When we arrived to pick up our daughter from the Mountain Daycare at the end of the day, we found our 3 year old daughter sitting closely with a new friend while sharing a book together. I could tell she felt safe, happy, and comfortable at the day care. As a parent, it is always a comforting feeling to know that your child had a good day at day care.

The Teachers:
Teachers were very warm and adult to child ratio is low
. My husband and I were impressed with how warm, nice and helpful the teachers were. The child to teacher ratio is also very low which allowed them give the attention each child needed. I saw one little boy who was missing his mom and a teacher held him close and talked gently with him the entire time. The teachers let us come in and sit with our daughter when she first arrived and also when we came to pick her up. We always felt welcome in the facility. On our second day at the daycare, Tracy, one of the teachers, remembered us immediately and made a point to let us know how happy she was that we had returned.

The Classroom and Facilities
:
The outdoor space is wonderful. One of the moms I talked with called it “Snow School”. She is a mom from El Dorado Hills and she comes to Sierra-at-Tahoe often. She raved and raved about “Snow School” - sharing how her daughter gets to paint in the snow, builds shape molds in the snow, makes snow angels, and goes sledding in the snow. She considered the daycare at Sierra-at-Tahoe a definite treat for her daughter. We also liked the jumpy house and the little play area in the outdoor classroom. The indoor space is small, but has age appropriate toys and furniture in the classroom. There was an area to climb around in with balls for gross motor movement development that is specifically designed for toddlers. A childproof gate separates the big kids from the little kids. This area is filled with books, puzzles, age appropriate toys and art supplies. The space was clean at the beginning of the day though a little cluttered by the end of the day.

What we liked:
1. There is a private napping room in the facility that has mats and blankets. I appreciated the room because when the curtains were drawn it created a darker space for the children to rest

2. Lunch and snacks are included, so no need to pack a snack or wrestle with lunch crowds.

3. The daily daycare rate is reasonable especially when you get tickets at a package rate.

4. High security!
You must sign in and sign out. The check out system seemed to work well.

Tips:
Make reservations before arriving in order to ensure a space for your child.

Label all your children’s clothing, shoes, and personal items.

Pack your child’s “lovie” for nap time.

Cell service is not always available on the resort. If you are skiing on the mountain, make sure you constantly check the message boards to make sure that there are no problems with your child.

*This review is based on complimentary day care at the Wild Mountain Day Care at Sierra at Tahoe. I received no other compensation and the owner did not express any requirements that I express a particular point of view.

“Can we go skiing again RIGHT now?” asks my 6-year-old son when we picked him up from his second day of lessons at the Wild Mountain Ski/Snowboarding School at Sierra-at-Tahoe. “What?!” I asked, “You just finished a FULL day of skiing!” I was a bit surprised by his question because I assumed that he would be feeling exhausted and spent after working so hard on the snow for the last 6 hours, but he was rearing to go again. He had obviously had a fantastic first day on the slope thanks to Wild Mountain Ski School.

What we liked:

1. High Security
You receive a ticket when you drop off your child that you must return in order to pick up your child. If you lose your ticket, you must provide a valid driver’s license and a phone number that matches the one on file.

2. Excellent ski instructors!
Coaches Molly and Renee had a big part to play in helping our son make so much progress in just one day! Both instructors were patient, energetic, encouraging, and excellent teachers. My husband and I watched her as she had the kids observe other children and adults get on the chairlift for a good 8 minutes before having them try the lift for the first time.

3. Low student to instructor ratio
I was also quite impressed with the low student to instructor ratio (which averaged from about 3-4 students per to one coach). By working with a small group, able to ease the beginner level students into their first experience on skis. On Day 1, the kids were taught to put on their own skis, walk on both skis, jump in their skis, create wedges with their skis while walking around in a circle. They were also taught to use the wedge to change direction and control their speed. They also had to learn to ride the “magic carpet” on their own which was basically an uphill conveyor belt that they would step on and off with both skis in order to get back to the top of the little hill. Day 2, involved making right and left turns down the hill while practicing how to stop. They also practiced sidestepping up the hill and they worked on getting up from a fall on their own by placing their skis across the slope.

4. Perfect terrain for beginner skiers
Getting a Report Card at the end of the day was motivating. 
Parents received a written report each day with a checklist of skills their child has mastered with notes to the child from his/her instructor. Our son loved receiving this and used it to set goals for the next class.

