Welcome to Jelly House
We are a fully licensed daycare where nurturing hearts and empowering young minds are at the core of what we do.
Our Mission
Our mission is to offer quality care that emphasizes education within a family-like environment.
Here, learning transcends traditional methods; we engage children with an enriching and enjoyable curriculum designed to ignite curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning.
By integrating innovative teaching approaches with the warmth of a close-knit community, we ensure that each child is treated as an integral member of our extended family. Join us at Jelly House, where education and care come together to create a thriving environment for your little ones.
About Us
Welcome to Jelly House, where our story is as unique as the children we nurture. I'm Kelly Manzer, and together with my partner Jeff, we've woven a tapestry of experiences and passions into the foundation of Jelly House. My journey in education and child development began long before I met Jeff, stretching back nearly twenty years to my days as a gymnastics coach for children. This early experience ignited my passion for working with young minds and bodies, shaping my approach to holistic child development.
After completing college at the University of Oregon, my adventurous spirit led me to South Korea, where I embarked on an enriching journey teaching English for almost four years. It was here, in the vibrant classrooms and diverse cultural settings, that I fell deeply in love with teaching. This experience didn't just broaden my horizons; it also introduced me to Jeff, who shared my enthusiasm for education.
Upon returning to the States, my journey continued. I remained dedicated to coaching gymnastics while branching out into a new venture: starting a kids' yoga business, especially designed for children on the autism spectrum. This venture not only enriched my understanding of diverse learning needs but also reinforced my belief in the power of early intervention and inclusive education.
Later, I transitioned into a lead preschool teacher role, where I could fuse all my experiences – from gymnastics to yoga, from teaching English abroad to understanding special education needs. Every step in my journey has been a building block for Jelly House, where Jeff and I combine our global teaching experiences and our shared passion for early childhood education. We invite you to join us in this journey, where we strive to lay the groundwork for each child’s future success, one playful, educational step at a time.
Services and Rates
We are CLOSED on Fridays for the time being. If seeking Friday care please ask, as we may be able to accommodate for certain situations.
We offer affordable and flexible childcare services to accommodate the needs of busy families. Our rates are competitive and vary based on the age of the child, hours needed, and type of care required.
Jelly House is open Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. We are closed for most major holidays.
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New Enrollment Registration Fee
- $100 non-refundable
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Full-Day Rates
- Offered from 9 am - 5 pm.
- $95 per day
- $85 per day for full-month enrollment. (ex. every Tuesday of the month)
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Half-Day Rates
- Offered from 9 am - 1 pm & 1 pm - 5 pm.
- $70 per day
- $60 per day for full-month enrollment (ex. every Tuesday)
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Jelly House - After Hours Club
- Offered on specified Fridays or Saturdays from 5 pm - 9 pm.
- $60 per child per event.
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Drop-In Hourly Rates (if available)
- $20 per hour
- 2-hour minimum.
At Jelly House, we believe that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment to grow and learn. Our rates are competitive and affordable without compromising the quality of care we provide. We look forward to welcoming your family to Jelly House and providing exceptional care for your child.
Daily Schedule Example
Introducing Jelly House Club hours! While we remain flexible as things can always change due to a variety of circumstances we do stick to a general routine daily that incorporates all areas of development.
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM - Drop off/Free Play
9:15AM - 9:30 AM Healthy morning snack provided by Jelly House.
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Circle Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Outdoor Physical Activies for gross motor activity (if poor weather, physical games like obstacle course or yoga indoors)
11:00 AM- 11:30 AM Curriculum focused activity time such as arts and crafts, game, sensory bin, reading, or fine motor activity.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Group activity option for Free Play/Independent play
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Lunch
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM Quiet activity such as playdough/Reading, prepare for nap time or go home for those doing a half day
1:00 PM -1:15 PM Prepare for nap (clean up, potty, prep bed)
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM Reading and relaxing for nap time
1:30 PM - 3:15 PM Nap time. Children who do not fall asleep by 2:15 and appear alert enough are allowed to play a quiet activity. Upon waking, child will be guided to play a quiet activity.
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM Gentle wake up
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternoon snack, provided by Jelly House
4:00 PM -4:30 PM Free Play and Outdoor playtime
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Prepare to go home, treasure box, recap the day
* Special Activities: Occasionally we will have field trips to the local library or the beach weather permitting. Permission slip required.
