Preschool & Childcare Guide

A Good Preschool for Your Child

In a very real sense, your child is an explorer who faces a future in unknown territory. As a parent you are doing everything you can to get her ready for this great adventure.

Many of the skills your child will need in the years to come you can only guess at. A generation ago, whoever thought that young children would use computers, let alone tablets and smart phones? But we can be sure of some things. Those who succeed will have the flexibility of mind to find solutions to problems they encounter. They will be curious about how things work. They will be able to get along with and work well with others. They will continue to learn and adapt as their world continues to change. As crucial as it is to master life skills for the future, your child's present life is what’s important now. Addressing your child’s needs now will help her prepare for the future.

How preschoolers learn

Preschooler, ages 3-5, follow their own individual developmental patterns, which may vary greatly from child to child. Nevertheless, at this age children learn best when they:

• Feel safe and secure in their environment

Children should feel that their teachers like having them around and that they are important to them and to the classmates. Children learn best when activities and materials offer just enough challenge—they are neither so easy that they are boring nor so difficult that they lead to frustration. For instance, most preschoolers don’t have the self-regulation skills needed to sit still and listen to an adult talking for long periods of time. Instead, they need to be actively involved and engaged in their learning.

• Can connect what they learn with past experiences and current interests

Learners of any age—and especially young children—understand and remember new things that relate to the experiences, knowledge, and skills they already have. A new thread of learning stays with the child when it is part of a fabric, not an isolated strand. 

• Have opportunities to explore and play

Preschoolers need materials and equipment that will spark their interest: they thrive when they are able to experiment, test things out for themselves, and draw their own conclusions. For instance, when a preschooler sets up boards at different heights and watches how far marbles roll down each one, he is learning about inclined planes and experiencing the scientific method.

Excerpt from Quality Child Care Matters published by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (naeyc). To read the article in full visit the naeyc website at www.naeyc.org.

Preschool Guide

Aptos

The Aptos Academy

Lic #444406729

1940 Bonita Dr., Aptos

831.688.1080

www.aptosacademy.org

Our program for ages 3 to 5 provides for physical, social, and intellectual growth in a bright, cheerful and nurturing environment geared towards the development of the whole child. Good communication, flexibility, creativity and imagination are key parts of our program. Hours: 9am - 3:45pm. Fully accredited by WASC. Please call for more information or a personal tour at your convenience!

Rose Blossom Nursery School

Lic #444403616

6401 Freedom Blvd., Aptos

831.662.8458

www.roseblossomschool.org

Advanced Preschool & Kindergarten. Registration now open for summer and fall 2013 for boys and girls ages two years six months through six years. Small, mixed aged group, with attention to individual emotional and social development. Strong academic curriculum: phonics and reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and creative drama, integrated with games, music, and art daily, organized into monthly themes and performances. Circle time, group meetings, individualized instruction, conflict resolution, and free play. Rose Blossom School is outstanding in teaching social and academic skills through music, art, and games, and is a compassionate communication-based school. Tumbling Tutor™ for preschoolers is optional. Beautiful, country setting with a large play yard. Sharon Rose, Director. Call for tour and registration info.

Santa Cruz Montessori

6230 Soquel Drive, Aptos

831.476.1646

www.scms.org

Santa Cruz Montessori is s non-profit, independent school founded in 1964 serving children ages 18 months to 15 years. Our programs include the arts, sciences, mathematics, literature, language, social studies and music. Our beautiful Montessori classrooms are designed to engage all of the child's senses and create a life-long love of learning. Our mission is to guide and nurture the natural development of the whole person, where students develop a respect for nature and the global family. Our students grow with a healthy spirit, a clear intellect, and a strong character so they may realize their unique contributions as they work for a noble and peaceful world. Call for open house dates or a tour.

Sun for Seedlings Child Care and Preschool

Lic #444411146

6411 Freedom Boulevard, Aptos

831.662.0828

www.sunforseedlings.com

Sun for Seedlings Child Care and Preschool offers a unique program in a beautiful setting. Set on several acres, every day is filled with the beauty of nature, the joys of friendship, and fun activities geared toward artistic expression, physical movement, and the development of a lifelong love of learning.

