We can’t claim to be the best, but we do wake up every single day with the intention of earning that title in the eyes of each child and family we serve.

Mother Lode Mountain Tots isn’t just a school—it’s a place born from personal experience, big dreams, and deep roots in this community. We’re a working family, just like many of you. As working parents ourselves, we know how hard it is to balance it all and find someone you truly trust to care for your child. Our administrator, Erica, was once a mom searching desperately for someone she could trust with her daughter. That daughter later became a student at this very school—back when it was Pioneer Montessori—and today she still walks through our doors as part of our after-school program.

In 2023, we took a leap of faith and purchased the school that had given our family so much. We reopened it as Mother Lode Mountain Tots, with a promise to honor its legacy while expanding its heart and vision for today’s families.

What makes us different? Our team. Our teachers bring decades of experience, deep compassion, and in some cases—personal history. Several of our staff actually attended this very school as preschoolers themselves. That kind of full-circle dedication is rare, and it shows in every classroom interaction, every lesson, every smile.

We’re Montessori-inspired, yes. But more importantly, we’re human-centered—driven by a desire to grow children’s minds and strengthen their families. That’s our motto, and it shows up in everything we do: from low teacher-student ratios and intentional curriculum, to the Amazing Child Reports we send home each week, to the warm greetings and personal check-ins with families every single day.

We may not be perfect. But we’re present. We’re consistent. And we care—deeply.

Because we’re not just educating children. We’re raising them with you.

Use the 📅 Schedule a Tour button on our website or call us at 209-295-1230. We’d love to meet your family!

Yes! We offer both full-time and part-time options. Preschool children must attend at least three days per week to build routine, confidence, and a foundation for learning. Exceptions may be made based on availability. Infant and toddler attendance and After-School care are more flexible depending on availability. 

Yes — we accept TRC (The Resource Connection) child care subsidies. Let us know when you apply, and we’ll help guide you through the process.

TRC stands for The Resource Connection, a child care subsidy program that helps eligible families in Amador County pay for child care. If your family qualifies, TRC will cover part or all of your tuition costs. To learn more or apply, visit The Resource Connection website or ask us during your tour — we’re happy to help guide you through the process!

No, potty training is not required to attend our school.

Our experienced staff partners closely with families during the potty training process, using consistency, encouragement, and patience. We focus on helping each child feel confident, supported, and understood—every step of the way.

We believe strong communication builds strong partnerships. That’s why we use the Brightwheel app to send daily updates, share photos, and message families directly.

In addition to Brightwheel, we:

• Share a monthly newsletter with upcoming events and school highlights

• Provide a weekly “Amazing Child Report” that shares three specific things your child is learning or working on

• Display a Learning Focus Sign at our entrance, showing the weekly theme or concept

• Greet families at drop-off and pick-up with a warm smile and personal updates about your child’s day

Our goal is to keep you informed, involved, and confident in your child’s experience every step of the way. Find out more here.

Absolutely. We work closely with families to understand each child’s individual health needs. Whether your child has food allergies, asthma, or other medical conditions, we’ll create a care plan together to ensure they are safe, supported, and included. Our staff is trained in administering medication, using EpiPens, and recognizing allergic reactions.

This is personal to us—our own daughter attended as a preschooler and now enjoys our after-school program. She has a severe nut and sesame allergy, and we’ve never had an issue. We trust our staff completely, and you can too.

Absolutely. Over the years, many families — and even other providers — have told us that if a child needs extra support, this is the place to be. That means a lot to us.

Our team has decades of experience working with children with unique learning styles or needs. We’ve worked closely with families through IEPs, IFSPs, therapy plans, and more. Some of our most meaningful relationships have grown out of these partnerships.

We know parenting can feel overwhelming sometimes, and we’re here to walk that path with you.

Transitions can be tough—for children and families! We take a gentle, personalized approach. Before your child starts, we offer a tour and orientation so your family can get comfortable. On their first day, we pair your child with a consistent caregiver or teacher who helps them feel safe and supported. Our team is warm, patient, and trained to help children build trust and settle in at their own pace. Find out more here. 

At Mother Lode Mountain Tots, we believe that confidence, calm, and emotional well-being are just as important as academic learning. Our Montessori-inspired environment supports mental health through predictable routines, respectful relationships, and child-led choices. Children are given the space to solve problems, care for their environment, and make meaningful decisions throughout the day—all of which fosters self-esteem, emotional regulation, and a strong sense of independence. We also emphasize empathy, kindness, and conflict resolution to help build strong social foundations for life.

Absolutely! We love welcoming siblings into our school community. While different age groups are placed in developmentally appropriate classrooms, siblings still see each other during drop-off, pick-up, and outdoor play. Many families tell us it brings comfort knowing their children are learning and growing in the same nurturing environment.

Brightwheel is the all-in-one app we use to communicate, share updates, and manage enrollment. You’ll receive real-time messages, daily reports, and photos of your child’s day—all right from your phone. Brightwheel also is the hub for forms, billing, and classroom updates. It’s one of the ways we keep families closely connected to their child’s experience at school.

Yes. A one-time $100 registration fee is required to reserve your child’s spot. If your family receives child care tuition assistance through TRC (The Resource Connection), this fee is typically covered. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for TRC, we’re happy to help guide you through the process.

Enrollment starts with a tour—we want to meet you, show you around, and answer your questions in person. After the tour, families who wish to enroll can fill out a short application form. Once submitted, you will create a Brightwheel account for your child, and you will receive a welcome email with everything you need to prepare for their first day, including required documents and what to bring.

All enrollment paperwork is completed digitally through Brightwheel. Once your forms are submitted and the $100 registration fee is paid (or covered by TRC if applicable), your child is all set to begin their journey at Mother Lode Mountain Tots!