Admissions
Waiting List / Application form
The Children's Center at Caltech is licensed for 99 children. We are currently full. To be placed on the waiting list you can print out the single-page application form (PDF, DOC), fill it out, and fax or mail it to us -- or you can fill out the online form and submit that to us.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What ages does your program enroll?
A: We offer a full-day (7:30 am to 5:45 pm)
year-round Infant/Toddler and Pre-school program. We enroll
infants when they are six months old and can accept children up
until they turn 6 six years old.
Q: What are your classroom ratios?
A:
| Class | Age Range * | Child : Teacher Ratio Range | State Required Ratio Range |
| Bunny | 6 - 18 months | 2.5 - 3.5 : 1 | 4 : 1 |
| Dolphin | 18 - 30 months | 4 - 5 : 1 | 6 : 1 |
| Penguin | 2 - 3 years | 4 - 5 : 1 | 12 : 1 |
| Koala | 3 - 4 years | 5 - 6 : 1 | 12 : 1 |
| Raccoon | 3.5 - 4.5 years | 6 - 8 : 1 | 12 : 1 |
| Beaver | 4 - 5 years | 6 - 8 : 1 | 12 : 1 |
| * Children are placed according to their individual developmental readiness. | |||
Q: Do you have an afterschool program or summer
program?
A: No. There is such a program located within
walking distance from ours. It is administered by our sister
program at JPL, the Child Educational Center. You may call them
directly at 818-354-3418 or access their
website http://www.ceconline.org
for registration and more information.
Q: Does the Children's Center @ Caltech have a waiting list
right now?
A: Yes -- we have two. One for Caltech
affiliates and another for members of the community.
Q: Do I need to be an affiliate of Caltech to apply for
your waiting list?
A: No -- but you will be assigned to our
secondary waitlist.
Q: Who is a Caltech affiliate?
A: Current students of Caltech, current staff
and faculty receiving paychecks from Caltech and/or the Jet
Propulsion Laboratory.
Q: When should I get on the waiting list?
A: As soon as you find out that your family is
pregnant and have an approximate due date. Because your priority
on both lists is established according to the date we receive
your application, the sooner the better.
Q: How can I get on your waiting list?
A: You should fill out the forms available
here.
Q: How can I schedule a tour of the
Children's Center @ Caltech?
A: Call us at 626-395-6860 and we will schedule
an appointment. We can only give tours in the mornings between
8am and 11 am.
Q: How can I find out more about the
Children's Center @ Caltech?
A: If you have additional questions about
the center, they
may be answered elsewhere on this website. In particular, take a look
at the page for current parents.
Enrollment packet
We look forward to getting to know you and your child. Below you will find enrollment forms that you need to bring with you to your orientation appointment.
Your $500.00 non-refundable deposit is due on or before your orientation date. This deposit will be credited towards the last month of your child's tuition at the Center. In order to receive this credit a 30-day written notice must be submitted to the office.
STEP 1: Complete all paperwork included above. The paperwork above is critical to the enrollment of your child.
STEP 2: Call our office to schedule your intake/orientation appointment with the director and the child's teacher. (626)395-6860. Please only call after your physician has returned the Physicians Report to you, as well as the completion of all other paperwork. We are unable to accommodate drop-ins.
STEP 3: Attend your scheduled intake/orientation appointment and bring all of the completed paperwork. When you come in for your appointment we will explain the enrollment process, review your paperwork, and answer any questions you may have. At this meeting you will arrange your transition (visiting) schedule, which occurs before the official "landing" of your child into the classroom. NOTE: Both parents must be present for the appointment.