Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How are your Mandarin programs different from other programs?

• Our programs are uniquely based on attracting your child's interest and involvement. Classes are based on the individual needs and proficiency levels of the children.
• We aim to make your kids want to come to class and learn Mandarin by making it fun, engaging and interactive. Lessons are fun, engaging, interactive and include different learning modalities-kinesthetic, auditory and visual.
• We "mix it up" with music, rhymes, storytelling, games, snacks, and new lessons. We integrate music, rhymes, storytelling, games, snacks, movement activities with lessons.
• We teach Mandarin (not Cantonese) and simplified (not traditional) Chinese characters that are used by 1.3 billion people in China.
• All of our classes are offered in small class size with 8 to 12 kids per class.

2. What are the costs associated with your classes?

• Tuition is charged per semester (usually 12-14 weeks per Fall/Winter semester and Spring semester). Rates break down to $13-$14 per class hour. There is also a materials fee charge of $20 per student to help pay for additional classroom fees including textbooks, song discs, arts and crafts materials. And a one-time new student registration fee of $10.

3. How do I sign up?

• You can download an application through our website. Send all the required forms along with full tuition payment in the form of a check made payable to CCEA and mail it to CCEA, P.O. Box 27518, Oakland, CA 94602. Upon receipt of your application, you will receive an email confirmation with information about your child's enrollment or waiting list status.

4. My child is 4/5 years old, which program should I enroll?

• CCEA understands each child is unique in his or her own learning style and how they connect with the teacher. If your child is 4/5 you have a choice of our Friday morning Pre-K program (9am and 10am) or Sunday afternoons (3pm and 4:30pm).
• Friday Pre-K class offers a loosely structured introduction to Mandarin language. Children spend the hour sitting at a communal table learning words, making crafts or at circle time singing songs and rhymes. Snack time is incorporated into the hour as an extremely motivating lesson.
• Sunday afternoon classes begin with 4 year olds who are able to focus a bit longer, stay at the table for vocabulary lessons and practice writing simple characters. Chinese culture is also incorporated into the lessons. Homework goes along with every Sunday lesson.

5. How can I help CCEA?

There are so many ways we appreciate your help:

• Cash/check donations are tax deductible as we are a 501(c)3 non profit organization (tax id# 94-2378219).
• Volunteer at the school's events.
• Or simply spread the word to your friends about our Mandarin programs.