Quick Facts

  • Ages: 2.5 years to kindergarten entry
  • Hours: 7:30am to 6:00pm
  • Staff-to-child ratio: 1 to 6
  • Enrollment capacity: 28
  • Lunch and snacks served daily
  • NAEYC Accredited

Site Supervisor: Liz Coldoff
Assistant Director: Erin Schaeffer

505 E. Charleston Avenue
(650) 494-1467

Ellen Thacher Children's Center

Ellen Thacher Children's Center, affectionately known as "Thacher," offers an environment where children of diverse backgrounds receive quality care in a child-centered, play-oriented program.

At Thacher, we seek to provide a program which supports young children's growth, development and self-confidence. We value young children as learners, and see them as self-motivated and active in their learning process.

Center Activities

Our primary focus during the preschool years is on social and emotional growth. We work to build self-esteem and confidence by helping children better understand who they are and how they are a part of our group.

The Thacher curriculum is a blend of the practices of emergent curriculum, the project approach and the studies of Reggio Emilia.

These practices incorporate traditional "pre-academic" skills into hands-on and playful experiences, in-depth studies and investigations, and an exploration of creative arts. We develop our plans based on the interests we see in the children's play and we add our ideas to the natural daily program.

We have a beautiful site where children are able to participate in a variety of activities, both indoors and outside. We have an art room which is always available to children, and we take frequent walks to Mitchell Park. Children also participate in gardening projects and a music program.

Parent Involvement and Participation

Family involvement has always been an important component of Thacher's program. We believe that parent participation, in whatever way possible, strengthens our program. Many parents share personal interests and hobbies with our class or join us in cooking and gardening.

We have regular family gatherings as well as a number of annual celebrations such as a Stone Soup Party and an Art Show. Our goal is to have families, children and parents come together to form the community of Thacher.