, motor development, and social skills—setting them up for lifelong success.

By the time our Kindergarten students leave MSV, they can read and write numbers and letters in Spanish, and even perform addition, subtraction, and simple fractions!

Question 8

Does MSV Accept Financial Aid?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! While we do not have our own financial aid program, we do accept popular assistance programs such as CocoKids and other county or state–funded options.

Question 9

Does my child need to be toilet-trained?

Accepted Answer

No. We understand that most children who are 18 months and slightly older are not yet toilet trained. When your child is ready, we work closely with families to support toilet training in a consistent, calm, and encouraging way. We celebrate every success and maintain a positive, upbeat attitude when accidents happen.

Parents and teachers work together to follow a consistent routine that helps ensure the child’s success. Your child’s teachers will keep you regularly informed about their progress.

Question 10

How does MSV make admission decisions?

Accepted Answer

Priority on the waitlist is determined by several factors, including (but not limited to) whether an older sibling has attended MSV, the date of sign-up, full-time/ part-time availability, the child’s age, and current openings. The waitlist is organized by sibling priority and application date.

We do not provide a specific waitlist “number,” but we do our best to be fair to all applicants and to keep families informed about their status throughout the process.

Question 11

Do other children nap? What about the older children?

Accepted Answer

We offer a daily rest period from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Each child is provided with a cot and bedding, and we encourage them to use this time to relax and recharge. As children grow older and no longer need a nap, they are invited to participate in quiet, alternative activities during this time.

Question 12

How secure is the MSV building?

Accepted Answer

At MSV, the safety and security of our students and staff are top priorities. Our two main entrances are secured with coded gates, and camera systems are installed throughout all classrooms, patios, and entry areas.

We also have comprehensive evacuation and emergency response procedures in place to ensure the highest level of preparedness. Regular fire and security drills are conducted with all classes to help students and staff practice safe and calm responses.

If you have any questions about our safety protocols or security systems, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Question 13

How does MSV handle allergies?

Accepted Answer

We begin by having parents inform us of any food allergies their child may have. To help keep everyone safe, children are not allowed to share food or bring items from home that contain nuts or seafood. A list of children with allergies is posted in each classroom so that all staff members are aware of the necessary precautions to protect every child.

Question 14

Are peanuts allowed at school?

Accepted Answer

We are a peanut-aware school. Our child-care center does not allow peanuts in home-packed snacks or lunches, nor in any foods prepared at MSV. This policy helps protect the safety of students with severe peanut allergies. While we cannot guarantee a completely peanut-free environment, we make every effort to minimize exposure and keep all children safe.

Question 15

How can families get involved?

Accepted Answer

We warmly welcome and encourage parental involvement in many ways. Our families play an important role in supporting special events, our program, and our staff. Throughout the year, we host a variety of family activities—wonderful opportunities to connect with other MSV families and see your child in action with their school friends. Events include Back-to-School Night, Community Fun Dinners, performances, holiday celebrations, and more.

To make participation accessible for all, we schedule events at different times of day—both daytime and evening—and on various days of the week, so working families can join us whenever possible. Parents are always welcome to visit the classroom or celebrate birthdays. Please coordinate any celebrations directly with your child’s teacher.

We also invite parents to share their talents, professions, or hobbies with our students—it’s a meaningful way to enrich the classroom experience. MSV does not engage in fundraising activities.

Question 16

How does MSV communicate with the families?

Accepted Answer

We believe it’s extremely important to maintain close communication with parents about each child’s day. You’re always welcome to speak with us during morning drop-off or afternoon pick-up, or to reach out by phone or email. Because these transition times can be busy for children, parents, and staff, we encourage families to schedule a phone or in-person conference with the classroom teacher or Director when more time is needed for discussion.

Communication is very important to us—no question is ever too small or “silly” to ask! Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. You’re also welcome to stop by the Director’s or Administrator’s office at any time.

We share information with families in a variety of ways, including email, monthly newsletters, bulletin boards, and notes or letters in your child’s lunchbox. We also host semi-annual parent-teacher conferences and Back-to-School Night to stay connected and collaborate on your child’s growth and progress.

Question 17

Can we speak with a current family attending MSV?

Accepted Answer

Many of our current parents are happy to share their experiences with families who are considering MSV. If you’d like to connect with one of them, we’d be delighted to arrange an introduction—just contact our Director.

Question 18

What are the MSV teacher's qualifications?

Accepted Answer

All MSV lead teachers meet or exceed the requirements set by Community Care Licensing (CCL). Each has completed formal coursework in early childhood education, and many hold a bachelor’s degree in the field. In addition, every teacher receives specialized training from our Director on MSV’s curriculum and instructional practices.

Our assistant teachers also go beyond basic requirements. They hold degrees and/or have several years of early childhood education training and experience working in early learning environments.

Question 19

What is the MSV hiring process for new teachers? Do you do background checks?

Accepted Answer

All MSV teachers participate in a thorough interview process with our Director, which includes a working interview in one of our classrooms. We also conduct reference checks, comprehensive background screenings, fingerprinting, and required health clearances for all staff members to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.

Question 20

Does MSV have ongoing trainings for the staff?

Accepted Answer

We believe it’s essential for our teaching staff to remain lifelong learners. MSV provides ongoing opportunities for professional growth and continuing education throughout the year. These include trainings, conferences, mentoring, and coursework, as well as CPR and First Aid certification to ensure the highest standards of care and safety.

Question 21

What kind of Spanish will my child learn at MSV?

Accepted Answer

In general, there is only one form of Spanish that is considered standard—the formal, school-taught version—and that is the one we teach at MSV.

As is often noted, learning standard Spanish (the type taught in most schools and language programs) is both valuable and practical. This form of the language is universally understood across Spanish-speaking countries, allowing students to communicate effectively wherever they go.

Question 22

What kind of food does MSV provide?

Accepted Answer

We believe it’s extremely important to provide well-balanced, organic meals and snacks to fuel our little MSV villagers and prepare them to learn each day. Children are our most treasured resource, and we have the privilege and responsibility to protect them by reducing toxic exposure and offering wholesome, organic foods that promote strong, healthy development.

By supporting organic agriculture, we help nurture the soil and keep harmful chemicals out of the environment—doing our part to pass along a healthier, safer planet for future generations. While the cost may be slightly higher, the value it brings to our MSV families is far greater.

If you would like more information about our daily menu, please contact the MSV Director.

Question 23

Does MSV offer make up days?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer make-up days in the case of absences. MSV is strictly regulated regarding the number of children who can be present at any given time, and our small school typically operates at full capacity each day.

To ensure fairness to all MSV families and maintain compliance with licensing regulations, we do not provide make-up days for missed attendance.

Hey, we get it! This is the first time you are trusting a school with your children so we expect the millions of questions!