Since 2001, we have been committed to bringing out the extraordinary in every child.
Who we are
School of Imagination is the leading inclusive early childhood education program for all learners that brings out the extraordinary in every child. We give each child the earliest and best possible start for learning and life with our highly personalized approach, research-based comprehensive multidisciplinary services, and standards-aligned curriculum that prepares each child to be independent, a lifelong learner, a good friend, and a successful student in kindergarten and beyond.
Why choose School of Imagination
Inclusive-approach-In our inclusive preschool, students with disabilities experience a rich and motivating learning environment, and children without disabilities have an opportunity to grow their compassion for others, while continuing to achieve their academic goals.
Our very small class sizes and individualized approach mean each student’s unique learning styles are embraced and taken into account.
We provide comprehensive services including free screenings, case management and multidisciplinary therapy, in a collaborative environment where parents, educators and therapists work together.
Our research-based curriculum prepares students for academic success in kindergarten and beyond.
Grownups get the support they need to navigate parenthood, including services navigation, parent education, training, and orientation into a strong and supportive SOI community.
SOI offers an educational environment where your child and EVERYONE is appreciated, nurtured and loved.
Meet our Founders
In 2001, Charlene Sigman—a speech-language pathologist, preschool director, and certified ESDM therapist—launched the Happy Talkers clinical program from her rented home in Pleasanton. What began as a small effort to support children with special needs quickly transformed her family’s house into a bustling daycare and therapy center, with every room dedicated to helping children thrive.
By 2003, the demand for her services grew so significantly that Charlene and her family moved into a single bedroom, making space to serve more than 100 children each week.
By 2008, Charlene expanded her vision beyond Happy Talkers, founding the School of Imagination to focus on academic growth and inclusive kindergarten readiness for all children. This evolution brought together her expertise in education and child development with a broader mission to empower children of all abilities to succeed.
After years of navigating temporary locations and increasing demand, Charlene and her husband Mitch partnered with the City of Dublin to bring her vision to life. Together, they designed a 12,000-square-foot center in 2011—a warm and welcoming space where children could access education, therapy, and support under one roof. This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter, creating a permanent home for Charlene’s mission to empower every child to reach their extraordinary potential.
Meet our Team
Our greatest strength is our dedicated, experienced educators, clinicians, and team members devoted to our mission of maximizing each child’s success in the classroom and beyond.
Our skilled and caring team practices award-winning, time-tested programs focusing on superior academics and fostering social acceptance in small class environments. We give every child of every age and ability individual attention, instruction, and access to a wide range of educational, developmental, and enrichment services to ensure each child’s needs and potential are met.