School of Imagination

What School of Imagination does

School of Imagination is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2001 and headquartered in Dublin, California, that operates an integrated early childhood development center serving neurodiverse children ages 18 months to 5 years and their families in the Tri-Valley region. The organization combines an inclusive preschool with a clinical therapy hub branded as Happy Talkers, delivering speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), infant development services, and — as of 2026 — ADOS-2 autism diagnostic assessments. Its clinical approach is anchored in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention framework, with therapists holding specialized credentials (ESDM-certified, Hanen-trained, PECS-certified).

The organization's core products are its inclusive preschool program and its multidisciplinary clinical service line, delivered on a single co-located campus. It operates the Vogt Family Center (dedicated February 2025), a renovated playground (Phase 1 completed January 2025), and supports a community fundraising platform anchored by the annual Vogt Celebrity Weekend benefit gala. It is vendorized with California's Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) and maintains in-network status with BCBS, United Healthcare, Aetna, and Cigna, alongside referral partnerships with Hively, BANANAS, and 4Cs of San Mateo County.

The business model blends three revenue streams: (1) insurance-billed clinical therapy services, (2) tuition from the inclusive preschool program, and (3) philanthropic contributions from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and benefit events — most notably the Vogt Family Fund, which has contributed cumulatively more than $540,000 since 2015, with $132,000 raised at the 2026 gala. The organization serves more than 100 children weekly and reports a waitlist exceeding 100 families, with over 5,000 children and families served cumulatively since founding. Leadership is anchored by co-founders Charlene Sigman (a speech-language pathologist and ESDM-certified clinician) and Mitch Sigman, supported by an expanded board including finance and corporate leadership talent.

Name

School of Imagination

Legal name

School of Imagination

Website

https://schoolofimagination.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

School of Imagination is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2001 in Dublin, California, operating an integrated inclusive preschool and clinical therapy center serving neurodiverse children ages 18 months to 5 years through speech, OT, ABA, ESDM, and ADOS-2 diagnostic services in the Tri-Valley region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Early Childhood Education and Pediatric Therapy Services

NAICS

Child Care Services (62441), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Inclusive Preschools (Special Needs Integrated) (EDACABAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism-Specific Schools & Programs (EDAKAAAA), Preschool Programs within Childcare Centers (EDACABAL)

Keywords

• Early childhood education
• Pediatric therapy services
• Inclusive preschool
• Applied behavior analysis
• Speech language pathology

Headquarters

HQ city

Dublin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Clinical Services Revenue: Billable clinical therapy services (speech, OT, ABA, infant development, social skills, ADOS diagnostics) billed to commercial insurance plans and Regional Center (RCEB). Revenue cycle team handles authorizations, billing, and claims on behalf of families. No preschool enrollment required to access clinical services.
2. Preschool Tuition: Tuition revenue from inclusive preschool enrollment. Tuition varies by classroom level and schedule. Scholarship support available for families demonstrating financial need. Financial assistance provided through the Vogt Family Fund.
3. Charitable Donations & Fundraising: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations via Donorbox platform. Monthly recurring donor program. One-time and annual campaign gifts. Donations support the Vogt Family Fund and general operations.
4. Event Sponsorship & Auction Revenue: Corporate sponsorship packages at multiple tiers (Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Full House, Flush) for the annual Stephen Vogt Celebrity Benefit Weekend. Live and silent auction items donated by community partners generate additional revenue. Sponsor recognition includes logo placement, tickets, and digital visibility.
5. Legacy & Planned Giving: Bequests in wills or trusts, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), appreciated stock donations, and Donor Advised Fund grants. Ensures long-term financial sustainability.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

School of Imagination is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates an inclusive ESDM-based early childhood preschool for children ages 18 months to 5 years, alongside Happy Talkers, its integrated clinical hub delivering speech therapy, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), infant development, social skills groups, and ADOS-2 autism diagnostics. Children with and without disabilities learn together in coordinated classrooms and therapy programs at a single 12,000 sq ft Dublin, CA campus, with services billable to commercial insurance and Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB).

