Open House
February 1, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm
Who We Are
Santa Clara Parents Nursery School (SCPNS) is a co-operative, parent participation play based nursery school. We are part of the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools and its Silicon Valley chapter, SCVC.
At SCPNS children learn through hands-on experience and active play. We foster children’s physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and creative development through play and parent support. Teachers and parents work closely together to create a community of support for children and families.
Every family shares in the planning and operation of the school. Parents assist the teachers by working in the classroom every week and perform jobs throughout the year to ensure the school runs properly.
We are a play based preschool with a rich, longstanding history and philosophy. Visit the National Institute for Play to find out what play has to do with learning!
Meet the Teachers
Teacher Sara
Sara Quast is our morning class teacher and director. She is a strong part of our community as all three of her children have attended Santa Clara Parents Nursery school. Sara has served on the board as Secretary and as President as well. Sara is a lifelong learner and brings her passion for early childhood education, love of science, exploration and discovery to our school. She believes passionately in following an emergent child centered curriculum and in the parent cooperative model of teaching. She believes that SCPNS is a place for children, their families and teachers to grow and learn together through open ended materials, mutual joy and respect.
Teacher Odilia
Odilia is a Santa Clara native, and after becoming a Mom and focusing time on raising her two beautiful children, she’s deeply excited to be returning to teaching, and building relationships with SCPNS students and families. She will be joining us as our afternoon Class Teacher and will use her 13 years experience in Early Childhood education as well as her Degree in Human Services and Management to help each child flourish.
Odilia’s passion for child development has always stemmed from the belief that children can achieve their highest potential in a nurturing and positive environment. She believes in the importance of allowing children to feel free to be creative, interact with their peers, and empower themselves to make appropriate choices, while delivering them educational materials to learn at their own pace.
Why Co-Op?
Play-based learning is at the core of SCPNS’s philosophy, and parent participation amplifies its impact. By engaging in play activities alongside their children, parents gain valuable insights into their developmental milestones, interests, and social interactions. This shared experience deepens the parent-child connection, fostering a sense of trust and communication that extends beyond the classroom.Parents are encouraged to actively participate in the classroom during their work day. This enhances the play environment by bringing diverse perspectives, skills, and enthusiasm. Parent participation makes learning fun and also provides children with a rich tapestry of experiences, sparking their curiosity and imagination. The collaborative, parent participation nature of SCPNS extends its positive impact to the community. Families forge connections through shared playdates, workshops, and events, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the school gates. This sense of community not only enriches the preschool experience but also establishes a foundation for a broader community spirit. Families learn from one another, celebrating diversity and building a collective spirit of inclusivity and understanding.
Growing Minds.
Growing Hearts.
Growing Communities.
Please help our school purchase a battery-operated leaf blower and bike path repairs! The school's parents are solely responsible for the maintainence and upkeep of our parent-run preschool. No donation is too small. We appreciate your support!