CHALK Preschool of Tarzana is a private preschool and licensed childcare center in Los Angeles serving children from 18 months through six years, including transitional kindergarten. Families searching for the best preschool in Tarzana, daycare in Tarzana, toddler programs in Los Angeles, or a play-based preschool near Encino can find full-day, half-day, and flexible two-, three-, or five-day enrollment options. CHALK combines creative learning, structured instruction, social-emotional development, physical activity, and hands-on exploration. Its Tarzana campus operates year-round and provides classrooms designed to help children develop independence, communication skills, confidence, curiosity, friendships, and kindergarten readiness. Official Tarzana campus
The CHALK curriculum balances structured lessons with free play and teachable everyday moments. Children participate in language and literacy, early mathematics, scientific exploration, art, music, dramatic play, physical development, daily life skills, and social-emotional learning. The school integrates My Gym fitness lessons into the daily curriculum without an additional program charge. Teachers communicate with families through a secure school application, provide daily updates, complete student evaluations twice yearly, and hold annual parent-teacher conferences. This approach may appeal to families comparing Tarzana preschools, San Fernando Valley daycare centers, transitional kindergarten programs, or year-round early childhood education in Los Angeles.
CHALK Preschool Tarzana is located at 19436 Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana, California. The California Department of Social Services lists the location as a licensed single-license childcare center under facility number 195700341, with an approved capacity of 80 children. The campus includes five classrooms, a fenced outdoor activity area, a custom tricycle track, gross-motor play space, classroom air conditioning, filtered drinking-water dispensers, shaded outdoor areas, and age-appropriate equipment. Families should confirm tuition, opening hours, classroom availability, and enrollment dates directly with the preschool because these operational details may change after publication.
1. Basic Information
CHALK Preschool of Tarzana is a private, year-round early childhood center rather than a public elementary school. The school’s educational philosophy blends play, creativity, structured learning, social-emotional development, physical activity, and practical daily-life skills. CHALK is not officially described as Montessori, Waldorf, religious, or exclusively Reggio Emilia. Its current Los Angeles preschool program serves toddlers, preschoolers, pre-kindergarten children, and transitional kindergarten students from approximately 18 months through six years. The name CHALK is associated with creative, hands-on learning, while its current website presents the school’s message as inspiring curious minds, kind hearts, and confident learners. Official CHALK website
| Information | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| School name | CHALK Preschool of Tarzana |
| Official licensing name | CHALK Preschool Tarzana |
| School type | Private preschool and licensed childcare center |
| Educational model | Play-based, hands-on, structured and social-emotional learning |
| Religious affiliation | No religious affiliation identified |
| Age range | 18 months through 6 years, including TK |
| Academic calendar | Year-round attendance |
| Tagline | “Inspiring curious minds, kind hearts, and confident learners.” |
| Other CHALK campuses | Hermosa Beach and Rancho Palos Verdes |
| Current facility capacity | 80 children |
2. Contact and Location Details
CHALK Preschool’s Tarzana campus is positioned on Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. The verified campus address, telephone number, email address, weekday schedule, map coordinates, online application, virtual tour, and Instagram account are available online. The official campus webpage currently displays public-facing hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. California’s 2025 licensing documentation records an approved operating window of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; parents should therefore confirm the exact drop-off and pickup window attached to their selected program. No verified WhatsApp number or official Tarzana YouTube channel was identified.