Capitola/Soquel

Campus Kids Connection – Opal Cliffs Children’s Center

Lic #444412727

4510 Jade Street, Capitola

831.475.5188

www.campuskidsconnection.com

We offer a child-centered learning environment that fosters early literacy, a sense of community, and diversity for children ages 2 – 5 years.

Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool

Lic #444400117

4134 Fairway Dr., Soquel

831.462.2702

Rocking Horse Ranch is a play-based preschool located on 3 beautiful acres in sunny Soquel. We are open from 9-5:30 and offer morning, afternoon, and full day sessions. Our outdoor space offers lots of room to explore, including our gardens and many different kinds of animals. Come visit us!

Soquel Cooperative Nursery School

397 Old San Jose Rd.,
 Soquel

831.429.3464

www.soquelpens.org

Cooperative preschools offer an opportunity for parents to develop their parenting skills and meet other families in a supportive environment. Preschoolers and their parents participate in a developmental preschool program emphasizing children's expression, ideas and creativity. The instructors will provide training in effective parenting techniques via seminars, observation and discussion. Positive guidance and problem-solving strategies will be emphasized. These affordable, high quality programs serve ages 2 to 5 years. Eastside location also includes toddler age program.

Tara Redwood School

5810 Prescott Road, Soquel

831.462.9632

www.tararedwoodschool.org

Tara Redwood School offers an innovative educational preschool experience for young children. Our program integrates Montessori academics with other experiential, emergent and child-centered methodologies. We emphasize the development of social emotional awareness through play, art, science, natural discovery, and much more. Our beautiful campus is located in the redwoods just 5 minutes from Soquel Village.

Santa Cruz

Campus Kids Connection – Bostwick Children’s Center

Lic #444412389

987 Bostwick Lane, Santa Cruz

831.475.2151

www.campuskidsconnection.com

Campus Kids Connection – Santa Cruz Gardens Children’s Center

Lic #444408785

8005 Winkle Ave., Santa Cruz

831.475.6587

www.campuskidsconnection.com

We offer a child-centered learning environment that fosters early literacy, a sense of community, and diversity for children ages 2 – 5 years.

Coastal Community Preschool

Lic #444408854

900 High Street, Santa Cruz

831.462.5437

coastalcommunitypreschool.org

CCP serves children ages 2 1⁄2 through 5 years with a safe, stimulating, and caring learning atmosphere. We have a curriculum that encourages development at each child’s own pace. Among our program highlights, we offer flexible year-round schedules, a highly experienced teaching staff, and a bright, secure West side location overlooking the Monterey Bay. Join us as we continue working with parents and caregivers to raise a community of strong, confident and happy children.

Cozy Corner Childcare

Lic #444406042

Live Oak Area

831.475.8522

cozycornerchildcare.org

Cozy Corner Childcare combines Motivating Preschool Curriculum with a Nurturing Home Environment. We educate young children with Respect, Creativity and Resourcefulness with a hint of silliness. Since 1989 we have provided a Great Ratio, Convenient Location, nutritious meals and parent support. We spark children's imagination and natural sense of curiosity!

Emeline Preschool Center

Lic #440710424

1030 Emeline Ave, Bldg. O, Santa Cruz

831.459.8866

Emeline Preschool Center has been providing quality early childhood education with great teacher/child ratios, for over 18 years. We offer a sliding fee schedule, so that excellent care can be offered to all, and children can find animals in every classroom. Through play and planned activities, our program strives to teach children, social, cognitive, and problem-solving skills, all which have proven to be an important foundation for future development and life learning.

Holy Cross Preschool

170A High Street, Santa Cruz

831.425.1782

www.holycsc.org

Holy Cross Preschool offers a program that guides your child’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual development through culturally rich and developmentally appropriate learning and play. We nourish spiritual growth, establish strong values and stimulate your child’s imagination through meaningful curriculum that includes language arts, music, science, math, art and life skills. We believe in the importance of kindergarten readiness and work in small groups with our Pre-K students to focus on skills development. Half, 3/4 and full day enrollment is available Mon.-Fri. from 7:30 to 5. Call to schedule your personal tour.

Honalee Children's Center

Lic #444412999

1124 Broadway, Santa Cruz

831.600.8561

www.honaleechildrenscenter.com

A play based program in a nurturing home environment. With an emphasis on natural exploration and creative play, we support each child's learning by fostering individual interests. Our days include homemade meals, music and art, science and math explorations, gardening, and dramatic play. Call to schedule a tour today!