Policies
Potty Training Policy and Support at Jelly House
At Jelly House, we understand that every child's development journey is unique, especially when it comes to potty training. Therefore, it's not a requirement for children to be potty trained before joining us. We're equipped to handle diaper changes and will provide wipes, though we do ask parents to supply diapers for their child.
Additionally, for families seeking assistance with potty training, we offer a specialized potty training program. This service is available for an additional fee, and it's designed to support both the child and guardian through this important developmental milestone. Our approach is gentle, patient, and tailored to the individual needs of each child, ensuring a positive and encouraging experience.
Requirements for Starting at Jelly House
Before your child begins their journey with us, there are a couple of essential requirements: Age Requirement: Your child must be at least 18 months old. This age threshold ensures that we can provide the appropriate level of care and engage your child in developmentally suitable activities.
Immunization: It is crucial that your child's immunizations are up to date, in accordance with California state law. This helps safeguard not only the health and well-being of your child but also that of all our Jelly House attendees.
Licensing and Capacity Information
At Jelly House, we are licensed to care for up to 8 children in total. However, to ensure the highest quality of care and attention to each child's needs, we can accommodate only two children under the age of two at any given time.
Enrollment Process
At Jelly House, we begin our journey together with a personal tour of our home and a friendly meet-and-greet. This initial step allows you and your child to become acquainted with our environment and philosophy. Should you decide to move forward with us, the next step involves completing all necessary paperwork and documentation before the commencement of care.
It's important for us to have everything in place to ensure a smooth start for your child. We also initiate a 30-day trial period starting from the first day your child joins us. This period is crucial as it helps both the child and guardian to adapt comfortably to our setting and routines.
At the end of the trial, provided there are no complications for either party, we will happily offer our care and support. Our goal is to make this process as seamless and reassuring as possible, ensuring that every family feels confident and content with their decision to join the Jelly House family.
Healthy Snacks and Meal Policy at Jelly House
At Jelly House, we aim to foster healthy eating habits and thus provide a range of nutritious snacks throughout the day. Our selection primarily consists of organic fresh fruits and vegetables, along with cheese and crackers to cater to a variety of tastes. Understanding that little treats can be a delightful part of a balanced diet, we do offer small rewards like half an Otter Pop, a Hershey’s Kiss, or a marshmallow, but only after the children have eaten their healthy snacks/lunch.
This approach encourages positive eating habits, ensuring that treats complement, rather than replace, nutritious food choices. While we take care of the snack times, we ask guardians to provide lunch for their children. This approach allows parents to cater to any specific dietary needs, preferences, or allergies their child might have. It also ensures that each child receives a meal that's not only nutritious but also familiar and enjoyable, making lunchtime a comforting and satisfying experience.
At Jelly House, meal times extend beyond just eating; they represent valuable moments for social interaction, learning, and the cultivation of lifelong healthy eating habits. We emphasize teaching table manners and encourage children to participate in setting the table and cleaning up after meals. These practices not only instill a sense of responsibility and independence but also foster an environment of respect and cooperation. By integrating these activities into meal times, we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who appreciate the importance of both nutrition and community.
Safety at Jelly House
At Jelly House, the safety and well-being of every child are our paramount concerns. We maintain strict supervision protocols, especially for children under the age of two, ensuring they are never unsupervised. For those over two, while they enjoy more freedom to explore and move between rooms, our vigilant supervision ensures their safety at all times. Our policy is that children are never left alone, and any brief moments where a child is not in direct view are kept to an absolute minimum.
Our commitment to safety is further reinforced by the presence of cameras in every room, excluding bathrooms, providing an additional layer of security and oversight. The environment at Jelly House is designed to be as child-friendly as possible, featuring soft furniture and ensuring that all potentially dangerous items like chemicals and sharp objects are securely locked away and out of children's reach. All cabinets and drawers are fitted with childproof locks. Furthermore, our facility has been thoroughly inspected and approved by state licensing authorities, affirming that every aspect of our environment is safe and conducive to child care.
We are equipped with fire extinguishers and alarms, and we conduct regular fire drills. Additionally, we educate the children about important safety topics such as fire safety, road safety, and stranger awareness, empowering them with knowledge and caution for various situations. In short, at Jelly House, we've taken every measure to create a secure and nurturing environment where children can safely learn, play, and grow.