| Contact Item | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Full address | 19436 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana, CA 91356 |
| City | Los Angeles |
| Neighborhood | Tarzana |
| County | Los Angeles County |
| Approximate GPS coordinates | 34.167390, -118.558366 |
| Main telephone | (818) 593-2244 |
| Official campus email | tarzana@chalkpreschool.com |
| Official website | chalkpreschool.com |
| Tarzana campus page | CHALK Preschool Tarzana |
| @chalkpreschool_tarzana | |
| Virtual campus tour | Available through the official Tarzana campus page |
| Tour scheduling | Available through the campus’s official Calendly system |
| Google Maps | View CHALK Preschool Tarzana |
3. Academic and Curriculum
CHALK’s curriculum is designed around the whole child rather than concentrating exclusively on academics. Teachers combine formal lessons, free-choice play, classroom responsibilities, social interactions, and spontaneous learning opportunities. Children develop language, communication, early literacy, mathematical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, gross-motor coordination, self-expression, patience, cooperation, emotional awareness, and decision-making. Art, music, dramatic play, nature, nutrition, and My Gym fitness activities are incorporated into the program. The school also publishes a defined progress-reporting process: families receive daily digital updates, students receive evaluations twice each year based on California standards, and annual parent-teacher conferences support communication about development. CHALK educational philosophy
| Academic Area | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Curriculum type | Play-based, creative, hands-on and structured |
| Academic areas | Early language, literacy, mathematics and problem-solving |
| Social-emotional learning | Feelings, friendships, patience, cooperation and responsible choices |
| Life skills | Caring for belongings, communication, conversation and time management |
| Creative learning | Art, music and dramatic play |
| Physical development | Gross-motor activities and My Gym fitness lessons |
| Environmental learning | Nature, healthy living and nutrition |
| Primary instructional language | English |
| Additional language exposure | Spanish may be incorporated by a Spanish-speaking Tarzana teacher |
| Student assessment | Twice-yearly evaluations based on California standards |
| Progress reporting | Daily secure-app updates and annual parent-teacher conferences |
| Learning format | Structured lessons, free play and teachable moments |
Teacher-to-Student Snapshot
The school does not publish one guaranteed ratio for every class. The latest detailed CDSS inspection available from October 24, 2025, recorded the following attendance and staffing during that visit. These figures are an inspection-day snapshot, not permanent class-size promises. CDSS inspection report
| Classroom | Children Present | Teachers Present | Observed Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purple Room | 9 | 1 | 9:1 |
| Yellow Room | 13 | 2 | 6.5:1 |
| Blue Room | 9 | 2 | 4.5:1 |
| TK Room | 12 | 1 | 12:1 |
4. Programs and Timing
CHALK Preschool Tarzana provides flexible scheduling for toddlers and preschoolers. Families can select two-, three-, or five-day attendance and choose between full-day and half-day programs. The school serves children beginning at 18 months and continues through transitional kindergarten at approximately six years of age. Attendance is offered throughout the year rather than only during a traditional September-to-June school calendar. The school-published campus hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekend care is not advertised. A separate summer-camp schedule is not currently published, but the regular program is described as operating year-round.
| Program Information | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Toddler program | 18–36 months |
| Preschool program | Approximately 2 years through pre-K |
| Transitional kindergarten | Available through approximately age 6 |
| Attendance options | 2, 3 or 5 days per week |
| Schedule options | Full-day and half-day |
| Academic calendar | Year-round |
| School-published hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Licensed operating schedule documented by CDSS | Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. |
| Weekend care | Not advertised |
| Daily fitness | My Gym curriculum integrated into the regular program |
| Campus tours | In-person scheduling and virtual tour available |
5. Fees and Admissions
CHALK publishes a monthly tuition structure for its Tarzana toddler and preschool programs. Costs vary according to the child’s program, number of attendance days, and full-day or half-day selection. Toddler tuition is higher than preschool tuition for equivalent schedules. A one-time, nonrefundable $250 registration fee is due upon enrollment. The school offers a sibling discount but does not publish the discount percentage. Applications are accepted for the waitlist, and places are offered during enrollment periods in the order applications are received. When a place is offered, the first month’s tuition is due within two weeks and is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Official tuition and application
| Tarzana Program | Monthly Tuition |
|---|---|
| Toddlers—5 days, full day | $2,115 |
| Toddlers—5 days, half day | $1,950 |
| Toddlers—3 days, full day | $1,500 |
| Toddlers—3 days, half day | $1,300 |
| Toddlers—2 days, full day | $1,250 |
| Toddlers—2 days, half day | $1,065 |
| Preschoolers—5 days, full day | $1,780 |
| Preschoolers—5 days, half day | $1,640 |
| Preschoolers—3 days, full day | $1,260 |
| Preschoolers—3 days, half day | $1,095 |
| Preschoolers—2 days, full day | $1,040 |
| Preschoolers—2 days, half day | $900 |
| Admission Item | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Billing frequency | Monthly |
| Registration fee | $250, one time and nonrefundable |
| Sibling discount | Available; amount not published |
| Application method | Online application |
| Enrollment method | Applications join the waitlist |
