About Us

WE'RE BEST BY NAEYC TEST!

It's true, in July 2011 we completed an extensive validation process by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and we have received high commendations. The new  criteria, as of 2007, reflect the latest research and best practices in early childhood education and development. In an ongoing self-study process, we implemented best practices, measured and improved our programs. NAEYC has visited us and validated that we meet all the new standards for best practices. Our new accreditation is valid until September 2016.

PHILOSOPHY

We serve and celebrate the great diversity of the people of the Bay Area and their cultures and family sturctures, as each child is recognized as a unique individual to be nurtured and educated with love, respect and dignity. We are responsive to the needs and interests of each child at each age/stage of development and address all areas of development: social/emotional, physical and intellectual.

We employ developmentally appropriate practices, emphasizing active learning through play, exploration, and discovery; social interaction with peers and adults, and hands on activities. Our curriculum is based on what is known about early childhood development, beginning with infants and building through preschool using Baby Signs™, LearningGames™, Creative Curriculum™, and HighScope Curriculum™ as our guidelines.

We promote attitudes of respect, cooperation, and the understanding that each child’s differences make them unique and special. We support the development of each child in learning self-help skills, self-confidence, curiosity, and a love for reading and learning.

HISTORY

We were founded in 1985, as an infant care outreach for Catholic Charities. The program was later adopted as a non-religious program by the First United Methodist Church of Redwood City, and further expanded in the early 1990's, and in 2005, in response to the community need for high quality toddler and preschool programs. 

Foundations, grants, and volunteers have donated resources for rennovating our premises; including classrooms and playground, as well as ongoing teacher training and teaching materials. In July 2006, we became accredited through the National Academy for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Accreditaion involves careful third party validation using the highest national standards of quality childcare.

LICENSING

We are licensed through the California Department of Social Services for children between the ages of 2 months and 5 years old (Licenses #410509027 and 410519042).

OPERATING SCHEDULE

We are open year-round from 7:00AM to 5:45 PM, Monday through Friday. We offer full-time (all day) and part-time (morning) enrollments. The Center is closed on National Holidays, one week during summer and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Special enrichments to our basic programs, at no additional cost, include: Spanish immersion circle time, gymnastics, music, and sign language.

PARENT PARTICIPATION

Parent involvement with their children's school is absolutely essential for a high quality program. We therefore ask all parents to participate in activities, parties and field trips,  twenty hours per year for two parent families; ten hours for single parents.