Product overview

School of Imagination operates three interconnected offerings: (1) an inclusive early childhood preschool based on the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), a TIME Magazine-recognized approach for autism intervention; (2) Happy Talkers Clinical Services providing speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA behavioral therapy, infant development, social skills, and ADOS-2 diagnostics; and (3) All In for Kids community fundraising platform anchored by the annual Stephen Vogt Celebrity Benefit Weekend. The organization serves children ages 18 months to 5+ years through integrated clinical-educational programming, accepting major commercial insurance and RCEB funding. Founded in 2001 by Charlene Sigman in Pleasanton, CA, the organization is headquartered at 9801 Dublin Blvd, Dublin, CA.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• School of Imagination Preschool An inclusive early childhood preschool for children ages 18 months to 5 years, based on the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). Children with and without disabilities learn together in small classrooms of 13-17 students with 3 educators per room, providing kindergarten readiness through research-based curriculum including DRDP standards, Zoo-phonics, Handwriting Without Tears, and Zones of Regulation.
• Happy Talkers Clinical Services Integrated clinical hub providing speech therapy, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), infant development, social skills (Friendship Club), and ADOS-2 autism diagnostic evaluations. Services are available to all children — no preschool enrollment required. Accepts most major commercial insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna) and is vendorized through Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB).
• Speech Therapy Speech and language pathology services for children 18 months to 10 years, covering communication, language development, articulation, fluency, feeding, and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication). Available individually and in groups. Insurance accepted and RCEB vendorized.
• Occupational Therapy (OT) Pediatric occupational therapy addressing sensory processing, fine motor development, self-care, handwriting, attention, and regulation. Play-based and family-informed approach.
• Behavioral Therapy (ABA) BCBA-supervised applied behavior analysis for children ages 2-5. RBT-delivered services focusing on communication, adaptive skills, reducing challenging behaviors, and building independence.
• Infant Development Program Developmental milestone support for toddlers 18 months to 3 years. Includes parent coaching and Regional Center navigation. RCEB vendorized (HB0732).
• Social Skills (Friendship Club) Small-group social skills program for children ages 4-6. Teaches peer interaction, social cues, conflict navigation, and confidence-building. Family coaching included.
• ADOS-2 Diagnostic Evaluations Autism diagnostic evaluations using the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). Launching in 2026 to provide a direct diagnostic-to-treatment pathway into Happy Talkers services.
• ESDM Parent Training Program A 12-week ESDM-based parent training program teaching Early Start Denver Model techniques to parents of children with autism. Covers 5 Key Parenting Principles for bringing out the extraordinary in every child. Facilitated by certified ESDM therapist Charlene Sigman in partnership with Dr. Sumit Sen, board-certified pediatrician.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 5,000 children and families served since founding in 2001
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Chad Pinder (Oakland Athletics)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Oakland A's player who visits SOI monthly, hosts SOI families at games, and served as A's Nonprofit Partner of the Game in 2018. Nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award for community service.
• Schooley MitchellminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2008Michelle Setchell has supported SOI since its very first fundraiser in 2008. First Full House Sponsor for All In for Kids 2027. Part of SOI family for nearly two decades.
• City of DublincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding government partner. Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez (formerly Mayor of Dublin) championed the parking lot expansion project and has been a consistent public supporter. Current Mayor Sherry Hu and city councilmembers have attended SOI events. The city provided a grant agreement of $219,130 for parking lot expansion.
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard member Don Routh (recovering CPA, partner at PwC) navigated SOI's accounting and financial operations, implementing best practices. PwC agreed to support SOI's financial operations. Board member Ari Abramson serves as Manager at PwC.
• Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVendorized through RCEB for Infant Development (IDPHB0732), Speech & OT (PB1225), and Social Skills (PB4768). RCEB authorization is sufficient to begin services. One of three primary funding/referral pathways alongside insurance and self-pay.
• Blue Cross Blue ShieldminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance partner added to expand access. Most major commercial insurance plans accepted, with SOI's revenue cycle team handling authorizations, billing, and claims on behalf of families.
• United HealthcareminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance partner added to expand access for families with United Healthcare coverage.
• AetnaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance partner added to expand access for families with Aetna coverage.
• CignaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance partner added to expand access for families with Cigna coverage.
• HivelyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChild care resource and referral agency serving as a funding/access partner for families.
• BANANASminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChild care resource and referral agency (Berkeley/Albany/Emeryville/North Oakland) serving as a funding/access partner for families.
• 4Cs of Alameda CountyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChild care resource and referral agency serving as a funding/access partner for families in Alameda County.
• Alameda CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty government partner. Supervisor David Haubert (formerly Dublin Mayor) championed multiple SOI initiatives including parking lot expansion grant. County Fire Department visited SOI for community helpers program.
• San Francisco GiantsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMLB team that has welcomed SOI families to games. Stephen Vogt (former Giants player) facilitates SOI family attendance at Giants vs. Guardians games. Auction donor of signed memorabilia.
• Oakland AthleticsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMLB team with ongoing community partnership. Chad Pinder served as A's Nonprofit Partner of the Game benefiting SOI. Multiple A's players visited SOI campus. SOI featured at A's Community Events.
• McGrail Family VineyardsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWine sponsor for All In for Kids 2026 and 2027 events. Supporter of Stephen Vogt Celebrity Benefit Weekend.
• Nicole Rose CraftsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom decorated cookie creator. Board president Jeff Tortorici and his wife Emma gifted custom cookies during SOI's Staff Appreciation Week 2026. Represents community partner relationship.
• Logolab CreationsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial print and signage partner. Provides high-resolution sponsor signs for Stephen Vogt Celebrity Poker Weekend and custom team shirts for preschool graduation. Jun Peng delivers quality print work and signage.
• The Exercise Coach (Pleasanton)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLive auction item donor for All In for Kids 2027 — 6-Month Strength Training Membership valued at $3,500. Michelle Setchell is Full House Sponsor through Schooley Mitchell; Jack Setchell donated the auction item.
• Dublin Police DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner listed on SOI's impact page.
• Alameda County Fire DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirefighters visited SOI in December as part of Community Helpers theme. SOI supported the Alameda County Firefighters' Toy Drive during the holiday season.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Stratford School: Stratford School operates private preschool through middle school campuses across California with academic-focused early childhood programs. It does not specialize in autism, but competes with SOI in the Bay Area inclusive-preschool market for families seeking structured early education.

