Little Wonders-A Parent-Child Center

San Mateo, United States

5

18 reviews

Does not accept credit cards

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Telephone:
+1 650-348-0736
Website:
www.littlewonders.org
Address:
225 Tilton Ave, San Mateo, CA, 94401
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.2 miSan Mateo
1.2 miBurlingame
1.5 miHayward Park
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Accepts Credit Cards
No
Accepts Bitcoin
No

Today

Today –
Local time (San Mateo) 8:41 AM Sunday, June 1, 2025

Business hours

Monday 9:00 am – 1:30 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 1:30 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 1:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Little Wonders is a self-​supported, non-​profit, non-​sectarian, co-​operative school for children ages 3 months to 3 years and their parents. Parents and children attend weekly two-​hour classes grouped by age and structured around the changing needs of the children.

Classes open with Circle Time. Children then have time for indoor and outdoor free play on climbing structures, doing art, and playing with developmentally appropriate toys, followed by snack. For the last portion of class, half of the parents participate in a discussion led by the teacher where they share joys and concerns, and debrief the week’s topic (for example sleep, nutrition, behavior, etc.) while the other parents watch the children. All parents are trained on how to supervise Activity Stations around the school and yard. There are many benefits to this unique class structure: children learn independence, parents get a «learning break» every other week, and so much more!

Children develop dramatically during these early years and we plan our classroom activities, as well as our parent discussion topics, to be age-​appropriate and grow with your child. We invite you to come to a free preview of any of our classes to see how our unique model helps you learn and grow in a supportive community of parents.

History

Established in 1992.

Little Wonders serves families from San Francisco to Menlo Park. We offer fee-​based classes to parents of children aged 3 months to 33 months as of September 1st of each school year. As a play-​based, parent-​participation program, we have been nurturing healthy families in our community for over 20 years.

Our teaching staff is responsible for our educational direction while the board and parents manage and maintain the operations of the school. The Board of Directors is comprised of participating parents.

As a Co-​Op, Each family registered for the school year (September-​May) is required to provide 15 – 20 hours of volunteer time to the school in the form of a School Job and participate in a School Wash. Jobs are a good way to get to know the parent community.

We do not discriminate with regards to race, religion, or economic status. We belong to the San Mateo Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools and the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools.

Meet the Manager

Mireille M.

Manager

After 20 years as a teacher, 15 of which have been spent as Executive Director at Little Wonders, Mireille is delighted to be back for another wonderful year. Her excitement for the job remains high, as she maintains it is the best job in the world! The depth of sharing, change, and growth within the children as well as their parents continues to inspire her each year.

Says Mireille, «I feel overwhelming gratitude for my involvement in the Little Wonders community. I am so fortunate to wake up every day excited to come to work. I look forward to meeting new families, continuing to foster connections with current and former families, and being a part of your family’s unique journey.»

Little Wonders-​A Parent-​Child Center also recommends

Little Hands — A Parent Child Center

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Mireille M. says,

«Little Hands is another local parent participation co-​op and we recommend their program and teachers.»

Shelter Network of San Mateo County

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Community Service/​Non-​Profit

Mireille M. says,

«For years, Little Wonders has had a partnership with InnVision Shelter Network, supporting their critical work to end homelessness in our county.»

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18 reviews of Little Wonders-A Parent-Child Center

