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Welcome!! Please contact vicky@bearcubmandarin.org for inquiries, arrange a tour, or join our waitlist.
“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”
“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”
- Frank Smith
- Frank Smith
About Bear Cub Mandarin
About Bear Cub Mandarin
Bear Cub Mandarin Immersion Preschool, Infant & Toddler Center in Arlington, MA is a boutique program offering a Mandarin immersion environment in all our classrooms through a Reggio Emilia-inspired, play-based, child-centered education.
Bear Cub Mandarin Immersion Preschool, Infant & Toddler Center in Arlington, MA is a boutique program offering a Mandarin immersion environment in all our classrooms through a Reggio Emilia-inspired, play-based, child-centered education.
At Bear Cub Mandarin, children ages 4 months to 6 years are welcomed into a developmentally appropriate and nurturing environment where they are encouraged to explore, collaborate, observe, and experiment. Guided by native Mandarin-speaking teachers, our children engage in meaningful learning experiences that foster curiosity and creativity. Beyond structured circle time and planned class activities, our educators intentionally seek and create opportunities to enrich each child’s daily experience with contextual, real-time exposure to the Mandarin language.
Children are born with the innate ability to acquire any language. Research consistently shows that the earlier a child is introduced to a second language, the more naturally and effectively they learn. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and its concept of The Hundred Languages—the belief that children are natural communicators—Mandarin is offered as a powerful medium through which children can understand and express their experiences.
Whether you are introducing Mandarin as a second or third language, or seeking to support the language spoken in your home, Bear Cub Mandarin offers a rich, immersive environment to support your child’s growth, learning, and global understanding.
“Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.”
“Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.”
- Flora Lewis
- Flora Lewis
Philosophy
Philosophy
At Bear Cub Mandarin, we believe that young children are inherently capable, curious, and full of potential. We view each child as a unique individual—rich with ideas, emotions, and perspectives—and we are committed to honoring their voices in a nurturing, child-centered environment.
Rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and guided by the belief that children are natural communicators, our Mandarin immersion program offers meaningful opportunities for language learning through play, exploration, and everyday interactions. By immersing children in a linguistically and culturally rich environment, we support the development of both expressive language and deep cognitive engagement.
Our curriculum is intentionally designed to embrace diverse learning styles and foster a wide range of foundational skills for school and life. With a strong focus on social-emotional development, problem-solving, and creative expression, we cultivate the whole child.
Our passionate and highly qualified educators come from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds and bring a shared dedication to early childhood education. Through careful observation and responsive teaching, they create environments that reflect the interests, needs, and developmental stages of each child. Above all, we prioritize authentic relationships, believing that a sense of belonging and connection is the heart of every meaningful learning experience.
Facilities
Facilities
Our newly constructed facilities—located at 1042 and 1052–1056 Massachusetts Avenue in Brattle Square, Arlington, MA—feature thoughtfully designed spaces including an infant room, two toddler classrooms, and two preschool classrooms. Each space has been custom built to reflect the core principles of our curriculum philosophy and to enrich the overall learning environment. From floor to ceiling, every detail has been carefully considered and executed with intention, care, and a deep commitment to creating a nurturing and inspiring place for young children to grow.
Our Story
Our Story
Discovering a calling that goes beyond passion and inspiration often takes time—but in December 2018, the vision became clear. The many puzzle pieces of our lives began to align, revealing a shared purpose: to create something meaningful for our children and our community. Recognizing the profound benefits of language immersion in our own family’s journey, we were inspired to establish Bear Cub Mandarin Immersion Preschool Academy—an opportunity to offer children in our community the rich gift of Mandarin language and culture.
Our goal is to provide an exceptional early childhood experience—one that nurtures curiosity, supports development, and builds a strong foundation for global citizenship. As parents ourselves, we understand the deep desire to give our children the very best as they grow into the world that awaits them. We warmly invite you to join us in co-creating a lasting legacy of language, learning, and connection for the next generation.
The Chang Family
The Chang Family
MaeLynn Arnold and Hao-Ming Chang are co-founders of Bear Cub Mandarin Immersion Preschool Academy. They run a bilingual (Mandarin and English) household with their five children. MaeLynn holds a B.M. and an M.M. in violin performance from Boston University and is a Suzuki certified instructor. Hao-Ming Chang holds a Ph.D. in molecular oncology and immunology from New York University School of Medicine.
