About Safari Kid
A Preschool Franchise Driven by a Passion for Children & Education
Safari Kid is a preschool franchise that unlocks the secret to a child's unlimited potential. According to the CDC, the early years of a child’s life are very important for future health and development. Children are born ready to learn. In fact, in the first few years of life, more than 1 million new neural connections form every second! We take pride in nourishing these brilliant little minds by laying a robust foundation that supports their academic, behavioral, and overall health development.
At Safari Kid, we find ways to connect with each child through our WISDOM Learning Path. “Children are nurtured to securely spread their wings and soar through the skies of wonder, imagination, observation, and discussion, as our mentors ensure they are successfully meeting each milestone along the way. Our little explorers are encouraged to question, develop their own ideas, and bring their remarkable creations to life.
Methodologies We Employ
At Safari Kid we strike a balance between valuing essential elements of traditional educational philosophies while staying updated on the latest brain research and modern teaching methods, such as Play-Based Learning, Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, and STREAM education.
Through our quest to nurture the whole child, we have embraced the WISDOM Learning Path in order to define the way we feel children learn best. On this path we ignite wonder through the environment encouraging a child’s natural curiosity about the world to foster learning.
We provide opportunities for children to use their imagination by encouraging them to pretend, play, and create. We provide a safe environment in which our mentors are caring and nurturing helping them feel the security they need in order to learn.
We encourage discussions which help them to process information, and use their social and language skills in ways that foster higher level thinking. We allow them time to observe like little scientists, making discoveries about their world, while our mentors are also observing to make sure learning and growth is happening.
All the while we are communicating with parents to form relationships that bridge home and school. Our end goal is whole child development, as we put an equal focus on each of the learning domains within our curriculum. Our methods help each child develop to their full and unique potential with confidence and self-esteem.
Our Image of a Child
At Safari Kid, we empower children to discover, imagine, create, question, learn, and grow, which helps them develop their own ideas, concepts, and creations later. The purpose or vision of early childhood education is to start ‘early’ in a nurturing environment for your young ones to become responsible global citizen.

Our Programs
-
Infant Programs
-
Toddlers
-
Entry Level Preschool
-
Intermediate Level Preschool
-
Pre-Kindergarten
-
Kindergarten
-
1st Grade
-
2nd Grade
-
After School Programs
-
Summer Camp


Eclectic Philosophy
Traditional Philosophies & Contemporary Research Practices
-
Traditional Philosophies
- Reggio Emilia
- Montessori
- Waldorf
-
Contemporary Research Practices
- Play-Based Learning
- Celebrate Multiple Intelligences
- STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, Math) Activities
Proprietary Curriculum Paired with a Personalized Approach
When considering how a child best learns, it is necessary to first consider physiological, personal, and developmental needs while also accounting for her/his emotional state of mind. Once these basic needs are met, there is a need for connection–connecting with people and the environment in a way which makes the child feel secure and valued. These are just initial considerations when utilizing the 'whole child' approach to learning.


Safari Kid Milestones
-
2005The first Safari Kid Launches in Newark, CA
-
2007Safari Kid’s Eclectic Philosohpy is Introduced
-
2008The Proprietary Booklet System is Released
-
2009After-School Programs & Summer Camp Launched
-
2011The Safari Kid Toddler Program is Launched
-
2014The Safari Kid Infant Program is Launched
-
2015Environmental Guidelines Are Developed
-
2020The Kindergarten Program is Launched
How It All Began
Shahdokth Mudakavi, also known as "Shy", immigrated to California from India. While studying there, she tutored young children part-time. Shy's genuine joy in nurturing and imparting knowledge on children shone through, and the kids loved her charisma. Teaching wasn't something she had done in India, where she was busy studying law. But working with these eager learners helped Shy realize her passion in life. Now, it's become her driving force.
In 2005, Shandokth Mudakavi established the first Safari Kid preschool in Newark, CA, to deliver high-quality early childhood education to families. Safari Kid has been expanding its offerings since 2009, when we added an after-school enrichment program to our Northern California preschools. The program boasts a unique curriculum and highly trained staff who provide personalized attention to children.