Midtown Montessori

Lic #444408886

818 North Branciforte Avenue, Santa Cruz

831.423.2273

www.midtownmontessori.com

Midtown Montessori, a creative environment where children learn to be independent, yet collectively minded, caring earth stewards and compassionate world leaders. Midtown Montessori is a certified green business preschool/child care center centrally located on Branciforte Avenue, between Water Street and Soquel Avenue. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm., providing educational child care for children ages 2 1/2 to 6 years old. Our AFFORDABLE tuition includes nearly all ORGANIC snacks and a cooked lunch. Daily school life consists of lessons in communal social graces and courtesies, practical life and all academic areas, each presented with warmth, humor and love; making learning fun!

Santa Cruz Waldorf School

2190 Empire Grade, Santa Cruz

831.425.0519 x 222

www.scwaldorf.org

Our play-based kindergarten provides a nurturing foundation for the growing child. Class size is limited to 18 students. This small size and an age range of 3 to 6 years stems from the conscious goal of creating a home-like setting. The kindergartens nurture the imagination through both teacher-led activities such as ring time, story time, painting and drawing and self-directed “free play” time, in which simple, natural materials, handcrafted dolls and toys are used to encourage the children’s creative play. By nourishing the mind and the senses through a healthy, beauty-filled environment, our program fosters the development of the whole child.

Santa Cruz Parent Education Nursery School

411 Roxas St., Santa Cruz

831.425.4495

www.scpens.org

waitlist info:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Westside Parent Education Nursery School

1231 Bay St., Santa Cruz

831.429.3995

www.wpens.org

waitlist & info:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Cooperative preschools offer an opportunity for parents to develop their parenting skills and meet other families in a supportive environment. Preschoolers and their parents participate in a developmental preschool program emphasizing children's expression, ideas and creativity. The instructors will provide training in effective parenting techniques via seminars, observation and discussion. Positive guidance and problem-solving strategies will be emphasized. These affordable, high quality programs serve ages 2 to 5 years. Eastside location also includes toddler age program.

Scotts Valley & Mountain Communities

Baymonte Christian Preschool

5000B Granite Creek Road, Scotts Valley

831.438.0100

www.baymonte.org

Lic #440700053

Baymonte Early Childhood Learning Center

570 Bethany Drive, Scotts Valley

831.438.7980

Lic #444404910

Baymonte Christian Preschool Too

4971 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley

831.438.0100

Lic #444412437

Baymonte Christian Preschools now offer three campus locations. A significant number of Santa Cruz County students have enjoyed their first school experience in a Baymonte preschool. With three preschool locations in Scotts Valley, we serve more than 100 students each year. Ask your neighbors about our strong programs and caring staff. We have a rich academic program to nurture and develop your child’s individual potential. We are located on Granite Creek Road, Scotts Valley Drive, and Bethany Drive, all in the city of Scotts Valley. Call for campus tours or visit our website for more information.

Scotts Valley Children’s Center

Scotts Valley

Lic #444403546

831.461.9330

www.scottsvalleychildrenscenter.com

Scotts Valley Children's Center provides infant, toddler and preschool learning environments utilizing Montessori principles of education. Our curriculum includes language, math, science, culture, geography, courtesy, practical life, art and music. Our convenient location includes a 7000 square foot yard with a park quality climbing structure and garden. Enroll by May to take advantage of our enrollment specials.

Quail Hollow Montessori

Lic #444408893

Felton

831.335.4710

www.quailhollowmontessori.com

Quail Hollow Montessori offers an excellent, individualized learning experience for your child with a solid foundation in both academic and social skills. QHM is located in Felton and has special enrollment offers for preschoolers who enroll by May. Our goal is to help children blossom into self-confident, compassionate, inquisitive, and respectful individuals with a life-long love of learning.

North County

Pacific Elementary School

50 Ocean Street, Davenport

831.425.7002

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Pacific Preschool in Davenport is a 5-day a week program from 9 a.m. to noon for 3 to 5 year olds. Pacific Preschool offers a Montessori-style approach to teaching -- learning by doing, nutritious snacks, and an after school care program until 2:30. Monthly tuition is $550, $450 or Free.

