Philosophy of Quality
At Le Marmouset, we move beyond the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to childcare. Grounded in the latest developmental science, I have intentionally designed a Jardin d’Enfants that provides the optimal conditions for early growth: an intimate peer group, a nature-rich environment, and the profound cognitive benefits of French immersion, all while maintaining the same rigorous standards of quality and integrity practiced at the SRJC Children’s Center.
| Daily Routine | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Arrival & Breakfast |
| 9 am | Morning Activities |
| 10:30 am | Outdoor Free Play & Walks |
| 12 pm | Lunch (family-style meal) |
| 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm | Rest Time / Nap |
| 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm | Afternoon Activities / Pick Up |
Nutrition as Pedagogy
Nutrition is a core pillar of my teaching philosophy. At Le Marmouset, I believe children should eat what they grow. By involving them in the life cycle of their food: from seed to harvest, I transform “lunch” into a daily act of discovery. When children have “buy-in” in the process, they develop a natural curiosity for new flavors and healthy textures.
A Foundation of Integrity I am a proud participant in the CACFP, a federal program administered by the California Department of Education. This ensures every meal I prepare meets rigorous nutritional standards for balanced portions of proteins, whole grains, and fresh produce.
For the Hesitant Eater I approach mealtime with the same patience and observation I apply to my teaching. Through peer modeling, garden-to-plate connection, and a “no-pressure” exploration model, I help children build a joyful, lifelong relationship with food.
Sample Weekly Menu: Une Semaine au Marmouset
| Petit Dejeuner | Dejeuner | |
|---|---|---|
| Lundi | Whole-grain cereal, milk, & fresh banana slices. |
Starter: Grated carrot salad with lemon vinaigrette. Main: Chili Sin Carne with mixed veggies & broccoli purée. Dairy/Fruit: Yogurt & fresh pear. |
| Mardi | Strawberry & banana smoothie with whole-grain buttered toast. |
Starter: Cucumber salad with a hint of mint. Main: Baked Cod with Squash Gratin & Taboulé. Dairy/Fruit: Vanilla yogurt & apple slices. |
| Mercredi | Croissant and Orange Slices. |
Starter: Creamy vegetable soup (Potage). Main: Roasted chicken with green beans & soft polenta. Dairy/Fruit: Vache qui Rit cheese & seasonal berries. |
| Jeudi | Greek yogurt with honey & a small side of melon. |
Starter: Beetroot salad with a light balsamic glaze. Main: Red lentil dahl with steamed carrots & brown rice. Dairy/Fruit: Fromage blanc & a sliced peach. |
| Vendredi | Toasted “English muffin” with almond butter & apple butter. |
Starter: Tomato & mozzarella “caprese” (toddler-sized). Main: Pasta with veggie marinara & turkey meatballs. Dairy/Fruit: Mild Camembert & a small bunch of grapes. |
Monthly Tuition Rates (August 2026 – June 2027)
Tuition is a flat monthly fee based on the academic calendar. Rates remain the same regardless of holidays or illness to ensure the stability of our tiny community.
All-Inclusive Tuition
To keep life simple for families, tuition is all-inclusive. This covers:
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Authentic Immersion: Continuous French language interaction.
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The French Cantine: Daily organic, home-cooked petit-déjeuner (breakfast) and déjeuner (lunch).
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Boutique Ratio: A peaceful 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio.
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Materials: Learning materials, class supplies, wipes, and nap mats (laundered and sanitized weekly).
| Schedule | Days | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | Monday-Friday | $1,700 |
| 4 Days | Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri | $1,500 |
| 3 Days | Mon/Wed/Fri | $1,190 |
| 2 Days | Tue/Thu | $850 |
Special Incentives:
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Sibling Discount: We offer a 10% reduction for the second child.
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Annual Payment: A 5% discount is applied if the full annual tuition is paid by August 1st.
Hours & Academic Calendar
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm.
Le Marmouset follows the Santa Rosa City Schools (SRCS) calendar for major holidays and breaks with first day of instruction on August 10th 2026.
2026-2027 Closures:
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Labor Day: Sept 7, 2026
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Veterans Day: Nov 11, 2026
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Thanksgiving Break: Nov 23–27, 2026
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Winter Break: Dec 21 2026 – Jan 3 2027
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MLK Jr. Day: Jan 18 2027
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Presidents’ Day: Feb 15 2027
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Spring Break: March 22–26 2027
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Memorial Day: May 31
Summer Break: Our academic year ends at the end of the third week of June . We are closed for the month of July for our congés annuels (annual break) and reopen the second week of August.
Enrollment Process
Because our group is limited to just 4–5 children, our enrollment process is intentional:
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Submit an Interest Form: Tell us about your child and your preferred schedule.
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Visit Le Marmouset: Tours and family meetings begin in March 2026.
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Secure Your Spot: A $500 deposit is required to reserve your child’s place for August 2026. This deposit is applied to your first month and is non-refundable after enrollment.
Health, Safety & Wellness
To maintain the “calm and nature-rich” environment of our jardin d’enfants, we prioritize the physical well-being of our tiny community.
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Immunizations: As a program committed to the health of all our families, Le Marmouset follows all California state-mandated immunization requirements for early childhood settings.
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Illness Policy: We follow the UCSF California Childcare Health Program guidelines regarding illness and exclusion. This ensures that we remain a safe space for everyone to learn and play.
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Daily Hygiene: To protect our shared environment, we practice a “clean hands” ritual. We kindly require that both parents and children wash their hands immediately upon entering the premises at drop-off and pick-up.
What Families Say
“My three-year-old daughter had a truly wonderful experience at Laurence’s French immersion summer camp! From the very first day, it was clear how much care and thought Laurence puts into every aspect of the program. She created a warm, nurturing environment where my daughter felt safe, happy, and excited to return each day. One of her favorite parts of camp was the incredible art projects. Each day, my daughter brought home something new and beautiful, and was very proud of her creations!”
“Our younger son attended a week long camp at Le Marmouset. At 19 months, he was happy to follow along older kids in an environment that’s a dream for children. Laurence has well thought-out, varied activities, balanced and delicious homemade meals. We are delighted with her care and would recommend her to other families!”
“Laurence was a dream for my sensitive little boy. He felt comfortable and cared for while also gaining a new friend. I trust Laurence with my everything, mon petit Chou! I highly recommend her for anyone looking for a French immersion and a nurturing place for your sweet babies. We can’t wait to go back. She’s such a sweet person that she even made me feel comfortable and encouraged to try the French I know with her. So don’t wait, send your children with Le marmouset! My son came home excited and enriched with new french words. I could hear him quietly trying to practice. You won’t regret it!”