Since 2001, we have been committed to bringing out the extraordinary in every child.

Our journey to build a brighter future for all children

Dream

In 2001, Charlene Sigman - a speech-language pathologist, preschool director, and certified ESDM therapist - begins the Happy Talkers clinical program by transforming her family’s rented Pleasanton house into a daycare and therapy center for special-needs children.

By 2003, Charlene moved her family of four into a single bedroom. The rest of the house  -- the other bedrooms, the kitchen, everything -- was needed to serve more than 100 children weekly.

Critical to Charlene’s vision was offering an inclusive preschool, where neurodiverse kiddos (those with developmental delays or disabilities) and neurotypical kids can learn and play side by side, so that all students benefit from the personalized programming, regardless of ability.  Staff are highly skilled in techniques that allow for the deeply personal approach to learning used in each classroom for every student.  

The Sigmans’ single-family home was officially a high-quality, full-immersion inclusive preschool for children with autism and other developmental delays as well as neurotypical children.  

Build

Charlene realized in 2004 that the School of Imagination and Happy Talkers program had outgrown their home. They embarked on a seven-year search for a permanent home -borrowing space from churches, office buildings, and preschools.

In 2008, spearheaded by Dublin Mayor Janet Lockhart, the Sigmans custom-design and construct a building that would meet their needs with the team from Discovery Homes.

In 2011, the School of Imagination and Happy Talkers opened their doors for the first time at a state-of-the-art campus in Schaefer Ranch.

Grow

The growth of our Board of Directors and community supporters continue to drive our ability to expand our impact.

Our friendship and partnership with MLB All-Star Stephen Vogt provides financial assistance to families via the Vogt Family Fund,; and opens the door for children needing School of Imagination programs and services.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and our Board of Directors developed a strategic plan to launch new locations and services, ensuring we can care for hundreds more children on our waiting list for many, many years to come.

Creating opportunities for all children to receive the highest quality education & services without systemic barriers.

Vision

The School of Imagination is the leading inclusive early childhood education and multidisciplinary intervention program for neurodiverse and neurotypical learners, bringing out the extraordinary in every child.

Mission

Join our team

Our greatest strength is our dedicated, experienced teachers, 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.

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  • Competitive Salaries

    401(k) retirement savings plan

    Reduced tuition for employee children

    Performance-based bonuses for Clinicians

    529 College Savings, Adoption Assistance, and Commuter Benefits Programs

    Clinicians are also eligible for reimbursements for CEUS, license fees, professional dues, and professional liability insurance.

  • Flexible “Paid Time Off” allowance starting at 10 days per year

    Additional 10 paid Holidays off each year

    Additional 3 Sick Day each year

  • Premium health, dental, and vision benefits with 100% employer paid options

    Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Plans

    Life & Personal Accident Insurance (paid by employer)

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Collaborative and fun work culture

    Complimentary coffee & tea

    Social get-togethers including picnics, costume contests and year-end holiday party

    Paid in-service staff development days