The Lighthouse Daycare

2 Openings Available – Enroll Now!

Toddlers (18 months –3 years)

A Safe harbor for little sailors

We are a childcare committed to providing quality learning and childcare for all children!

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O1

Hybrid Educational Strategy

A holistic blend of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, STEM, play-based learning, mindfulness, and nature-based exploration — designed to nurture creativity, independence, emotional intelligence, and whole-child growth.

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O2

2:1 Teacher-to-Child Ratio

With an exceptional 2:1 ratio, every child receives the individualized attention, responsive care, and meaningful connection they need to truly thrive.

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O3

Safe Enviroment

A calm, predictable, and secure environment where infants and toddlers feel safe to explore, express themselves, and grow with confidence.

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Hybrid 7 educational strategies

Our hybrid educational strategy blends Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, STEM, play-based learning, mindfulness, and nature-based exploration to support the whole child. This thoughtful combination nurtures creativity, independence, emotional intelligence, and a deep love of learning from the very start.

  • Social & Fun

    We create joyful, engaging days filled with music, movement, and playful connection that help children build friendships and delight in learning.

  • Safe Enviroment

    Our space is thoughtfully designed with age-appropriate materials, gentle rhythms, and secure practices that help children feel grounded and confident as they explore.

  • Caring Staff

    Our warm, attentive team builds trusting relationships through responsive care and genuine connection with every child.

  • Qualified Teachers

    Our teachers are trained in early childhood development and grounded in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and RIE principles to support well-rounded growth.

Our Location and calendar

Find our warm in-home daycare in the heart of Tiburon and easily view our daily schedule, hours, and important dates.

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About us

Who We Are

A nurturing, child-centered daycare where early learning, emotional connection, and intentional care come together.

Led by an experienced educator and a passionate founder, we provide a calm, supportive environment where every child is seen, valued, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.

Staff Profiles

Meet the compassionate, highly trained educators who bring curiosity, calm guidance, and intentional care to every moment of your child’s day.

Kajsa Johnson

Kajsa Johnson, founder of The Lighthouse Daycare, combines her deep passion for child development with a strong foundation in psychology and education. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and years of experience studying human behavior, Kajsa is deeply interested in early childhood development and fostering positive learning environments. Born and raised in Sweden, she brings a Scandinavian perspective to child education, emphasizing routines, functionality, and nurturing care. Since moving to the Bay Area in 2017, Kajsa has drawn on her professional experience and her role as a mother of three to create an enriching environment where children can grow and thrive. Her daycare reflects her dedication to cultivating curiosity, independence, and a love of learning in every child.

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Tatiana Frates

Tatiana Frates, the lead teacher at The Lighthouse Daycare, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to nurturing young children. With a background in early childhood development and over a decade of hands-on experience in child care and education, Tatiana has worked in various roles, from leading preschool classes to tutoring and facilitating special needs programs. Most recently, she served as a Lead Preschool Teacher at Creative Gardens in Sausalito, where she developed individualized curriculums and guided children in building foundational skills. Tatiana’s creative, empathetic, and patient approach reflects her passion for fostering children’s growth and curiosity in a supportive environment. Her Scandinavian-inspired perspective on child education aligns beautifully with our daycare’s values of nurturing independence and lifelong learning.

Nora Lima

Nora Lima brings a strong and well-rounded background in childcare, with experience in both small and large care settings throughout the Marin area, as well as years of babysitting. As a mother of four, she has a deep, intuitive understanding of children’s needs, especially during the early years. Nora leads our infant group with a warm, nurturing, and calm presence, creating a safe and comforting environment for our youngest children to grow and thrive. She has a genuine love for working with infants and naturally builds strong, trusting relationships with them. Nora also holds all required licensing certifications and training, ensuring the highest standards of care and safety. As a Spanish speaker, she enriches our program by incorporating songs and everyday expressions in Spanish, adding a meaningful layer of language and cultural exposure to the children’s experience.

testimonials

What Parents Say:
Isami Family

"It was a unique and very positive experience. We felt so welcomed, and the environment was warm and supportive. I especially appreciated the thoughtful projects and curriculum, along with the balance of learning and play."

Wallman Family

"We couldn’t have been happier with our experience. He absolutely loved his time there and formed such a special bond with Teacher Tati."

Our Work

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Hybrid Educational Strategy

At The Lighthouse Daycare, we believe that no single educational philosophy fully captures the complexity and wonder of early childhood. That’s why we thoughtfully blend the strengths of several respected approaches to create a nurturing, well-rounded learning environment.

Our program draws inspiration from Montessori’s emphasis on independence and hands-on learning, Reggio Emilia’s focus on creativity and child-led exploration, Waldorf’s appreciation for imagination, storytelling, and the arts, and STEAM activities that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. We also incorporate play-based learning, recognizing that young children learn best through meaningful play and real-life experiences.

Beyond academics, we place a strong emphasis on social-emotional development through mindfulness practices, emotional literacy, and respectful relationships. Nature-based learning is woven throughout our days, giving children opportunities to connect with the outdoors, develop resilience, and build a sense of wonder about the world around them.

This balanced approach supports the whole child: fostering confidence, creativity, independence, emotional intelligence, and a lifelong love of learning.

2:1 Teacher-to-Child Ratio

One of the unique advantages of joining The Lighthouse Daycare during our early stages is our exceptional 2:1 teacher-to-child ratio. This level of individualized attention is rare in group childcare settings and allows us to provide highly responsive care, build strong relationships, and thoughtfully support each child’s unique needs and development.

With two dedicated caregivers and a small group of children, we create a nurturing environment where children feel seen, supported, and secure throughout the day.

As The Lighthouse Daycare grows, our exact ratio may evolve. However, maintaining small group sizes and providing personalized, relationship-based care will remain a core part of our philosophy. We are committed to keeping our teacher-to-child ratios significantly lower than state licensing requirements whenever possible, ensuring that every child continues to receive the attention and care they deserve.

Safe Environment

At The Lighthouse Daycare, creating a safe and secure environment is one of our highest priorities. We carefully selected our home with children’s safety and well-being in mind, creating a space that is calm, welcoming, and designed to support exploration and learning.

We follow all California licensing health and safety requirements and have undergone inspections to ensure our environment meets rigorous standards. From secure indoor and outdoor spaces to emergency preparedness measures, every aspect of our program is designed to help keep children safe.

Most importantly, we strive to create an atmosphere where infants and toddlers feel secure, supported, and confident to explore their surroundings, express themselves, and develop at their own pace.

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  • Introduce toddlers to rhythm, melody, and basic instruments.
  • Encourage coordination, balance, and motor skills through dancing and active participation.
  • Examples: Mommy-and-me music classes or toddler drum circles.
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