5. Lunch is included in full day ski class for your child
With the large crowds in the dining room the day we there, I was so glad that our kids’ lunches were taken care of. It also allowed mom and dad to make the most of their time on the slopes.

6. Ski and boot rentals are included with the class.

7. Reasonably priced half and full day ski school packages.


What Could be Improved:

1. Drop Off for the Preschoolers felt abrupt

Our daughter who is 3 was signed up for ski school as well. Even though she met all the criteria listed on Sierra-at-Tahoe’s website, the drop off experience at ski school was a little abrupt. It didn’t cater well to easing the transition for preschoolers who might be nervous about the new experience. We ended up having to pick her up after an hour. Our daughter is usually fearless at and energetic about learning new things. However, our daughter can also be cautious and timid about new situations without mom and dad. There is a “No Parent Drop Off Zone” at Wild Mountain Ski School, so we weren’t given the opportunity to help her transition or introduce her to her ski instructor. As an elementary school teacher, I understand that children do better when parents say goodbye at the door on the first day of school. However, I’ve found that allowing students to meet the teacher and walk through their new classroom goes a long way in helping kids transition. If Sierra –at-Tahoe could tailor the drop off experience for preschool aged children, I think my daughter would have had a fabulous time at ski school, instead, I ended up having to pick her up after about an hour. Fortunately, we were able to drop her off at the day care.

2. Check in staff were rushed
The day we were there was one of the most crowded days of the season, and staff members who were checking us in were not as helpful as I would have hoped with answering questions. Like most parents arriving for our first day on the slopes, we were pretty stressed out getting out the door and navigating this new experience. Having check in staff who are patient and understanding would have made the check in experience go much more smoothly.

Tips:
Don’t forget your child’s sunscreen! We forgot our sunscreen back at the hotel and asked if the school would apply sunscreen on our children. We were told that they don’t supply sunscreen and that we could buy our own in the Wild Mountain Store. They didn’t have any hypoallergenic or sensitive skin sunscreen specifically designed for kids.

The kids spend the majority of class time outdoors. Make sure they are dressed in layers and in the appropriate waterproof ski clothes. It is also nice to make sure they have a wool or fleece hat to go under their waterproof hood and warm, waterproof mittens. Especially if it is snowing, you will also need goggles which aren’t provided but can be purchase for a premium at Wild Mountain store.

Label your child’s clothing and personal items.

Cell service is not always available on the resort. If you are skiing on the mountain, make sure you constantly check the message boards to make sure that there aren’t any problems with your child.

*This review is based on 2 complimentary full day lessons at the Wild Mountain Ski and Snowboard School at Sierra at Tahoe. I received no other compensation and the owner did not express any requirements that I express a particular point of view.

Since our kids were 8 months old, we have always enjoyed this small, locals beach in Sausalito. I remember our mom's group going when my son was about a year and half. Eight kids splashed around the water in this calm Bay water beach while laughing and giggling the whole time. This is definitely a beach for the sand toys, beach chairs and snacks. The beach is so small and calm that moms can sit and talk while watching the kids jump around in the water. On a warm day in Sausalito, this beach can get a little crowded on a weekend. It's best to go during the week and a beautiful, warm day. Don't forget to bring an extra pair of dry clothes and the towel.
The beach is also the location of Sea Trek where you can rent kayaks. Oh... the memories of this place! :)

This past Spring, we went through the SF Botanical Garden when our kids were 3 and 6 years old. Even though our kids enjoy being outdoors, we weren't sure how interested they would be in the experience. Our kids really enjoyed it! All the plants and flowers were clearly labeled and organized by region. The colors and textures of all the plant life was amazing. Our kids enjoyed following trails and walking through different garden paths. Our six year old was actually able to notice when the plants from a more arid region changed to a more lush, tropical region. Very educational!

This museum is small, simple and is set up like an old school preschool. As a kindergarten teacher, I really appreciate spaces for children that encourage dramatic and social play. We went here when our son was 2 years old with his 5 year old cousin. They enjoyed the market area with food, shopping carts and a cash register. They enjoyed the area for dramatic play with a small stage for impromptu storytelling. My son also enjoyed the dinosaur and firehouse area. It seems like the perfect space for preschool aged children.