Business Details
Trusted Early Childhood Education in Pittsburg, CA
San Marco Family Childcare and Preschool is dedicated to nurturing young minds through the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which views every child as capable, curious, and full of potential. Our play-based approach prioritizes open-ended exploration, collaborative projects, and creative expression, allowing children to construct their own understanding of the world. The environment serves as a 'third teacher,' thoughtfully designed to inspire inquiry, foster relationships, and develop problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills. We prioritize individualized learning, honoring each child's unique voice, ideas, and interests to cultivate a joyful, emergent learning community.Our programs, including Full-Time and Half-Time options, are tailored to meet diverse family schedules while providing the tools necessary for optimal growth. We emphasize social skill development in a warm, loving environment conducive to learning and personal development. As a community-focused institution, we accept all subsidized programs, including COCOKids and Stage 2, ensuring accessibility for families in Contra Costa County. Our mission is to equip children with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their next educational steps, guided by a team committed to early childhood education excellence.
Services
Full-Time Program
Half-Time Program
Play-Based Learning
Reggio Emilia Approach
Social Skills Development
Highlights and features
- We follow the Reggio Emilia philosophy emphasizing child-led, play-based learning.
- Our environment acts as a 'third teacher' to inspire inquiry and creativity.
- We offer flexible Full-Time and Half-Time programs for diverse family needs.
- We prioritize social skill development in a warm, nurturing environment.
- We accept all subsidized programs including COCOKids and Stage 2.
Services
Full-Time Program
Our Full-Time Program provides comprehensive childcare for families requiring extended hours. Designed to accommodate busy schedules, it offers structured learning activities, outdoor play, and social development opportunities throughout the day. The program emphasizes consistency and routine to support children's emotional and educational growth.
Half-Time Program
The Half-Time Program offers flexible childcare for families seeking shorter daily sessions. Focused on key learning periods, it includes guided play, creative projects, and social interaction while maintaining the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Ideal for families balancing childcare with other commitments.
Play-Based Learning
Our play-based curriculum uses open-ended activities to foster creativity and problem-solving. Children engage in hands-on exploration, collaborative projects, and imaginative play that aligns with their natural curiosity and developmental needs. This approach prioritizes learning through experience and discovery.
Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy emphasizes child-directed learning and environmental interaction. Teachers act as facilitators, supporting children's interests through project-based activities and creating spaces that encourage inquiry, creativity, and peer collaboration in a nurturing setting.
Social Skills Development
We focus on building foundational social skills through group activities and peer interactions. Children learn communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution in a supportive environment. Our approach integrates social learning into daily routines to promote emotional intelligence and positive relationships.
People
Karen Hinojosa
School Director
Karen Hinojosa leads San Marco Family Childcare and Preschool with a commitment to the Reggio Emilia philosophy. She fosters an environment where children's curiosity drives learning through play and exploration. Her leadership emphasizes individualized attention and community engagement.
Questions
What educational philosophy does San Marco use?
We follow the Reggio Emilia approach, emphasizing child-led, play-based learning where teachers facilitate exploration and creativity through project-based activities.
What programs are available for different schedules?
We offer Full-Time and Half-Time programs tailored to family needs, providing structured learning with flexibility for busy households.
Do you accept subsidized childcare programs?
Yes, we accept all subsidized programs including COCOKids, Stage 2, and Contra Costa Community initiatives to ensure accessible quality care.
How do you support social skill development?
Our curriculum integrates group activities and peer interactions to teach communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution in a nurturing environment.
What outdoor activities are offered?
Children enjoy supervised outdoor play that enhances fine motor skills and teamwork through structured activities in a safe, welcoming environment.