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This list is curated by Lucy Xie at the SURPAS Family Committee. If you have additional recommendations, please complete the form here: https://forms.gle/QVYfmf5BWUc6jNjj9 Thanks!
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If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at surpas.familycommittee@gmail.com
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Daycares with the most recommendations will be listed at the top. If your favorite daycare is already here, submitting your recommendation can move it up the list!
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Re: Affordability - Is this childcare service considered more affordable than Stanford Children's Centers (e.g. Arboretum, CCSC, Stock Farm, etc)? Based on 2019 - 2020 monthly tuition rates, infants - $2,326; toddler - $2,300; discovery pre-school - $2,008; pre-school $1830.
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DaycareProviderAddressPhone NumberEmailHoursWebsiteReview by Stanford Parents
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DateRecommendationEnrollment Year(s)AffordabilityRefereeReferee Contact Info
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Growing & Learning DaycareKarla Valencia5 Clarence Ct, East Palo Alto CA. 94303(650)921-8049growingandlearning@hotmail.com7:30 AM - 5:30 PMhttps://www.growingandlearningdaycare.com/homeSep 9 2021Our daughter's daycare has two openings right now for children under 2 years old. It is a licensed home daycare in East Palo Alto. The center is run by Karla Valencia, a very caring and experienced teacher. She speaks both English and Spanish and the center is bilingual. The tuition is affordable, the hours are from 7:30 - 5:30pm, and it also has a great teacher-to-child ratio. Our daughter is 3 years old and has been there for more than a year. She made a smooth transition and we have been so grateful for this safe and secure haven for our family. Karla sends us daily updates and photos and is always very responsive. It has become like a second family for us! The center is clean and tidy, as is our daughter when I pick her up. We have been so happy with the center and would be glad to answer any further questions. Karla can be reached through her website: https://www.growingandlearningdaycare.com/galler
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Sep 9 2021I want to second Jane's recommendation. My daughter (2.5 yo) has been going to Karla's daycare since she was 7 months old. She loves going to daycare and loves talking about her teachers and friends at the daycare. If you are interested, I would also be happy to answer any questions you may have.Nov 2019 - Present (Feb 2022)More affordable than Stanford Childcare Centers for infants and toddlersLucy Xielucyxie@stanford.edu
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Sep 9 2021I am adding to that too! Karla is amazing and so supportive to us parents. I love the activities and curriculum she thoughtfully designed for the children. My husband and I are amazed how organized our son is. He is the only one who would clean up among all the older kids!
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Feb 5 2023Our daughter started attending Growing and Learning Daycare at 1 year of age. Karla and the staff are so warm and welcoming. Karla is an excellent communicator and has been accommodating to our preferences regarding nap schedules and vegetarian diet. She provides a written report via text at the end of each day and often includes pictures. We see our daughter playing, singing, dancing, reading, and drawing - all with a big smile on her face. We also love that our daughter is immersed in Spanish all day: her first word was "agua". We're so thankful for Growing and Learning Daycare and the exceptional care they provide. Highly recommend!2022Yes - more affordable
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Feb 6 2023My son started attending Karla's daycare (Growing and Learning Daycare) at 4.5 months old. It was very stressful for me to take my son to daycare at such a young age but I was happy to find Karla who was very friendly, welcoming and made me feel that I was leaving my son in safe hands. As he has become more expressive, it is clear to see how much he enjoys attending Karla's daycare. He always has the biggest smile and expresses a lot of excitement as soon as we walk up and Karla or her team open the door. When I pick him up, he is always in a great mood and is well taken care of. Karla communicates important updates and is easy to get a hold of if I have any questions. I feel very fortunate to have my son in Karla's care.Oct 2022 - currentYesMariana Penrosepenrose.mariana@gmail.com
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Sibel's Family Home DaycareNolvia Sanchez3300 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto CA 94306650-960-6237sibelsdaycare@gmail.com8am to 6pmhttps://sibelsdaycare.com/preschool-curriculum/Jan 28, 2023Exposure to a bilingual environment
Storytelling, songs, and games in Spanish
Planned activities which include art and crafts, story time , play time and nap time
Big backyard lot's of space for kids to play
Warm home-made nutritional meals, hispanic based 		yes, very affortable
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Jul 18, 2023The staff have all been there long-term (no turnover); the outdoor play space is amazing and the children are almost always outside playing when we pick up our son; they helped with sleep-training to lengthen our son's nap time; all meals/snacks provided; our 1yr old LOVES going there, his smile is huge when we drop him off and he sees Nolvia:)
2023Yes, way more affordable.
