Who is the MAE for PreK framework designed for?

It is built for preschool directors, teachers, and centers using any curriculum style (Play-based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia) who need a simple way to align daily play with state assessment standards like DRDPs and ASQs without burnout.

Does Oak Tree Learning Center accept financial assistance?

Yes. Oak Tree actively partners with state and local financial assistance programs to ensure high-quality early childhood education is accessible to all families in our community.

How does the MAE framework fit into non-district or Title 22 centers?

MAE simplifies tracking by focusing on 1–2 key indicators a month. It bridges the gap for Title 22-trained teachers by giving them practical observation tools that fit organic classroom play without extra administrative burden.

How does Oak Tree support busy working parents?

Oak Tree embraces the whole family by offering flexible options to fit modern schedules, maintaining open communication on child growth, and inviting parents as active partners in their child's learning journey.

Our Story

Nurturing Roots for Stability, Expanding Branches for Potential

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Our Story: Building a Vibrant Ecosystem for Early Learning

Before entering early childhood education, founder Jennifer Carter developed academic programs in K-12 systems, where curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment operate as an interconnected unit.

When she assumed leadership as director and owner of Oak Tree Learning Center in San Bernardino, California, her goal was clear: elevate standard childcare into an intentional, data-driven preschool environment by adopting California’s DRDP and ASQ assessment frameworks.

However, one typical morning in the classroom redefined that mission.

"I stepped in to help because a teacher was running late at the start of a typical day. I served breakfast to the two-year-old class, helped someone new go to the potty independently, swept up animal crackers, fielded questions from concerned parents about a biting incident, and washed dishes... Just as I was falling into a good rhythm, the school cook came outside to tell me that I was needed for an unscheduled tour. Remarkably, this all happened within half an hour of stepping into the classroom." Jennifer Carter, Founder

Returning to a desk stacked with assessment paperwork, Jennifer recognized an urgent challenge: early childhood educators manage constant physical safety, emotional co-regulation, and active play.

Expecting teachers to track complex data while managing classroom needs creates untenable stress, directly fueling industry burnout and high turnover.

Addressing the Structural Training Gap

California’s early childhood workforce relies on two distinct professional preparation tracks:

Title 5 Pathway: Degree-level coursework covering curriculum design, pedagogical strategy, and diagnostic assessment methods.
Title 22 Pathway: Core unit requirements focused on child growth, safety, and health, but omitting formal assessment methods.

As state standards and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) expansions shifted expectations, centers faced growing demands to show student progress. Yet, teachers lacked assessment tools designed to fit the natural flow of early childhood settings.

A Sustainable Path Forward

To bridge this gap, Jennifer published Meaningful Assessment-ready Experiences (MAE) for PreK Students (2019). MAE organizes early learning around a balanced, three-part ecosystem:

Curriculum: Meaningful, real-world experiences rooted in community and culture.
Pedagogy: Responsive teaching strategies aligned with early childhood values.
Assessment: Streamlined observational tools that capture progress without disrupting active play.

By grounding daily activities in Universal Design, Maslow’s Hierarchy, and Bloom’s Taxonomy, the MAE framework empowers educators to measure cognitive growth naturally, ensuring high academic standards while keeping children and teachers supported.

Making Learning Accessible for Every Family

True educational excellence requires breaking down barriers so every child can thrive. Oak Tree Learning Center lives this commitment by actively partnering with financial assistance programs to make high-quality ECE accessible to all families, regardless of income.

At Oak Tree, education extends beyond the classroom walls:

Family-Centered Flexibility

Adapting to the real rhythms of modern schedules, honoring parents as essential partners, and ensuring families feel supported at every step.

Community Initiatives

Driving local projects that uplift children, build equity, and create a strong safety net for the neighborhood - community resources brought directly to you.

Universal Design Principles

Crafting learning experiences that meet diverse developmental, cultural, and socioeconomic needs so every child finds their path to success.

Three Locations Designed for Every Age and Stage

Choosing the right educational environment is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. Oak Tree Learning Center operates three distinct campuses across San Bernardino and Los Angeles. Each location is created to engage specific age groups and support developmental milestones, ensuring your child receives safe, high-quality care every day.

Whether you're looking for free tuition options, state-credentialed early childhood teachers, inclusive preschool programming, or school-age care with reliable transportation, explore our campuses below to find the right fit for your family.