South County

EL JARDÍN Parent Cooperative Bilingual Preschool

EL JARDÍN Preescolar Bilingüe Cooperativo de Padres

112 E. Beach St., Watsonville

(located at the United Presbyterian Church)

831.722.2886

waae.pvusd.net/eljardin

Our affordable, bilingual, half-day program is offered two to three days per week for families with three or four year-old children. Your family will have opportunities to learn English and Spanish in a play-based, age-appropriate, enriching environment and further develop your parenting skills in a supportive atmosphere. Come join us!

Mount Madonna School

Lic #440709549

491 Summit Rd., Mount Madonna

408.847.2717

www.MountMadonnaSchool.org

Our Montessori-based program provides a loving, safe and stimulating learning environment where children, three to six years old, are encouraged to develop at their own pace. We strive to nurture a child's innate sense of trust, goodness and wonder. At Mount Madonna School, we focus on developing kindness and respect towards ourselves and others. We offer a developmentally appropriate indoor environment fostering curiosity, confidence and creativity in all aspects of the learning process. This, combined with our 355-acre outdoor classroom, invites and empowers children to fully engage in their education. By including abundant time for imaginative free play, children are inspired in all areas of their development.

Preschool Enrichment

Adventure Sports Swim

303 Potrero Street #15, Santa Cruz

831.458.3648

www.asudoit.com

Learning to swim is a new and exciting experience for children. For the past 25 years ASU has taught over 15,000 children to swim in a positive, warm environment. Our instructors strive to develop a trusting special relationship with each child, encouraging them in a gentle, but firm manner to stretch their limits as ability grows. Our objective in the ASU swim program is to maintain high quality and individual accomplishment through small group lessons. We want your potential swimmers to have confidence in the water. In the end, this means technique, safety, and happy smiles for everyone.

Jim Booth Swim School

Harvey West Pool is OPEN

In Shape Capitola

Ducan Holbert, indoor pool

831.722.3500

"The Best in Baby and Children's swimming". Jim Booth Swim School has offered the most successful and fun swim class for 40 years to kids of all ages and abilities. Our 94-degree pools make classes comfortable and exciting for babies from 4 months to adult beginners in "aquaphobics" class. Classes are conveniently offered year around 8:00 am to 8:00 pm in both indoor and outdoor pools. Call now to enroll.

Junebug's Gym

3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz

831.464.BUGS (2847)

www.junebugsgym.com

June Bug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful, and supportive staff that encourages every child in their growth of large motor skills and gymnastics along with social, emotional and cognitive development. Our goals for our students are to help them feel control and empowerment in their bodies, to build self-esteem through success, to open up imaginations, and to feel confidence and joy in their exploration of movement.

Pump’d – Inflatable Fun Center

555 Main St, Watsonville

831.761.5321

www.PumpdFunCenter.com

PUMP'd is the first and only indoor inflatable fun center in Santa Cruz County. With activities for all ages, it's an ideal place to visit with your family. $7.50 per child admission during Open Jump. Younger children will have fun playing in our Toddler Room with the age appropriate elements -- ideal for children 0-6 years. Our inflatables are exciting for people of all ages and ability levels. Come visit-- Open Jump hours offered daily. Call or visit the website for hours and directions. Remember everyone is required to wear socks!

Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center

2750 B Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz

831.462.0655

Scgym.com

We at Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center understand how important physical movement is to developing a healthy brain in children. Healthy brain development leads to proficiency in learning and overall confidence to lead a successful life. Our fun and friendly gymnastics instructors take pride in offering meaningful movement experiences packed with a lot of fun to your children in every class. Each lesson offers a wide range of sensory integration activities through the usage of our gymnastics equipment and props such as trampolines, balance beams, parallel bars, ladders, slides, a huge foam pit, bubbles, tunnels, balls, hoops and much more! Music and movement is incorporated to ensure a well-rounded movement experience. We offer a wide range of classes and special activity days to the new walking toddlers through kindergarten age girls and boys. Check out our website to see what’s available for your child today.