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Jul 3 2024My son is now 20 months old, and he has been attending Sibel's daycare since he was six months old. He is always happy to be there and has learned many skills, including socializing, eating, balancing, and speaking Spanish. He has good company with other kids and enjoys playing with them. The caregivers at the daycare are full of love and take great care of the babies and kids. All kids there are friendly and lovely. Additionally, Sibel's daycare is home-based and very affordable, and they provide delicious breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the children. Overall, I strongly recommend Sibel's daycare for its cost-effective and lovely environment. There are 5 toddlers and 1 baby under 1. Ideally, looking forward to seeing 1-2 toddlers and 1 baby under 1 join this lovely family!very affordablejhshih@stanford.edu
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Tikiland daycare and preschoolPily and Marielle Macuil3181 Bryant Street Palo alto, CA 94306https://www.tikilanddaycare.com/ContactTikiLandDaycare@gmail.com8am to 5pmhttps://www.tikilanddaycare.com/Feb 17 2022I Know the owners of this daycare and they are excellent people. Whenever we are toghether my daughther loves to spend time with Pily. Pily is always learning more and giving more resources to the kids interests.María-Belén Perez-Ramirezbelenn@stanford.edu
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Feb 22, 2022My son goes to Tikiland since he was 1.5 yrs (he is now almost 4 yrs) and loves it there. They have a big outdoor space with play structures, many outdoor activities/toys and pets (2 little dogs and rabbits). They do most of their activities, including story time, circle time, snack and lunch, outside. The caretakers, especially Pily, are very gentle, respectful, patient and sweet with the kids. The kids adore them and learn a lot from them. Pily treats the kids like if they are her own. They offer full time, part time and drop-in programs. They also offer extended hours in the morning and afternoon, if needed. If you are interested and/or would like to hear more feel free to contact me.Mar 2020 - Present (Feb 2022)Kattria van der Ploegkvdploeg@stanford.edu
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Building Kidz Menlo ParkSylvia Xuerub490 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025650-324-3668sylvia@buildingkidz.com7:30 am - 5:30 pmbuildingkidzschool.comApril 1, 2022It’s a small center with staff that really cares about the kids. As a plus, it’s literally in a park, so the kids get plenty of time outside. They handled COVID amazingly and they really adapt to each child’s needs. It’s right off of Willow so easy to swing in on the way to campus.2020-2022YesAholzer@gmail.com
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April 18, 2022Great easy access and parking right off Willow Road. It’s in a park, so that’s really nice, and the place is always spotless. The teachers really care and kids just love it.
2020-currentYes
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Emy's daycareEmy928 Willow Road #A, Menlo Park, California, 94025(650) 290-1184piepequeno928@gmail.com8am to 5:30pmhttps://emysdaycare.com/index.php/near-you/Feb 17 2022Emy and her team are awesome with the kids. My daughther goes here since she was 6 months, now she is 3, and she loves going there. I like that the caregivers focus on bonding with the kids and create a safe space for them where they can play, have fun, and learn. María-Belén Perez-Ramirez belenn@stanford.edu
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Jun 1 2022Emi and the daycare are simply amazing. We have been sending our son for 3 years since he was 3 months old. Pie Pequeño Daycare 2 is his another family. Emi and teachers are always responsible, making things clean and tidy, cooks tasty meals for kids, and importantly, they love kids. We never feel uncomfortable or unsafe when we send our son to Emi's. I cannot recommend the daycare enough!2019-presentYesskinoue@stanford.edu
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Mitchie's Home DaycareMichelle Maza Ochoa3168 Maddux Dr., Palo Alto, CA 94303(650)391-9663mazamichelle15@yahoo.com7:30am - 5:30pmhttps://mitchieshomedaycare.com/Feb 24, 2022My daughter started full-time daycare at Mitchie's at 9 months old and is currently still enrolled. We were very anxious about daycare in the pandemic, but Mitchie's has been a godsend. Michelle has a gift when it comes to teaching and interacting with young children. My daughter absolutely loves Michelle and can't wait to go every morning.

With the pandemic stripping away all normal kid activities, Mitchie's daycare has allowed our daughter to make friends, bond and play with other toddlers in a safe and loving environment. At Mitchie's the kids have a clean and safe indoor and outdoor play area; they do circle time, read stories and sing songs; they do art projects several times a week and even the youngest babies participate. Michelle also prepares healthy meals and snacks and has helped us with the transition from bottle to sippy cup as well as reinforcing hand-washing, self-feeding and other core skills.