| Place allocation | Spaces offered during enrollment periods in application order |
| Requested start date | Selected on the application, subject to availability |
| First tuition payment | Due within two weeks after a place is offered |
| Potty-training requirement | Children do not need to be potty-trained |
| Current availability | Must be confirmed directly with the Tarzana campus |
6. Facilities and Infrastructure
The Tarzana campus is described as a secure, spacious preschool with substantial natural light and a large outdoor gross-motor area. Published features include a custom tricycle track, outdoor chalkboard wall, shaded relaxation area, and classrooms arranged for play-based learning. California’s January 2025 licensing inspection documented five classrooms, central heating and air conditioning, filtered-water dispensers, classroom storage cubbies, cots, age-appropriate play equipment, fenced outdoor grounds, fall-cushioning surfaces, shade, benches, toilets, sinks, smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, and fire-safety equipment. The toddler and preschool programs occupy designated classroom areas. California licensing inspection
| Facility Area | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Number of classrooms | Five |
| Toddler classroom | Blue Room |
| Preschool classrooms | Orange, Green, Yellow and Purple rooms |
| Indoor environment | Natural light, central heating and air conditioning |
| Classroom equipment | Age-appropriate toys, furniture, learning materials, cots and cubbies |
| Outdoor area | Fenced gross-motor activity space |
| Outdoor features | Custom tricycle track, chalkboard wall, shade and seating |
| Fall protection | Rubber platform and artificial grass around relevant play equipment |
| Drinking water | Filtered-water dispensers in classrooms |
| Fire safety | Fire extinguishers and smoke/carbon-monoxide detectors documented |
| Health area | Supervised isolation area for an ill child |
| Medication storage | Locked storage near the director’s office |
| Snacks | Morning and afternoon snacks provided |
| Menus | Written menus posted for parent review |
| Transportation | The center reported that it does not provide transportation |
| Swimming pool | No pool or other body of water observed |
7. Staff and Management
The official Tarzana page identifies Ms. Leslie as director, while California licensing records provide her full name as Leslie Chiang. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine, and reports more than 18 years of experience working with children. Ms. Ambre serves as assistant director and holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Human Sciences from California State University, Northridge. CHALK states that teachers hold at least a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development or a related field and receive continuing education. The campus also publishes biographies for its classroom teachers. Current Tarzana team
| Staff Member or Requirement | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Leslie Chiang, presented publicly as Ms. Leslie |
| Director’s education | B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior, UC Irvine |
| Director’s experience | More than 18 years working with children |
| Assistant director | Ms. Ambre |
| Assistant director’s education | B.A. in Child Development and Human Sciences, California State University, Northridge |
| TK teacher | Ms. Iris |
| Purple Room teacher | Ms. Natalie |
| Yellow Room teachers | Ms. Shannon and Ms. Diana |
| Blue Room teachers | Ms. Kiana and Ms. Perla |
| Published minimum teacher education | Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development or a related field |
| Professional development | Continuing education and training |
| Background checks | Applicable staff and volunteers must obtain California criminal-record clearance or an approved exemption before being present |
| Current individual clearance records | Verify through the school or California Community Care Licensing |
8. Events, Activities and Extracurriculars
CHALK integrates creative, academic, physical, and social experiences into the regular preschool curriculum. Children participate in art, music, dramatic play, gross-motor activities, nature-related learning, healthy-living discussions, and My Gym fitness lessons. Social-emotional activities help children identify feelings, develop friendships, exercise patience, cooperate with classmates, care for belongings, and make age-appropriate choices. The Tarzana outdoor area also supports tricycle riding and active play. CHALK occasionally promotes community events through its social channels, but a fixed annual calendar of sports days, cultural celebrations, graduation activities, or field trips is not published on the official website. Event dates should therefore be confirmed directly.
| Activity Category | Verified Activities |
|---|---|
| Art | Creative and hands-on art activities |
| Music | Music and self-expression |
| Dramatic play | Imaginative classroom play |
| Physical fitness | Daily My Gym lessons |
| Outdoor movement | Gross-motor play and tricycle-track activities |
| Social-emotional learning | Feelings, friendships, patience and cooperation |
| Life skills | Belongings, communication and time management |
| Nature | Appreciation for nature and outdoor learning |
| Health education | Healthy-living and nutrition concepts |
| Community events | Periodically promoted through the Tarzana social account |
9. Reviews, Licensing and Recognition
CHALK Preschool Tarzana operates under California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing facility number 195700341. The current single license was issued following the conversion of an earlier preschool-only license, number 197495058, which the state now marks closed because of that conversion. The current license covers 12 toddlers and 68 preschool-age children for a total capacity of 80. CHALK is a private childcare center, so CDSS licensing records are more relevant than the California Department of Education public-school directory. Online star ratings change over time and should always be dated instead of presented as permanent facts.