Direct peers

• Autism Learning Partners: Autism Learning Partners provides ABA, speech, and OT services for children with autism across multiple states, with insurance-driven intake similar to SOI's Happy Talkers clinical operations. It competes directly for the same BCBS/United/Aetna/Cigna-reimbursed therapy hours in the Bay Area.
• Behavioral Innovations: Behavioral Innovations is a multi-state ABA therapy provider with center-based and home-based services for children with autism. It overlaps directly with SOI's BCBA-supervised ABA and early intervention programs and competes for similar insurance-reimbursed cases.
• The Prentice School: The Prentice School is a private California school specifically serving students with learning differences, including language-based and developmental disabilities. Like SOI, it provides a small-classroom, multidisciplinary academic environment tailored to neurodiverse learners.
• Cortica: Cortica runs centers that integrate ABA, speech, OT, and developmental pediatric care for children with autism under one roof, mirroring SOI's combined clinical-preschool/therapy hub model. Its payer mix and multidisciplinary intake approach closely parallel SOI's Happy Talkers clinical services.
• The Help Group: The Help Group operates special education schools and integrated clinical/behavioral programs for children with autism and developmental differences across Southern California. Like School of Imagination, it combines inclusive school settings with multidisciplinary therapy services under coordinated leadership.

Broad incumbents

• KinderCare Learning Companies: KinderCare operates the largest U.S. private early childhood education network, including inclusive classrooms and developmental support offerings. It overlaps with SOI's preschool market in the Tri-Valley and beyond, although without SOI's autism-specialized clinical depth.
• Bright Horizons Family Solutions: Bright Horizons is a large national early childhood education provider with inclusive classroom offerings and employer-sponsored preschool programs. While it does not specialize in autism, it competes for the same inclusive-preschool family segment and operates employer-partnered tuition models comparable to SOI's preschool enrollment.
• Easterseals Bay Area: Easterseals Bay Area is the regional arm of the national Easterseals network, providing autism services, early intervention, and inclusive programming across the Bay Area. It addresses the same neurodiverse family segment as SOI but at much broader geographic and program scale.

Emerging players

• Children's Learning Connection: Children's Learning Connection provides ABA, speech, and occupational therapy services for children with autism and developmental delays, often partnering with Regional Centers. Its service mix and Regional Center vendorization overlap directly with SOI's Happy Talkers clinical hub.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/soi4kids
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/school-of-imagination
• Instagraminstagram.com/schoolofimagination
• Xx.com/soi4kids

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about School of Imagination