We absolutely love Michelle and Mitchie's daycare and would highly recommend it. Without question, sending our child to Mitchie's has been the best parenting decision that we've made so far and our child is thriving in Michelle's care. If you're looking for childcare, particularly for kids in the 6 month - 2 year range, in the Palo Alto area, please contact Michelle.		2020 - 2022olena.zhulyn@gmail.com
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Jan 13, 2023I want to second Olena's recommendation. Both of my sons visited (and are still visiting) Mitchie's daycare and both love Michelle. Mitchie's daycare is a small home daycare. Michelle provides a reliable, safe, loving, and happy environment. She cooks for the kids, have circle time, they get to work on cute art projects and she has a small backyard where the kids play outside. Michelle got both our son on a schedule, introduced solids with us, and taught them to talk, sing and count :). Both loved being there and always greet Michelle with hugs. Michelle keeps the place very clean and she is very flexible with our wishes (e.g. compostable diapers). The daycare is absolutely wonderful and we can highly recommend it.2018-2020 and 2021-presentYespapsdorf@stanford.edu
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Tiny ToesKarlaEast Charleston rd, Palo Alto, California 94303(408) 806-0403karla.tinytoeshomedaycare@gmail.com7:30 AM - 5:30 PMhttps://www.facebook.com/TinytoesPaloalto/July 26 2021I wanted to let you know that the daycare where my son attends, Tiny Toes in Palo Alto, currently has a few openings. It is a Spanish immersion school and they accept infants up to preschool. We have absolutely loved their care, and hope that they can get their open slots filled. My son has been a part of this home daycare since he was 8 months old is now is 2.5 years old. The owner, Karla, and her mother take wonderful care of the children and even cook lunches for the children daily. My wife is a teacher in Palo Alto and is very impressed with the level of care at Tiny Toes. Several teachers send their kids to Tiny Toes. If you'd like to meet Karla and tour the facility, please give her a call at (408) 806-0403 or you can email her at karla.tinytoeshomedaycare at gmail.com<mailto:karla.tinytoeshomedaycare at gmail.com>.
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Jan 17 2023Our kids really like Karla and her mom who helps in the daycare, as well as Karla's kids who come to play with our little ones every day. Day care is very clean, and Karla provides breakfast, home-made lunch, and 2 snacks each day, so we don't need to worry about packing lunches for the kids.2021-presentA little more affordableyuliaz@stanford.edu
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Edgewood House PreschoolMallory Brown Tinsley493 W Charleston Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306ehs.mallory@gmail.com8:30 - 17:00http://www.edgewoodhousepreschool.com/April 1, 2022Absolutely amazing mixed-age preschool (ages 2-5). We couldn't be happier with the care, love and nourishment our daughter was getting there. The only downside was the price and that they have a lot of days off compared with Stanford daycares. The program itself and the staff are fantastic and we wish we could afford staying there longer.2021No, it is on the more expensive side- 2500
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March 3, 2023We LOVE Edgewood House Preschool. The teachers are brilliant and loving. They are flexible, communicative, and creative. Every week is somehow a perfect balance of play time (in a lovely, well-designed space) and activities (art, music, reading, learning). The teachers give the kiddos so much independence but also scaffold challenging social interactions. We cannot say enough wonderful things about EHP! The only downside is the tuition.2022$2600 per month
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Fio's Home DaycareVeronica785 Partridge Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025(408)431-5757veronyka.cruz@gmail.com7:30 AM - 5:30 PMAug 26 2021There are a few spots that just opened in Fio's home daycare very close to campus on Partridge in Menlo Park, and she is looking for several new children from infant to preschool age. This daycare is wonderful, and I can highly recommend it! The daycare starts at 7:30 am – 5:30 pm. Delicious meals are cooked every day (home-made breakfast, lunch, and snacks). Her rates are quite reasonable. If you are interested, please contact Veronica, Fio's Home Daycare, (408) 431-5757, veronyka.cruz at gmail.com<mailto:veronyka.cruz at gmail.com>.
