Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Preschool in Los Altos, CA
Founded in 1969, Mountain View Parent Nursery School has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in the Mountain View and Los Altos community. Our parent participation model fosters a unique partnership between families and educators, creating a nurturing environment where children discover the joy of learning through play. With a philosophy rooted in the belief that parents are a child's primary influence, we provide structured guidance under the supervision of experienced staff to ensure both children and families thrive. Our developmental curriculum emphasizes social-emotional growth, creativity, and foundational academic skills, preparing students for future educational success. As a nonprofit organization, we remain committed to building strong connections among families, teachers, and the broader community.Our dedicated team of educators brings decades of expertise in child development, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all. We continually evolve our practices to address contemporary educational challenges while maintaining our founding principles of collaboration and community. Through regular parent education sessions and hands-on involvement opportunities, we empower families to actively shape their child's early learning journey. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures every family feels welcomed and valued within our school community. With over 50 years of service, we continue to provide a transformative preschool experience that benefits both children and their parents.
Services
Parent-Child Programs
Cooperative Preschool
Summer Camp
Parent Education
Tuition Assistance
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of experience in parent-participation early childhood education
- Our certified teachers implement research-based developmental curricula
- We provide flexible program options for diverse family needs
- Our community-driven approach builds lasting family connections
- We maintain a 3:1 parent-to-child ratio for personalized attention
What people say
Loving teachers
Supportive community
Creative activities
Flexible programs
Experienced staff
Services
Parent-Child Programs
Toddler programs where parents attend class with their children once weekly. Designed for ages 15 months to 3 years, these sessions focus on early socialization and parent-guided play. Our structured activities help families establish routines while promoting developmental milestones through interactive learning experiences.
Cooperative Preschool
Parent-participation preschool programs for ages 2-5 years. Parents work in classrooms approximately one day weekly while children engage in play-based learning. Our curriculum integrates math and language skills naturally through themed activities and collaborative projects led by professional teachers.
Summer Camp
Four weekly summer camp sessions for current students. Features themed activities three days weekly, continuing developmental learning during summer months. Combines outdoor play with creative projects while maintaining our educational philosophy in a relaxed setting.
Parent Education
Four annual evening education meetings with expert speakers. Monthly class meetings led by teachers and parent committees. Provides professional development on child development topics while fostering community connections through shared learning experiences.
Tuition Assistance
Confidential tuition assistance program for families with financial needs. Application process available through membership committee. Ensures accessibility to our educational programs regardless of economic circumstances while maintaining program quality and community diversity.
People
Claire Koukoutsakis
Director
Director with 30 years experience in early childhood education. Former Foothill College instructor and mentor program founder. Holds BA in Child Development and advanced units in Human Development. Recognized for excellence in teaching and community building.
Val Walker
3.5-5s Teacher
3.5-5s teacher with BA in Education from San Jose State University. Former parent participant turned educator. Specializes in play-based learning and creative expression. Active in Girl Scouts leadership and outdoor education.
Susan Pence
Parent and Child Class Teacher
Parent and Child Class Teacher with Masters in Education and credentials in Special Education. Focuses on creativity and inclusion. Trained in Positive Behavior Support and outdoor education methods. Emphasizes music and movement in learning.
Sandra Mitchell
2-3s Teacher
2-3s teacher with BA in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College. Former personnel manager turned educator. Specializes in age-appropriate expectations and nurturing child development through play-based learning and parent guidance.
Claudia Garcia
3.5-5s Assistant Teacher
Assistant teacher with certification from Mothercraft Institute. 15+ years experience in early childhood education. Focuses on inclusive environments and child-centered learning. Former parent participant with three children in the program.
Questions
What are the parent participation requirements?
Parents work 2-8 days monthly depending on program. Includes classroom assistance, committee roles, and four annual education meetings. Flexible options available for working families.
How does the application process work?
Submit application with $65 fee. Attend tour, then complete placement forms if accepted. Applications accepted year-round with mid-year placements based on availability.
Are there food allergy accommodations?
We maintain a nut-free campus. Individualized allergy plans developed annually. Dangerous allergens excluded from all classes to ensure safety for children with severe allergies.
What curriculum approach do you use?
Play-based developmental curriculum integrating math and language skills naturally. Teacher-designed with consideration for children's interests. Emphasizes social-emotional growth and creative exploration.
Is financial assistance available?
Confidential tuition assistance available. Contact membership committee for guidelines and application. Program ensures accessibility while maintaining educational quality and community diversity.
How does the school address diversity?
Committed to racial equity through annual staff training, anti-bias education, and inclusive practices. Implements national diversity standards in classrooms and actively promotes family involvement in equity initiatives.
