Sonoma State Children’s School

Sonoma State Children’s School includes activities such as art, music, dramatic play, block building, science, language and literacy experiences, and outdoor play. Children at the school take part in climbing, swinging, gardening, riding toys, and playing in water and sand as part of their daily experiences.

• Ages: 1–5 years old
• Schedule: Open Monday–Friday with full-day hours most days

Sonoma State Children’s School is a program of Sonoma State University Associated Students and operates as the Child Development Laboratory on the Sonoma State University campus. It is an NAEYC accredited developmental program for children ages one through five years, steeped in active sensory experiences and grounded in environmental ethics. The model school is staffed with Master Teachers who train a large Sonoma State University student staff in best practices and theory of early education, and trained teachers implement a planned and emergent curriculum while promoting respect, responsibility, resourcefulness, and resiliency. The program’s mission is to provide high quality early childhood education services to children of Sonoma State University students, staff, and faculty families, and to utilize the richness of the campus community while providing optimum services to families. Fostering a sense of trust and positive self-esteem and recognizing problem-solving opportunities through play are stated core components of the Children’s School curriculum.

The school has been part of Sonoma State University since it began as an idea in 1972, operated in trailers until 1978, and continues in its current building. The population of students, parents, staff, and faculty represents diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and the school welcomes students from many disciplines to observe and learn from and about children. Children have the opportunity to learn and grow in a nurturing, familial environment. The leadership team includes Program Director Melissa Nelson; Master Teacher Bethany Lybeck Chapman; Early Childhood Teachers Shannon Dublin, Kimberly Alvarado Reyes, Wendy Contreras, and Alexis Gonzalez; and Health and Nutrition Coordinator Tarik Kanaana.

Last updated May 15, 2026.