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Lily's Bilingual Family DaycareLily82 Nottingham Ave, Redwood City, CA 94063(650) 544-8342Lilysprogram@gmail.com8 AM - 5 PMhttps://lilysprogram.com/Aug 2 2021Our favorite teachers from our older kids school have opened a bilingual early childhood program in Redwood City! Lily De Silva is an amazing teacher who from the first day has been committed to really knowing our children as human beings and teaching us things about how they learn and play. She’s taken care of our children for almost three years and we are thrilled to have our youngest in her care now. Lily made sure our older daughter is ready for Spanish immersion school and our son was potty-trained at 18 months (!) mostly because she learned all of his signals and was able to teach us. She’s been caring for our youngest for the past few months as she has finalized the program and it has been the best. She tells me what she did - and enjoyed - each day. See below for information about the program including website: lilysprogram.com<http://lilysprogram.com> — I cannot recommend it highly enough. Please feel free to reach out to her directly with information below. I’m also happy to answer any questions. Erica ~~~~ Lilys Bilingual Family Daycare is currently enrolling! We offer a home care with a center-based early childhood program for children birth to six years old. Our curriculum encourages curiosity, discovery, and problem solving which allows individual growth and development in a positive way. Our engaging curriculum allows children to explore and learn at their own pace. We use a "work project” system to allow children in-depth explorations of topics. Topics are selected by the teacher based on children's interests. Beginning each day children will enjoy activities designed to help them grow socially, emotionally, creatively, and physically. This includes art projects, science projects, music/movement activities, dramatic play, creative toys, and outdoor play. Please call Lily at 650 544-8342<tel:650%20544-8342> or email at Lilysprogram at gmail.com<mailto:Lilysprogram at gmail.com> for more information. Visit our website Lilysprogram.com<http://Lilysprogram.com>
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Lil’ Leaders ChildcareJessica2022 Fairmont Dr. San Mateo, CA 94402(650) 319-6140Lilleaderscc@gmail.com7:30 AM - 5:30 PMhttps://www.facebook.com/Lil-Leaders-Childcare-2153794748187773/July 29 2021There are a couple spots that just opened up in Lil’s leaders home-based daycare in San Mateo (2022 Fairmont Dr, San Mateo, CA 94402). It’s an in-home daycare run by Jessica and her mother (we call her popo), where children get lots of love and care. They have been keeping the place *ultra clean and safe* in the context of the pandemic. They also offer various learning activities (art projects, circle time, etc), playing (both indoor/outdoor, with a very safe/large outdoor playground area) and healthy food (home-made breakfast, lunch, and snacks). My daughter has been attending the daycare since she was 11 months (now she is 27 months) and loving it! She made lots of friends and learned how to talk/sing/dance =) There were a few kids ~3/4yo who stayed on during the pandemic and are now leaving to attend preschool. Hence there are some openings. We absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the lil’ leaders daycare and highly recommend it! If you are interested, please contact Jessica at Lilleaderscc at gmail.com. I am happy to provide reference or answer any questions you may have.
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Mi Casita de EspañolAmor4133 Wilkie Way, Palo Alto CA 94306 They have 2 campus and on their way to open a new one( 650) 468-1788https://micasitadeespanol.com/contact-us/8:30 to 5:30https://micasitadeespanol.com/Feb 17 2022They will host and open house this Feb 26 2022 on charleston campus (10am - 1pm). This is a nice daycare, they treat kids with love, empathy and respect. They have plenty of activities they have game based learning María-Belén Perez-Ramirez belenn@stanford.edu
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HeadsUp! Child Development Center2800 W Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303(650) 424-12217:30am-6pmhttps://emersonmontessori.com/programs/preschool-headsup/?gclid=Cj0KCQiApL2QBhC8ARIsAGMm-KGD_d6gnX-64kJwQ-jFW9OsQ2kONKxRrHA1T0-asLwkZqWl_878eycaAmW4EALw_wcBFeb 18 2022I absolutely love the daycare for my son. Everyone knows him by name and they give report cards everyday. They have helped wean my son off the bottle and give individual attention to any special needs he has such as allergies, 2 naps instead of 1 and overall everyone that works there cares deeply about my experience.Jan 2022 - Present (Feb 2022)Bianca Ortiz bortiz@stanford.edu
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Little Doves DaycareGlenda Melendez1690 Kentfield Rd650-520-6475glenda_mel@yahoo.com8a-5pFeb 18 2022This is a small (4 infant/toddler) in-home daycare, and feels almost like a larger nanny share than a traditional daycare. My son and daughter both attended this daycare for ~2yr each (starting at 4-5mo) and we had nothing but great experiences. Glenda is incredibly warm and loving. Her home is clean, safe, and well-kept. She cooks lunch for the kids every day and provides snacks. She takes the kids for walks in her quad stroller and takes them to the local park. She does arts and crafts, reads to them a ton, speaks to them in English and Spanish, and also arranged for a music teacher to come once a week when my son was attending (hasn’t been doing this due to Covid now). She is fantastic at getting little ones on a schedule, consolidating naps, etc, which made life so much easier for us at home. She has become an extended family member and our kids still ask to see her and she still reaches out to us to spend time with our kids even though they are out of her care! A true gem.2017-2021hannahkb@stanford.edu
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Building Kidz of Redwood CityDirector: Stephanie Lopez907 Roosevelt Ave, Redwood City, CA 94061(650) 229-8840stephaniel@buildingkidz.com7am-6pmhttps://buildingkidzschool.com/loc/ca/building-kidz-of-redwood-city/Feb 23 2022My son goes to this daycare and we've liked them due to flexible hours and great communication, lots of updates throughout the day. Age range: infants-Kinder2021-present (Feb 2022)
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Jenny's DaycareJenny Chavez2386 Bohannon Dr. Santa Clara, CA 95050408-439-1747 jennysdaycare@yahoo.com8-5:30pm, though she is flexibleFeb 25, 2022I like that is a small home daycare, we've had no issues or closures due to COVID, all parents and Jenny take it seriously, good sized private yard for outdoor play, play-based, but Jenny also engages my son ~3yrs old with learning activities and crafts, Jenny provides all meals and snacks unless child has a dietary restriction, she speaks mostly Spanish, but can communicate with English speaking parents. I do have to remind her not give my son juice or other sweets too often, more as a personal preference of mine, other parents or my own partner aren't concerned. She also charges every 4-weeks, which makes it annoying in December when two pay dates fall in the same month, but averaged out it is still far cheaper than other daycares, we just save for that monthJan 2020-Presentyes, my tuition averages to $1560/monthaparada@stanford.edu
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Lil Angels DaycareShilpa Dalal486 Wilson Avenue Sunnyvale 94086408-368-65228:30 am - 5:15 pmhttp://lilangelsfamilydaycare.com/Feb 28, 2022They provide good hearty meals, fun activities and celebrate major seasonal events like Easter egg hunt, halloween trick or treating etc.2020-2022Yes
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Tiny Smiles Home DaycareAya4228 Verdigris CirSan Jose, CA 9513491630786318:30 am - 5 PMhttps://tinysmiles-daycare.com/Mar 8, 2022- Really clean home daycare which comes with limited number of kids per daycare and more attention toward our son.
