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Preschools/CA/Palo Alto/Ellen Thacher Children's Center
Preschool / Day Care Center

Ellen Thacher Children's Center

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Ages
Ages 2–5
Teacher ratio
1:12 (CA min)

505 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Visit website ↗(650) 494-1467Directions ↗Licensed for 28
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Licensing & safety record

Citations on file
0
Complaint visits
1
Last visit
11/14/2024
Total visits
5

Citations are part of routine licensing oversight and range from minor (Type B) to serious (Type A). A citation alone doesn't mean a program is unsafe — read the full reports for context.

Source: California Dept. of Social Services, Community Care Licensing (updated 2025-09-29). View official inspection reports →

About this preschool

Ellen Thacher Children's Center (ETCC) offers a nurturing learning environment for children ages 2 to TK/kindergarten entry with a play-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum. The center features dedicated educators, enrichment programs, and an expansive outdoor play area with community partnerships.

Philosophy
Play-based and emergent curriculum inspired by Reggio Emilia, based on children's interests to foster curiosity and deeper learning.
Ages served
2 years to TK or kindergarten entry
Hours
Full Day: 7:30am - 6:00pm; Part Day Long: 7:30am - 3:00pm. Schedule options include 5 days (Mon-Fri), 3 days (Mon, Wed, Fri), or 2 days (Tue, Thu).
Outdoor
Expansive outdoor play area with opportunities for play, gardening, and exploration. Partnerships with Magical Bridges Park and Mitchell Park Library.
Meals
Healthy hot lunch and snacks served daily and included in tuition.

Programs

  • •Golden Acorn Music
  • •MyGym

Highlights

  • ✓Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum
  • ✓1:8 teacher-to-child ratio
  • ✓Enrichment programs including music and active play
  • ✓Community partnerships and family engagement

Not stated on their website: Tuition amount, Financial aid details, Teacher qualifications, Specific curriculum subjects. Ask the preschool directly.

Summarized by AI from the preschool's own website (Jun 23, 2026). Not written or verified by PreschoolWise — confirm details directly with the program.

Parent reviews

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Helpful guides for parents

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Listing facts from public CA child-care licensing records. Reviews are the opinions of individual contributors, moderated before publishing; they are not endorsements by PreschoolWise. Always visit and verify a program directly before enrolling.