1. How long have we been in business?
Since June 1997, we began in our home, and then expanded to a small center in Beacon Hill. Our permanent location SOL Main is located on Rainier Ave. and is licensed for 61 children (B-5yrs).
SOL MLK was established in September, 2010 and licensed for Preschool, Pre-K and Before & After School (3-12 yrs) which is located at MLK Jr. Elementary School. SOL RB was established in September 2017 and located at Rainier Beach Community Center for Preschool and Pre-K (3-5 yrs). SOL Orca was established June, 2021 and licensed for Preschool, Pre-K and Before & After School (3-12 yrs) which is located at Orca K-8 School.
2. What are your hours and where are you located?
7 AM – 6 PM (SOL Main, SOL MLK, SOL Orca). 8:30 – 2:30 (SOL RB SPP). We do not accept nighttime care.
We have five (5) locations: Main location in Columbia City — 4728 Rainer Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118. Satellite location for Pre-K & Preschool and Before & After School Program at MLK Jr. Elementary School — 6725 45th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118. Satellite location for Pre-K & Preschool at Rainier Beach Community Center — 8825 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118. Satellite location for Pre-K & Preschool at Orca K-8 School — 5215 46th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118. Phone: 206-721-7599.
3. Are you multi cultural and multi lingual?
Yes, our primary languages are English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Our secondary languages are Somalian and Amharic. We intertwine the 3 primary languages into our daily routine. Staff speak a combined 18 languages.
4. Are the staff members certified?
Staff is currently certified or working toward an early childhood education degree. In addition to having state and city requirements, each classroom has a certified teacher. We currently have 30 staff members.
5. What type of classrooms do you have?
We have 10 classrooms: Infant 1-12 Months, Waddlers 13-25 Months, Toddlers 25-36 Months, Pre-School 37-48 Months, Pre-K 49-60 Months, and Before & After School (K-5th grade).
6. Are we doing tours?
No, tours are by appointment only when we have space available. In the summer is when we have group tours.
7. How do I get on the waiting list?
Fill out the information on the contact us page.
8. How long is the waiting list?
Usually one year for the infant, waddler, and toddler programs.
9. Do we have a high staff and child turnover?
No, staff range from 7-15 years and receive dental, disability, and 401K. Typically children are here from birth until Pre-K.
10. Do you offer before and after school care?
YES, at SOL MLK located at MLK Jr. Elementary — 6725 45th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118. YES, at SOL Orca located at Orca K-8 — 5215 46th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118. NO — SOL Main, SOL RB, SOL Metropole.
11. Do we offer part time childcare?
No, parents pay full tuition but choose their schedule, due to lower staff to child ratio, unless your child is enrolled in the before and after school program.
12. Do you accept subsidy childcare?
Yes, we accept City, State, BSK and Federal subsidies.