- It is close to MTV office (5 - 7 minutes drive).
- They also provide food as part of the fees and send us daily pictures as requested.
- Reasonable priced
- Provide service to toddlers and infants
- They even have a part time option 		2020 to 2022Yes - Full time infants 1800 and Toddler 1600sammoyaid@google.com
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Buildind Kids, Mountain ViewDirector: Ebun Evien250 E Dana St, Mountain View, CA 94041(650) 967-8000mv-admin@buildingkidz.com8:00-5:00https://buildingkidzschool.com/schools/mountain-view/April 1, 2022This center is great. Our 7 month old is having a great time and you get pictures and videos all day long. It's amazing to know what you child does during the day since they spend so much time there :) They have music classes where a musician comes and play the guitar, arts, etc. The programming is impressive, even for the little ones. The only problem is the schedule. They are still on the COVID schedule at that center and it's very chalenging. 2022-PresentThe price is rought 2300 per month full timeginab2@stanford.edu
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My First Station DaycareSandra606 Giannini Dr Santa Clara, CA 95051(408) 595-18087:30-5:30https://www.yelp.com/biz/my-first-station-daycare-santa-claraApril 3, 2022Bilingual daycare where Sandra has a background in child care and development. Healthy food provided daily, schedules daily including music time, different stations that change monthly. Also Sandra will send photos and videos of your child if asked!1/2022- currentYes currently cost for infant is $1950Christine Santiago3474662026
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KinderCare Palo AltoNancy Friis (Center Director)848 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301(650) 473-11007AM-6.30PMhttps://www.kindercare.com/our-centers/palo-alto/ca/000683May 4, 2022Nice and friendly environment, very professional, possibility to order hot lunch, AM and PM snacks provided, a lot of Stanford affiliated families, very close to downtown Palo Alto in a quiet neighborhood, convenient street parking for drop-off and pick-up, Stanford affiliates receive a 10% discount2021, 2022around the same after 10% discountTheresia Schnurrschnurr@stanford.edu
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Daly DaycareJennyRedwood Citydalydaycare66@gmail.comMon - Thur 8am-5pmMay 23, 2022Jenny runs the program with a maximum of six children per day. She is wonderful, and quickly became a part of our family. She helped us (first time parents!) transition our son to solid foods, develop a nap routine, and get him crawling with confidence! She follows a daily schedule with lots of learning play, and interactive songs and games. We cannot say enough good things about our experience with her. Jenny only operates Monday-Thursday. Current protocols require that children be picked up at 5pm on the date--Jenny is very accommodating with lateness if you communicate with her.2020-2022Yes
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Sweet Angels Home DaycareKatia and her niece Gianella416 Larkspur Dr. East Palo Alto650 283-3805sweetangelsdaycare10@gmail.com7:30 am to 5:00pmhttp://www.sweetangelsdaycare.comJune 1, 2022Sweet Angels provides the meals ( breakfast, snacks and hot lunch). The main languages spoken are English and Spanish. Their daily schedule includes circle time, singing in both languages, art and craft. The daycare has a maximum of 8 kids, and is always clean and neat.
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Mi escuelitaCarolina AbuertoMenlo Park, willow rd and Gilbert avenue6502234516dadinivid@yahoo.com9 am - 3:00 pmJune 1, 2022Carolina has been working with us for the last 3 years and have been our lifesaver. She is a family doctor by profession, but her heart is in caring for the little ones and she does it amazingly. She is fun, open, attentive, smart, kind... you name it all.