Enrollment Policies
Enrollment Policies
Enrollment & Waitlist Information
Enrollment & Waitlist Information
At Bear Cub Mandarin, we offer year-round enrollment based on availability. While we are currently fully enrolled through Fall 2025, we welcome and encourage families to join our waitlist, as unexpected openings may arise.
We maintain active waitlists for 2025, 2026, and 2027, and there is no fee to join.
To inquire about:
Tuition rates
Availability
Scheduling a tour (in-person or virtual)
Joining the waitlist
Any other questions
Please contact Vicky at vicky@bearcubmandarin.org.
Important Enrollment Policies
Important Enrollment Policies
Waitlist Status: Placement on the waitlist does not guarantee enrollment. A spot is only secured once a non-refundable deposit is submitted within one week of accepting an offer.
Deposit Policy: All deposits are non-refundable, but may be applied toward your child’s final month of tuition with 60 days’ notice of withdrawal by submitting a Withdrawal Form.
Tuition Requirements: Monthly tuition must be paid in full to maintain enrollment. We do not offer refunds, discounts, or tuition holds for extended family vacations or travel.
Schedule Changes: Current families must provide 60 days’ notice for any changes to their child’s schedule.
We’re excited to connect with you and look forward to supporting your child’s journey in our immersive Mandarin environment!
Class Schedules
Class Schedules
Preschool Programs
Age 3 to 5 years old
Five Half Day
Five Half Day
V
V
M + Tu + W + Th + F
M + Tu + W + Th + F
8am ‑ 11:45am or
1:15pm ‑ 5pm
Year-round
Three Half Day
Three Half Day
III
III
Mon + Wed + Fri
Mon + Wed + Fri
8am ‑ 11:45am or
1:15pm ‑ 5pm
Year-round
Two Half Day
Two Half Day
II
II
Tuesday + Thursday
Tuesday + Thursday
8am ‑ 11:45am or
1:15pm ‑ 5pm
Year-round
Five Full Day
Five Full Day
V
V
M + Tu + W + Th + F
M + Tu + W + Th + F
8am ‑ 5pm
Year-round
Three Full Day
Three Full Day
III
III
Mon + Wed + Fri
Mon + Wed + Fri
8am ‑ 5pm
Year-round
Infant and Toddler Programs
Age 3 months to 35months
Infant: Five Full Day
Infant: Five Full Day
V
V
M + Tu + W + Th + F
M + Tu + W + Th + F
8am ‑ 5pm
Year-round
Toddler: Five Full Day
Toddler: Five Full Day
V
V
M +Tu + W + Th + F
M +Tu + W + Th + F
8am ‑ 5pm
Year-round
*Transition schedules to move up to the next classroom are arranged at the director's discretion as space is available.
*Current students, please note, 60 Days notice is required for schedule changes.
*The deposit is one month's tuition fee which may be used towards the last month's tuition when the required 60 days' notice is given. Deposits are non-refundable under any circumstances.
For the school calendar of events, holidays, and breaks, please go to the calendar page.
Careers at Bear Cub Mandarin
Careers at Bear Cub Mandarin
Teacher / Lead Teacher/Infant and toddler Teachers/Teacher Assistant
Teacher / Lead Teacher/Infant and toddler Teachers/Teacher Assistant
Full and part time positions with competitive salaries/benefits.
Full and part time positions with competitive salaries/benefits.
If you are excited about the opportunity to help shape and design our Mandarin immersion preschool, please consider joining our team!
We are looking for teachers and lead teachers to collaborate in designing our (Reggio Emilia inspired) emergent curriculum, establish close and effective relationships with our students and their families, provide an assessment of students through documentation, and contribute to cultivating the best schedules and opportunities for both our teachers and students.
** Our teachers must be native Mandarin speakers, have a degree and background in an early childhood related field, and be EEC certified. **
** Our teachers must be native Mandarin speakers, have a degree and background in an early childhood related field, and be EEC certified. **
Contact Us
Contact Us
We invite you to get in touch by emailing us at contact@bearcubmandarin.org.
To learn more about our program or for inquiries about tours and openings, please write to vicky@bearcubmandarin.org.
School Address
School Address
Brattle Square1042 Massachusetts AveArlington, MA 02476
Phone #: (781) 819-0898
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