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Preschools/CA/San Mateo/Smc Comm Coll Dist-Mary Meta Lazarus Child Dev Ctr
Preschool / Day Care Center

Smc Comm Coll Dist-Mary Meta Lazarus Child Dev Ctr

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

1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94402

Visit website ↗(650) 574-6279Directions ↗Licensed for 58
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Licensing & safety record

✓ Clean licensing record

No citations or complaint visits on file with state licensing as of 2025-09-29. Last licensing visit: 1/23/2025 (2 total).

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

About this preschool

Mary Meta Lazarus Child Development Center, operated by College of San Mateo since 1981, provides affordable, high-quality early care and education for preschool children ages 2½-5. The program prioritizes access for low-income student families and emphasizes learning in the context of family, school, and community.

Philosophy
Children learn in the context of their family, school, and community. The center uses project-based curriculum that responds to children's interests and incorporates access to nature for exploration.
Ages served
2½-5 years old
Outdoor
The hillside building includes access to nature for children to explore, with deer, squirrels and salamanders passing through the grounds. Classroom gardens provide produce.
Meals
Balanced meals provided, including produce from classroom gardens, funded through Sequoia Healthcare District's Healthy Schools Initiative (Healthy Eats, Active Feet program).

Programs

  • •Project-based curriculum responsive to children's interests
  • •Comprehensive motor education program
  • •Yoga instruction from CSM's yoga teacher training program
  • •Dental hygiene talks from dental assisting students
  • •Parenting workshops and family events

Highlights

  • ✓40 years of operation with all teachers holding college degrees
  • ✓Affordable care with financial assistance available; priority given to low-income student families
  • ✓Drop-in policy allowing families to visit classrooms during the school day
  • ✓Integration with CSM college programs including early childhood education practicum placements

Not stated on their website: Tuition and fee structure, Hours of operation, Teacher-to-student ratio, Enrollment capacity. 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

What age does preschool start?Typical ages, readiness signs, and state cutoffs.Is my child ready for preschool?The readiness signs to look for.Preschool vs. daycareHow they differ and which fits your child.Preschool vs. pre-KWhat comes when, from ages 3 to 5.

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.