Children's Corner was founded in 1979 by the Los Altos-Mountain View branch of the American Association of University Women as a non-profit, drop-in childcare center. We were first located in the Los Altos Lutheran Church, with a modest capacity of up to fifteen two to five-year olds with three members of staff.
In 1981, we moved to Room C Hillview Community Center with facilities to care for 24 children. In response to parental requests, we provided an infant center in Room 6 for a brief period in the early 80s, but it closed in 1984 to allow a focus on preschool aged children. We acquired the use of Room 5 and our current office space to cater for increasing demand for preschool spaces.
In 1981, we moved to Room C Hillview Community Center with facilities to care for 24 children. In response to parental requests, we provided an infant center in Room 6 for a brief period in the early 80s, but it closed in 1984 to allow a focus on preschool aged children. We acquired the use of Room 5 and our current office space to cater for increasing demand for preschool spaces.
Services
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals. Their accreditation system sets standards for early childhood education based on the latest research and best practices. This accreditation helps families identify high quality preschools, and childcare centers.
Children are placed by age and birth year into one of our four main programs: 2s and Young 3s, 3s and Young 4s, 4s and Young 5s. Children in the 4s and Young 5s program can enroll in one of our popular afternoon programs: Passport to Adventure (with a Spanish option) or Young Explorers (science, art and geography).
Our 2s & young 3s program has 12 to 15 children and two to three teachers; a ratio of 1 teacher for every 4-6 students. Our focus throughout the year is developing language and communication skills, particularly as they relate to sharing, problem solving and making friends.
Our tables and interest areas are designed to promote and encourage conversation and interactions between the children and adults, while they explore the surroundings and materials offered.Our art is open ended and the children are encouraged to have fun and experiment. The process is important for their fine motor skills and creativity.
Our tables and interest areas are designed to promote and encourage conversation and interactions between the children and adults, while they explore the surroundings and materials offered.Our art is open ended and the children are encouraged to have fun and experiment. The process is important for their fine motor skills and creativity.
At the beginning of the school year Teachers introduce a variety of art materials so children become comfortable using various mediums. Many types of paint are offered including watercolor, tempera, glitter, foam, puffy, fluorescent etc. and also the tools used to paint with vary (small brushes, large brushes, toothbrushes, gadgets, sponges, flowers, branches, etc.).
We nurture a classroom community where each child feels safe, respected, supported, and challenged as they learn and grow. Families are important members of our community and we work closely with you to develop the unique potential of each child. Room arrangement and activities are planned to promote positive social interaction between the children, and between the children and their teachers.
Reviews (5)
Lan Nguyen
Sep 03, 2019
Report
We love Children's Corner low student-teacher ratios and dedicated teachers, many of whom have been teaching there for 10-20 years. There is a lot of thought put into the curriculum, but it is presented through play to the kids with rotating activities at tables, lots of toys (with specific developmental goals in mind), and plenty of outdoor play time. My youngest is enthusiastic about going to school and my oldest was well prepared for elementary school.
Nhung Nhung
Nov 14, 2017
Report
The best preschool out of all the 12 schools I have toured around Los Altos, MV, Palo Alto. The schedule is great (very little days off), staff and teachers are so warm, amazing, creative, genuine, and so great with children and people. A huge plus is the preschool is a non profit and NAEYC accredited. My kids are so happy at this school and I’m happy knowing that I leave them in such a loving environment where they can thrive and blossom into such great little people.
Rachel Schmidt Hettinger
Oct 11, 2017
Report
Tesla Seppanen
Sep 10, 2015
Report
My son has been at Children's Corner for just over a year now. Both he and I absolutely love it! I really can't say enough great things about the staff, the program, and the welcoming spaces they have created. The overall philosophy incorporates an up-to-date understanding of early childhood development with a deeply nurturing environment, resulting in inviting classrooms that provide an appropriate level of stimulation for each age group. The teachers generally have excellent credentials, but more important, every one of them seems genuinely happy helping the children learn how to become better
Elly Phillips
Aug 21, 2013
Report
My son has been a student at Children's Corner for over three years now. I am very happy with the school, teachers and program. First, it is developmentally appropriate, with plenty of creative activities and outdoor time (as much as the kids want). Second, the teachers tailor the program to the kids they have each year, so if they are slightly more advanced in more 'academic' work the teachers take account and provide suitable developmentally appropriate activities (focused on interaction rather than worksheets). My son is now doing Zoophonics in the 4s program, which he picked up really fast
