Best Day Care On The Peninsula

Most parents of young children have child care concerns as they search for affordable, licensed day care facilities they can trust. Parents on the Peninsula can rest assured that first-rate facilities do conveniently exist and can fit specific needs. Here are five of the top day care options on the Peninsula.

The Wonder Years Preschool is a play-based facility with an academic component that is age appropriate for children 18 months to five years old, depending on the facility. With four Peninsula locations, The Wonder Years offers a premium program with a highly qualified and caring staff. In operation since 1989, The Wonder Years is proud of its varied enrichment programs that are included in the standard tuition, enabling every child to participate in the fun and educational events the preschool provides. The schools are open from 7 a.m to 6 p.m. and two healthful snacks are served daily, with scheduled rest time after lunch. Tuition ranges from $690 to $1,580 per month, depending on full or part-time, frequency and if toddler or child. Visit the website to explore facility age groups and full details on the programs and settings.

Children's Creative Learning Center (CCLC) is a multi-location day care center that focuses on families and employers to deliver high-quality child care and education, conveniently at work or near family homes. Families will discover a comprehensive set of child care and early education options for parents and their families, either at their workplace or en route. CCLC programs provide age-appropriate education for infants to elementary school age. The CCLC philosophy is one of proven curriculum designed to develop the whole child. CCLC partners with companies to tailor child care solutions for families that meet employee needs, and in turn can support broader business goals. Visit the website to find a center near you and check tuition and placement openings.

A non-profit cooperative preschool, Millbrae Nursery has been providing a safe and social educational environment for children ages two to five since 1938. The cooperative experience allows the school to provide amenities and flexibility that are unlike those at other preschools in San Mateo County. Millbrae Nursery has three classes for two to three year olds, three to four year olds and Pre-K. The school is continually changing and adapting to the needs of the children and parents; the school participates in Virtual-K activities along with First 5 California, a state mandate since its 1998 creation to ensure children grow up healthy and do well in school throughout life. As a co-op, Millbrae Nursery affords parents the opportunity to share valuable and enjoyable experiences with their children. Check the website to learn more and view the varied tuition fees.

Bright Beginnings is a family-run preschool guided by the Montessori techniques that are the Code of Ethics of the American Montessori Society. According to parent reviews, children are cared for in a loving environment that encourages values of independence, creativity, kindness, respect and community involvement. Children play and learn from each other, and the Pre-K program works on specific skills that aim to prepare four and five year olds for kindergarten. Children learn how to work independently and in groups, make appropriate choices and decisions and manage their time well. They are encouraged to exchange ideas and gain good communication skills. Guiding children to have strong self image is a goal of the Montessori program. Tuition can be paid monthly or annually. Read all about it on the website.

With Peninsula locations in San Bruno, Redwood City and Daly City, Hoover Children's Centers has the area covered for quality child care for infants, toddlers, preschool and pre-k. The centers have a developmental program committed to offering a positive environment for each child to develop and grow physically, emotionally, intellectually and socially. The centers' program is designed to augment academic learning while fostering a child's positive self-concept, and nurture positive social relationships with other children and adults. The teaching staff at Hoover Children's Centers is carefully selected for their warmth and caring attitudes, and all staff members are trained in Early Childhood Education. The Preschool and Pre-K daily schedule is 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Due to special staffing and facility needs, infant care is provided at the Daly City location only. Visit the website for complete details; call for tuition information.

Melanie Graysmith is a writer, artist and educator based in San Francisco. She writes on adult education, art and lifestyle topics, and enjoys writing short stories and poetry. She is also a member of an independent filmmaking group. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.