My youngest loves her, and so do my older kids.

She has been working at the daycare for some time and I am sure it will be a very nurturing, safe and happy place for the little people who will attend. She is opening in August.
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Harper SchoolHarper School3150 Granger Way, Redwood City, CA 94061rwc@harperschool.org7am-6pmharperschool.org/calJune 9, 2022This is a brand new preschool that opened in Sept 2021 about 4 miles from west campus in Redwood City. They currently only offer toddlers, pre-school, pre-k and kinder (it's not a daycare) and the classes are wonderfully small. The head of school is fantastic and used to be a principal at Stratford school where she oversaw their very popular preschool (she grew it from next to nothing to multiple campuses with waitlists) and the teachers and staff consider themselves a family. We were hesitant to join a brand new school but every parent we spoke with said their kids love it and have grown tremendously while at Harper. It seemed a bit traditional/heavily focused on academics in their outward-facing materials (website, etc.) which isn't our speed but, in reality, they are caring, play-based, and clearly committed to a fun learning environment.CurrentNo, but Harper offers financial aid to families who need help paying tuition. https://harperschool.org/cal/financial-aid.htmlRebecca.Katz@stanford.edu
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PlaysmartMs. AnaNear the intersection of Middle Ave and University Dr in Menlo Park650-422-9444anadbrown22@gmail.com8am-5:30pm full-time; 8am-1pm part-timeJuly 27, 2022Our daughters’ preschool, Playsmart, has openings for new students. Playsmart is a home-based preschool in Menlo Park (near downtown). Owned and operated by Ms. Ana, who has a double Masters degree in Art Therapy and Marriage and Family Therapy (with a focus on child development) and 20 years of experience in education. Ages 2.5+ (potty-trained). It’s a fantastic program. Ms. Ana is the best, and the children do all sorts of great activities: sports, arts and crafts, pre-reading, writing, and math, garden, care for chickens, learn social and emotional skills and effective communication, outdoor exploration, poetry, and lots of play. They spend lots of time outdoors. Lunch and snacks are provided. Lots of Stanford families over the years. No web presence – the preschool has mainly relied on referrals from existing/past families and word-of-mouth.

Our daughters have absolutely loved the program, Ms. Ana, and their friends at preschool.
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Carolina AburtoMenlo Park, at Willow road and Gilbert avenuedadinivid@yahoo.comMonday to Friday 9am–5pmAug 6, 2022Our fabulous former nanny Carolina Aburto has started a home childcare center. We’ve known her for almost nine years. She helped raise our daughter. She's one of the best people we know. She has a MD degree from Mexico and is fully bilingual. If our daughter were young enough, we would jump to enroll her.
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Heffalump PreschoolMeenakshi3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA 94306heffalumpschool@gmail.com8:30am- 5:30 pmhttps://www.heffalumpschool.com/Aug 31, 2022Meenakshi is very nice to kids. She really take care of them. Even if in a long time my kid was the only one who stayed there after 4 pm, Mina played games/toys or read books with him. Whenever I came to pick up my son, he (and the other kids ) was very happy. Every morning my son cannot wait to go to daycare. Kids know that who loves them.
2022yes. ~1800 for full time.liulipingbio@gmail.com
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Neighborhood Infant and Toddler Center311 N California Ave. Palo Alto, CA650-321-34937:30-5:30https://paccc.org/centers/infant_toddler_centers/2-neighborhood_infant-toddler_center_nitcSep 1, 2022small center with only 4 infants and 8 toddlers, very kind and dedicated staff, great communication2022No, it is $2900
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SolecitoEmilsa Lima555, Encina Ave Menlo Park CA-94025piepequeno928@gmail.com8AM to 5:30PMOct 11, 2022They are a Spanish immersion program. They are located in a very quiet neighborhood. There is a big outdoor area with many toys and a welcoming spacious classroom in a separated building dedicated to the daycare. They do fun activities, prepare fresh homemade food, and really go out of their way for each kid. The communication between parents and the team is very good.
2022Yes for infants (I don't know for the others).
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Auntie Sahar's DaycareSahar3542 Page St, Redwood City, CA 94063(804) 928-6600auntiesahar@gmail.com7:30 PM - 5 PMhttps://auntiesahars.wixsite.com/daycareJan 13, 2023Auntie Sahar's daycare is fantastic!! They take such good care of the children, they are very loving. Both of my sons went there and it was bliss for them and for us.