Santa Cruz Roller Palladium

1606 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz

831.423.0844

"Tiny Tots" meets Wednesday mornings for kids eight and younger who want to learn to skate and have fun. This special time includes warm-ups, instruction, games and fun! Skating offers healthy aerobics, develops coordination and balance, and teaches respect for neighboring skaters! Reserve your space early for private parties.

Seahorse Swim School, Inc.

Santa Cruz, Capitola, Watsonville, Aptos

831.476.7946

www.SeahorseSwimSchool.com

Preschool age children are eager to learn how to swim. We are patient, skilled & encouraging to your children while they learn this lifesaving skill. Afterschool swim programs are offered out of 4 locations in Santa Cruz County. Our Summer Program is huge at Santa Cruz High School. Come learn with the best!

Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab

End of Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz

831.459.3800

http://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Explore the Seymour Center’s touch tanks, exhibits, aquaria, life-size elephant seal sculptures, gray whale skeleton, and one of the world’s largest blue whale skeletons. Enjoy the outdoor picnic tables for snacks and lunches, and discover many fun, educational books and marine-related gift items in the Ocean Discovery Shop.

The Triple P - Positive Parenting Program

triplep.first5scc.org

facebook.com/triplepscc

The Triple P - Positive Parenting Program is a world-renowned program available to families in Santa Cruz County who have children ages birth to 16, including children with special needs. Backed by more than 30 years of international, scientific research, Triple P equips families with proven strategies for strengthening relationships with their children and for preventing or managing a full range of parenting challenges. The program is available to all families in Santa Cruz County through a partnership between First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department.

Health Care Providers for Preschoolers

Nannette Benedict DDS

4340 Scotts Valley Dr., Ste. F, Scotts Valley

831.440.9214

ScottsValleyDentist.com

Nannette practices family dentistry with a special touch. Having raised her own 3 kids, she appreciates the challenges. She likes to meet youngsters during their first year when you have the most questions about tooth care and babies and there are only a couple of teeth to brush!

Capitola Pediatrics

4145 Clares St., Ste. A, Capitola

831.476.1933

www.capitolapediatrics.com

Capitola Pediatrics is an organization committed to providing high quality, comprehensive health care to infants, children, and adolescents in the Santa Cruz area. We strive to create a Medical Home that is friendly, respectful, and easily accessible. Our primary commitment is to the health of our patients. We support causes and organizations that work towards improving the well being of infants, children, and adolescents.

Dignity Health Medical Group - Dominican

Two locations:

1820 41st Ave., Suite D, Capitola

831.476.3000

2018 Mission St., Santa Cruz

831.706.2220

dominicanmedical.org

The Pediatricians of Dignity Health Medical Group-Dominican offer excellent compassionate pediatric care. Several in our group also specialize in Integrative Pediatrics and emphasize a holistic approach to your child’s health. We support wellness along with treating illness in your children from birth to age 18 years. Our Pediatricians are board certified by The American Board of Pediatrics. We are located on 41st Avenue in Capitola and on Mission Street in Santa Cruz.

Marc L. Grossman, D.D.S.

James B. Smith, D.D.S.

230 Green Valley Rd, Freedom

831.722.9202

www.dental4kids.com

More than 30 years experience in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Marc and Dr. Jim approach dentistry in a fun and gentle manner. They create a relaxed atmosphere that makes each visit as pleasant as possible. Their mission is to make a difference in children's lives by creating healthy smiles. And for families who do not have dental insurance we offer the Dental 4 Kids Club: an affordable dental heath care plan. Please call our office for more information.

Santa Cruz Children's Dental Group

Joe Rawlins, DDS

Ryan Wittwer, DDS

Jared Danielson, DDS

Cypress Medical Center

1667 Dominican Way, #232, Santa Cruz

831.476.5512

www.discoverkidsmiles.com

As specialists in pediatric dentistry, we offer the latest techniques in providing treatment. It is our desire to provide you with care in the most comfortable manner available. For first-born children we recommend a first dental evaluation between ages 6-18 months as advised by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. We have genuine concern for the welfare of children and we concern ourselves with the psychological, as well as physical, aspects of care.

This is by no means a complete list of all the Child Care and Preschool Programs in Santa Cruz County. GUiSC is not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor does inclusion in this listing constitute our endorsement of a program. Listings were written by each organization and GUiSC has not confirmed the accuracy of the information provided.