Our Mission

The mission of C.A.S.T.L.E. (Children’s After School Transitional Learning Environment) is to enrich the after school and vacation hours of the children in the Sebastopol Union School District through quality child care activities, classes and opportunities for study and socialization.

Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which positive activities & relationships foster the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of each child.

Our Philosphy

At CASTLE Child Care we believe:
That positive relationships built through thoughtful interactions (between staff and every child) are the key to a quality child care program. Staff are genuinely caring, respectful, and sensitive.

The first step in any behavior management plan is to build these relationships. Children learn our expectations through clear limits and understandable rules which are enforced in a positive way which focuses on the behavior, not the child.

Children are individuals, with individual needs, experiences, personalities, temperaments, and abilities. Individual children need individualized approaches. We adapt the environment, relationships and experiences for the child, instead of trying to adapt the child.

CASTLE is child-centered, developmentally appropriate. We use children’s individual interests, abilities, and qualities to plan a variety of engaging, novel, challenging, relevant activities and experiences.

We provide a chance for childhood time, with an unhurried, relaxed atmosphere. Play is important.

CASTLE is a social setting. Children develop socially while learning the skills needed to get along with others. Community-building is fostered. We actively model and teach positive social skills. Children are constantly reminded that CASTLE is an emotionally safe “haven” where kindness and friendship are expected.

Whenever possible, we create a “yes” environment where children can develop their creativity and learn at their own pace and make their own choices. The role of the adult in child care is to facilitate, rather than direct.

This “no problem” attitude applies also to parents and families. We recognize, accept, and support the family as the primary caregiver and value their input and ideas. We can become part of the extended family that helps raise the child.

Our budget supports the goals of the program.