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The Frog PondMAY GASPAY4057 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303(650) 857-01268 am- 5 pmhttps://www.thefrogponddaycare.com/Jan 13, 2023May is so sweet and she and another member are former RNs at Stanford so I know my child is in good hands. All the kids play with each other and have great time outside with her many amazing succulents and Japanese maples. Her kind demeanor puts my stressed mind at rest.2022$17/hr for 1 year old, similar
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Miss Sunshine Daycare And Kindergarten PrepTamara Knoefel159 Piedra Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086(408) 419-1823tamara@missunshinedaycare.comMon – Fri: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PMhttps://missunshinedaycare.com/Jan 16, 2023Our daughter has been going to Miss Sunshine's daycare for 6+ months, started when she was 14 months old. She absolutely loves going to daycare every morning. It is a very professionally run daycare. Miss Tamara and her staff are very caring and pay close attention to every child. They keep it fun and engaging at the same time giving the kids structure and helping them learn important values like sharing, playing well with others etc. Miss Tamara genuinely loves and cares for all the kids. Would highly recommend it. 2022-presentYes, it is more affordable than Stanford Children's CentresAmruta Bhateamrutabhate@gmail.com
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Parents‘ Nursery SchoolParents‘ Nursery School2328 Louis Rd, 94303 Palo Altoinfo@parentsnurseryschool.org9:15 am - 12:15 pmwww.parentsnurseryschool.orgJan 24, 2023I really like the parent involvement and sense of community. Beautiful big yard, reasonable tuition. Concerns might be limited hours and required weekly workday in the classroom.2017-2023Rates are much lower but the school only offers part time programs w parent involvement.
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Sojourner Truth Child Development CenterPalo Alto Community Child Care3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto(650) 493-5990stcdc@paccc.org7:30am - 5:30pmhttps://paccc.org/centers/infant_toddler_centers/9-sojourner_truth_child_development_center_stcdcJan 29, 2023Both of my children attend or have attended the center, and I am extremely grateful for the services they provided. They have supported us with naps, solid introduction, crawling, walking, running, story telling, dancing, dramatic play, social skills and much more. The staff there goes above and beyond to support each child's needs.

The teachers are extremely caring with 10 to 25 years of experience in infant care and development. During the pandemic, the center closed for three months and my son kept asking for them. He was extremely excited to go back when they reopened.

The center is located in Palo Alto, about a 7 minute drive south of campus. 		2018-2023~$2,900. There may be some financial assistance spots people can apply for.Cynthia Woodciwood27@gmail.com
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Creative ExplorersAnnie Doan
610 E Evelyn Ave, Sunnyvale CA 94086info@creative-explorers.org8am to 5:30pmhttp://creative-explorers.orgApril 5, 2023This preschool is a labor of love by two committed child educators and serves children from 2 years until kinder using an approach that encourages exploration and teaches children respect and responsibility. We’ve loved how much care, effort, and time goes into each student, quarterly family activities, and community building. The co-owners, Ms. Annie and Ms. Darcy, are phenomenally invested in each child’s success and have created a very international community of families from truly across the world.2022-23Yes -- more affordable than Stanford's childcarepreetih@stanford.edu
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Bright Angel Montessori Academy
Joseph / Meiling695 Bay Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025info@brightangelacademy.com8.00 AM -5.30 PMhttps://brightangelacademy.com/2023-06-21Daycare is small enough that all kids know each other and all the teachers know the kids by their names (3 rooms: infants-toddlers-preschool). My infant joined 2 months ago and so far the experience has been great. They have a great teacher-to-children ratio, and the teachers are super open and supportive of all our needs (e.g. adjustment to new nap schedules). My 3-year-old girl and my (almost) 5-year-old boy joined the preschool room 4 months ago and they love it. Teachers are great at making them feel comfortable, and they are able to meet the kids where they are and motivate each kid based on their own interests.2022-presentTuition is public on their website, they do offer sibling discount and have part-time options
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Olu Montessori (6+ months)
Dilhara Abeygoonesekera
915 Marsh Rd. Menlo Park, CA 94025(650) 651-33718am - 5.30pmhttps://www.olumontessori.com/2023-06-28You get personal care and attention. This is my infant daughter's first childcare and they were super good with the transition. It's a home-based Montessori with around 12 kids and around 4 teachers. They have two rooms (infant and toddler). We felt super safe with the team. Kids don't get sick. They provide organic food. The only con was it wasn't super close to Stanford but we thought our daughter's fit and safety to the childcare over our convenience.2023It is slightly expensive compared to the Stanford ones but your LO get personal care and attention.
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Suelo's HouseConsuelo Rocha33 Congo Street, San Francisco, CAconcebiba@yahoo.com8:00am-5:30pmhttps://www.sueloshouse.com/2023-09-27This is an amazing home-based daycare in the south part of San Francisco -- would be great for postdocs living in the city and commuting down to Stanford. They are on the more expensive side, but this is because their ratio is amazing (1:2 caretaker:child, and 1:1 if <8mo). They provide all meals (breakfast, lunch, multiple snacks, all homemade, vegetarian, organic food), go on daily outings, and are Portuguese/Spanish-immersion.2023No -- more expensive, but the ratio is better (1:2 caretaker:child, and 1:1 if <8mo)anjalid@stanford.edu
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Giggles Home DaycareMs. Yissela260 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto CAyissela.alvarez@me.com
8-4:45pm (4:30 during summer)
2023-10-05Walk/Bikeable from Stanford Graduate Housing area. Smaller home based daycare with a mixed age group and just one teacher (Yissela). All meals are provided.
