Menlo Children's Center

Welcome to Menlo Children's Center (MCC). Nestled within the beautiful Menlo Park Civic Center, MCC is a nurturing environment where your child can feel secure in exploring their world. With the Menlo Park Library, Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center, and our beloved duck pond all within a short walk, adventures in this idyllic setting will be central to your child's learning journey. Whether we are enjoying the turtles in the pond, a storytime led by a specially trained librarian, or a mini-outing to the wildly popular gymnastics center, we believe in nurturing each child's natural spark for exploration and learning. Our dedicated early educators are committed to providing the highest quality childcare, ensuring your child's growth and development will flourish in a space filled with curiosity, creativity, and care.

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What We Offer

Preschool Program (full or half-day for 18 months - 5 years old pre-kindergarten 

Our Preschool Program is designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love for learning. Led by our experienced early childhood educators, we offer:

  • A play-based learning environment that nurtures growth and discovery
  • Engaging activities that promote social-emotional, language, and cognitive development
  • Support for early independence through routines that build self-help and confidence
  • Exploration tailored to each child's unique needs
  • Classroom outings around the campus filled with outdoor discoveries about nature and our community
  • A morning and afternoon snack (families will pack a daily lunch)
After School Program (kindergarten - 5th grade)
Our After School Program offers a balance of homework support, group activities, and time to unwind after the school day. Children build friendships, practice teamwork, and enjoy a safe, engaging space that supports both learning and community.  We offer:
  • A safe and supportive space to grow, connect, and build friendships
  • Homework support in a nurturing environment
  • Creative projects and activities that spark imagination and critical thinking
  • Recreational opportunities that encourage play and teamwork
  • Escorting services to recreation activities held on the Burgess Campus
  • A daily afternoon snack
  • Transportation from Laurel Elementary and Encinal Elementary to MCC) 
Summer Camp (entering kindergarten - 5th grade)

During the summer months, our after-school program transforms into a full-day summer camp, offering a delightful blend of adventure and enrichment.

  • Session themes that inspire creativity and exploration
  • Weekly special guest or field trip
  • Summer Reading Program in partnership with Menlo Park Library
  • Gymnastics sessions to build strength, balance, and confidence in partnership with Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center
  • Weekly swimming pool visits and/or water play activities in partnership with Menlo Swim and Sport

Programs and pricing

Program Age Group Residents Non-residents

Preschool Full-Day

8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

 Toddler (18 mos. - 3 yrs.) $2,493/month $3,137/month
Preschool (3 - 5 yrs) $2,035/month $2,572/month

Preschool Half-Day

8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Toddler (18 mos. - 3 yrs.)

 $1,363/month $1,840/month
Preschool (3 - 5 yrs) $1,125/month $1,519/month

After-school Program

noon - 6 p.m.*

 Kindergarten $512/month $691/month
Grades 1-5 $473/month $639/month

 

*Schedule may vary based on school bell schedule

 
Fill out an interest form and we'll get in touch!
Contact Us

Sheriann Chaw
Library and Community Services Supervisor
Email

650-330-2249

License Information

License number: 414002020 (preschool)

License number: 414002032 (school age program)

 

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