| Licensing or Review Item | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory authority | California Department of Social Services |
| Current facility number | 195700341 |
| License type | Single licensed childcare center |
| Current licensed capacity | 80 children |
| Toddler component | 12 children |
| Preschool component | 68 children |
| License issue period | February 2025 |
| Previous facility number | 197495058—closed after single-license conversion |
| Latest reviewed state report | October 24, 2025 |
| Latest report outcome | No deficiencies were observed concerning the incident reviewed |
| Yahoo Local rating snapshot | 5.0/5 from 9 reviews as checked September 15, 2026 |
| Winnie review status | No parent reviews displayed as checked September 15, 2026 |
| Official school-site rating | No aggregate star rating published |
| State record search | California Community Care Facility Search |
10. Parent Communication and Amenities
CHALK provides families with daily updates through a secure school application. Its progress-reporting system also includes student evaluations twice each year and annual parent-teacher conferences. These communication methods allow parents to follow classroom experiences, developmental progress, and learning goals. Written snack menus are posted for review, and parents or guardians sign children in and out. The school is diaper-friendly for eligible younger children and states that children do not need to be potty-trained before enrollment. Teachers are prepared to assist with toilet-learning development. A formal Parent-Teacher Association is not advertised, but direct family communication and scheduled conferences form part of the school’s published educational model.
| Parent Support Item | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Parent mobile application | Secure school app |
| Daily communication | Daily updates through the app |
| Formal evaluations | Twice yearly |
| Evaluation basis | California standards |
| Parent-teacher conferences | Held annually |
| Sign-in and sign-out | Required for parents or guardians |
| Snack information | Written menus posted for review |
| Potty-training policy | Potty training is not required |
| Diaper support | Available for eligible younger children |
| School tours | In-person and virtual tour options |
| PTA | No formal PTA information published |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is CHALK Preschool in Los Angeles?
The Los Angeles campus is located at 19436 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana, CA 91356.
What ages does CHALK Preschool Tarzana accept?
The school serves children from approximately 18 months through six years, including toddlers, preschoolers, pre-K students, and transitional kindergarten children.
Is CHALK Preschool Montessori?
CHALK does not describe the Tarzana campus as a Montessori school. Its curriculum combines play-based learning, structured lessons, creativity, social-emotional education, life skills, and physical development.
What are CHALK Preschool Tarzana’s hours?
The official school website publishes Monday–Friday hours of 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. California licensing documents show an authorized operating schedule of 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Parents should confirm their selected program’s exact hours.
Does CHALK offer full-day and half-day preschool?
Yes. Full-day and half-day programs are available for two, three, or five days per week.
How much is CHALK Preschool in Tarzana?
Published monthly tuition ranges from $900 for a two-day half-day preschool program to $2,115 for a five-day full-day toddler program. A $250 registration fee also applies.
Does CHALK offer a sibling discount?
Yes. The official Tarzana page lists a sibling discount, although the amount is not publicly stated.
Must children be potty-trained?
No. CHALK states that children do not need to be potty-trained and that staff can help with the process.
Does CHALK provide food?
The center’s licensing documentation states that morning and afternoon snacks are provided. Parents should ask the school about lunch requirements and current allergy accommodations.
Is CHALK Preschool Tarzana licensed?
Yes. The current California childcare facility number is 195700341, with an approved capacity of 80 children.
How does the school update parents?
Parents receive daily updates through a secure school app. CHALK also conducts twice-yearly evaluations and annual parent-teacher conferences.
How do families apply?
Families can select the Tarzana location, complete the online application, pay the required registration fee when enrolled, and join the waitlist for their requested start date.
Conclusion
CHALK Preschool of Tarzana offers year-round toddler, preschool, pre-K, and transitional kindergarten education in Los Angeles. Its program combines play-based learning, structured instruction, social-emotional development, art, music, dramatic play, life skills, outdoor activity, and daily My Gym fitness. Flexible two-, three-, and five-day schedules are available in full-day and half-day formats. Verified family benefits include daily secure-app updates, twice-yearly student evaluations, annual conferences, a sibling discount, and a diaper-friendly admission policy. Families can compare CHALK with other providers through the California school directory and should confirm availability before paying enrollment fees.