2023Yesmgl560@stanford.edu
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Buzytots Preschool & Childcare
Sapna Agarwal10066 S Stelling Rd Cupertino, CA 95014408-771-9934
sapna@buzytots.com8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday (Extended care and weekend care available as on need basis)https://www.buzytots.com2023-10-06My daughter is going to Buzytots since she is 3 months old. It is a homebased daycare in Cupertino. Ms. Sapna and her staff take good care of the kids and the place is very clean. It is not close to Stanford but people living in and around Cupertino can consider this day care.2022 - present
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Menlo Children's CenterSheriann Chaw801 Laurel St., Menlo Park650-330-2249SJchaw@menlopark.gov 8 a.m. to 6 p.m (they also offer a half day option from 8am to 12.30pm).https://menlopark.gov/Government/Departments/Library-and-Community-Services/Child-care-and-education/Menlo-Childrens-Center2023-10-12I bring my 3 year old kid to Menlo Children's Center, the city day care at Menlo Park, and I am very happy with it. Teachers are really caring and respectful with each child's needs, and they are very flexible during the transition period. more affordable than Stanford, and they offer discounts for Menlo Park residents (see prices in their website)
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Charo's DaycareCharo (Rosario) Rodriguez-Farfan2005 W. Middlefield Rd, Mountain View, 94043Charo - 650-281-13888:00am - 5:30 pm2024-07-19Ages 3 months to 3 years. This is a home daycare, so only one provider, and only 5 kids at a time. It's Spanish-speaking in the daycare, but Charo communicates with parents in English as well. My daughter is well-loved and cared for here. They sing songs and play games and go outside in the fenced-in patio. The kids take naps every day on mats (and there is a separate crib for very little babies). Charo provides food and cow's milk for the bigger kids, as well as wipes -- you only bring diapers and breastmilk/formula.
2023-2024Yes, in 2024, less than $2,000/month. (CCSC is currently ~$2,800 for toddlers)
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Little Troopers Child CareAna Navarro1032 Inverness Dr., San Carlos, CA 94070650-218-10098am-5:30pm2024-01-20The teachers are happy to be there and very engaged with the children. They speak some Spanish to the children and my child has learned some Spanish. The focus of the daycare is on play and a music teacher regularly comes to sing and play music with the children.2022-presentIt is more affordable.
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Devorah Levin1650 Channing Ave, Palo Alto
650-561-60138-6 (including before & aftercare, 9-4 without)https://www.chabadpaloalto.com/gan-preschool2025-03-07Small school (12 kids total, 6 in each class) with low student/teacher ratio. Provides all meals. Teachers are very caring Jewish school and learning hebrew is part of the curriculum.2024-2025It depends on the age and whether you need before/after care. Once I factored in cost/time of food it was about equivalent. Ratios are much lower than the preschool so it is a bit more expensive than that.smrose11@stanford.edu
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Anita's DaycareCristina AlvayeroRedwood City, Friendly Acres neighborhood650-771-8139CristinaAlvayero@gmail.com2025-03-11Our daughter has been at Anita’s Daycare since she was 6 months old. We have greatly appreciated the attentive, loving and personalized care she has received in a safe, nurturing environment. Cristina is an absolutely wonderful experienced, Spanish-speaking nanny who is the type of person who has that sort of intuition about babies – if there is something that is not quite right, like she is coming down with a cold or starting to teeth, she is always spot on about what to do or how to care for her. I feel so fortunate to have found her and highly recommend her!
2024-2025$2600/monthafuentes@stanford.edu
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Mixed Reviews
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Playtime Childcare of Menlo ParkRosa Vazquez597 Sixth Ave., Menlo Park650-333-7131playtimechildcaremp@yahoo.com7:30am-6pmhttp://playtimechildcareofmenlopark.com/Feb 28, 2022Rosa/Monica love kids and are so helpful to new parents! Kids were safe there and well cared-for. Great location for Stanford RWC employees!2011-2012Mara Violanti (marav@stanford.edu)
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2023-10-12Playtime Childcare of Menlo Park lets the kids watch TV most of the day (the TV is hidden in a cupboard in the room where they have the kids). Apparently, they also have some non-certified staff looking after the kids (specifically, the owner's husband). You can also find more comments in Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/playtime-childcare-menlo-park?sort_by=date_desc
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