Founder and Educational Philosophy
Experienced, attentive, and deeply committed to early childhood
Enchanted Beginnings Learning Center was founded by Valerie Mattei, an experienced educator with a deep understanding of early childhood development and a lifelong commitment to nurturing young learners.
Valerie holds a Master’s Degree in Education and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, with over 20 years in education, including 12 years teaching first grade and 5 years serving as an elementary school principal. Before entering schools, Valerie worked with foster children in a receiving home setting, supporting children during moments of transition, uncertainty, and heightened emotional need. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with children and families across a wide range of developmental stages, gaining a strong foundation in how children learn, grow, and thrive.
Her experience in both the classroom and school leadership has shaped a thoughtful, child-centered approach to early learning, one that values strong relationships, consistency, and developmentally appropriate practice. Valerie believes deeply in meeting each child where they are, approaching every interaction with empathy, patience, and an understanding of each child’s emotional needs in the moment. She believes children must feel emotionally safe and regulated, making social-emotional learning and self-regulation foundational to all growth.
Why Enchanted Beginnings Was Created
After years of working in traditional school settings, Valerie saw a growing need for early childhood programs that prioritize small group care, intentional routines, and emotional connection, especially during the most formative years of development. As a school principal, she often emphasized that strong academic and social outcomes in later years are deeply rooted in the quality of early childhood experiences.
Enchanted Beginnings was created to provide a warm, home-based learning environment where infants, toddlers, and preschoolers can feel safe, supported, and confident as they grow. The program is intentionally designed to bridge the gap between nurturing early care and meaningful preparation for future learning, without rushing childhood.
Our Educational Philosophy
At Enchanted Beginnings, we believe that children learn best when they feel secure, understood, and respected. Our program is educator-designed and grounded in child development and classroom experience, drawing from years of hands-on practice in early learning environments.
Our philosophy centers on relationship-based care, play-forward and hands-on learning, and developmentally appropriate routines that honor each child’s individual pace and readiness.
Strong social-emotional foundations are woven throughout the day, supporting children as they build confidence, independence, and emotional awareness. Learning experiences are thoughtfully designed to nurture language development, early literacy, problem-solving, self-regulation, and a genuine love of learning, while honoring each child’s unique path.
Intentional Preparation for TK & Pre-K
While we value play and exploration, our approach is also purposeful. Enchanted Beginnings is thoughtfully structured to help children build the skills they need to feel confident and prepared for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Pre-K, including following routines, developing listening and communication skills, early literacy exposure, social awareness, cooperation, and confidence in trying new things.
Preparation happens naturally through daily experiences, not through pressure or rigid academics. Children are supported as whole learners socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively, allowing readiness to develop in a way that feels authentic and developmentally appropriate.
A Commitment to Ongoing Growth
Valerie believes that great educators are always learning. She is currently completing a Play Therapy Certification, further strengthening a child-centered approach rooted in emotional awareness, empathy, and healthy development. This commitment to continued growth ensures that Enchanted Beginnings remains reflective, responsive, and aligned with best practices in early childhood education.
Valerie is a San Mateo native, born and raised in the community she now serves. She lives with her husband and their 15-year-old daughter and is actively involved in the Notre Dame Belmont community. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys running, staying active, and can often be seen around the neighborhood walking the family pug, Daisy.
Our Promise
Enchanted Beginnings Learning Center is more than childcare. We are a thoughtfully designed early learning experience rooted in expertise, intention, and care. We partner with families to support children during the most important years of development, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
The Way We Teach
Whole-Child Development
We focus on social-emotional development, confidence, and early learning through experiences that support the whole child. Our approach recognizes that emotional security is foundational to how children learn, explore, and connect.
Learning Through Play
Activities are designed to support developmental milestones in a natural, joyful way.
Children engage in sensory exploration, early literacy, and hands-on activities that encourage curiosity and creativity. Play-based learning allows children to develop language, problem-solving skills, and independence at their own pace.
Individual Care and Guidance
Each child’s learning style is honored within a structured, supportive environment. We provide gentle guidance and consistent routines that help children feel secure while building confidence and independence.