No registration required
Place rating: 5
San Mateo, CA
This right here is the best program for my son and Mireille is super nice, she did some changes and worked around so my son and I. Can be in the best class to fit him. i will be attending all the sessions for the seasons. highly recommend new parents there, it truly is awesome
Place rating: 5
San Mateo, CA
We are sadly in our last year at Little Wonders and I am going to feel a little lost without Teacher Suzanne’s awesome guidance. This is our 6th year in the program and they have guided me through tantrums, potty training, adding siblings, stubborn children… the list goes on and on. The other parents are also an amazing support that continues as you know the same parents in elementary school, baseball, and every circle you travel in as your children get older. Eight years ago, I met two moms in my first son’s class that I am lucky enough to still consider two of my very best friends. I wish Little Wonders ran through high school…
Place rating: 5
Burlingame, CA
I am at little wonders now With my 4th child and my older children attended as well. I think that alone gives you an idea of my feelings about this school. It’s a wonderful place for all-​children can explore And learn while parents also learn and are able to watch their children develop into little people. I can’t say enough good things about the school, the teachers, and the families who attend. I recommend this preschool without a single reservation.
Place rating: 5
San Mateo, CA
We LOVE it at Little Wonders! Teacher Maggie, Mirielle, Berta, Suzanne and everyone else on staff is absolutely a joy to see every week! Our 2-​yr old daughter gets so excited when we talk about going to school. She was a little reserved at first, but she warmed up after a few visits, and really enjoys seeing Teacher Maggie and her classmates at school. I would definitely recommend this school for families with youngsters looking for a coop opportunity. Super fun toys, clean, well maintained, and great sense of community! It’s been a great first step, before our daughter starts preschool.
Place rating: 5
Belmont, CA
My son and I attended the past two school years plus two summer session. We both love it! My son had just turned one when we started.
First, the school is a co-​op so a parent must participate. Class meets once a week. I really like it because you belong to a little community. There are a lot of extras to participate in besides just attending class once a week. School picnic, Halloween party, class PJ pizza party, etc. Each class gets a picture placemat with pictures of each student in your class. My son loved his placemat and would point and say each child’s name.
The teachers are wonderful. We have had Teacher Suzanne, Berta and Mireille. Each has a different teaching style but all are fantastic with kids. My slow to warm child looked forward to class each week.
The parent education was very useful and really made a difference in how I parented, for the better. They really helped me understand my child which made me better able to relate to him in tough situations. Even though I was a first time parent, there were plenty of parents who were not. There were actually even a few who were attending with their third child!
Overall, a great expeerience for not only the child, but for the parent as well!
Place rating: 5
Belmont, CA
I had heard great things about co-​op preschools but assumed they were only available for stay-​at-​home parents. I was surprised to learn that Little Wonders offers a Saturday class — perfect for working parents or those who want to have both partners attend! This allows our son — who is with a nanny during the week — to gain socialization skills and play in a fun environment, and allows us not to lose precious family time in the process. On the first day of class, I had to pick up my jaw from the floor when I saw him pull up a chair and sit at the snack table waiting patiently for his food. This is a kid who fights sitting in a high chair at home, never sits still longer than three seconds anywhere… I guess peer pressure truly is a strong motivator!
While we haven’t been there too long, we have been happy with the program. Since there are a lot of couples present at the Saturday class, there is always adequate adult supervision at all times. I was worried that the co-​op requirements would be super demanding but they aren’t at all! You’re talking about maybe staying after class for an extra fifteen minutes to do clean up every other month, and a few hours assisting on a school project (something I probably would have volunteered for anyway). There are buy out options if you truly don’t have any time to spare.
Asides from the opening and closing «circle time» there isn’t much structure to the child’s activities so they are free to roam around the play area — so if you’re looking for a more academic environment, this isn’t for you (although at this age range, I’m not sure what you could really expect in terms of learning anyway). I believe this is a great pre-​pre-​school for any little explorer.
Place rating: 5
Belmont, CA
Little Wonders was a wonderful, formative part of my daughter’s early years of life — and of my first few years of parenting! It is exceptionally clean, beautifully organized, and full of devoted teachers that really listen and tune into what makes each kid and parent special. teachers Mireille, Suzanne, and Roberta are all wonderful. I found treasured friends in the Little Wonders community that will be lifetime friends, and enjoyed the curriculum and opportunity to discuss child development and parenting strategies in a way that built my confidence as a new parent and helped me clarify my own parenting style as it relates to the unique traits of my child. I wish such a place existed for all young families — it offers a pool of invaluable knowledge and resources to support your family during this tender stage. Families come from across the mid-​Peninsula, including from Burlingame to Redwood City and a few from even further.
Place rating: 5
San Lorenzo, CA
This will be my 3rd year and second child at Little Wonders. It is the most amazing school for children and you. Not only does it prepare children for preschool it prepares you for the ups and downs of being a parent. At my son’s orientation for preschool, his teacher said «I think Little Wonders should be mandatory for parents to bring their child before starting preschool, it gives them such a advantage.» Plus it is a great way to get introduced to a co-​op school. We have made great friendships, and I still have mom’s night out with former parents. If you are going to do one class with your little one this is it! Don’t miss out on this wonderful place and education for you and your child.
Place rating: 5
San Mateo, CA
I cannot recommend Little Wonders highly enough to new parents. I started with my son when he was 16 months and we «graduated» this past spring. I was very sad leaving LW behind for pre-​school, but so grateful for the fun and education both my son and I experienced while we were there. I look forward to bringing another child back to LW!
Place rating: 5
Belmont, CA
Little Wonders was an amazing resource for me and my son. I met lots of friends, learned a lot about our community and feel fully prepared to raise my son to be happy and successful after having a great start with the teachers at Little Wonders.
The classroom is clean, the toys are rotated frequently and in great condition. The parents are committed to learning about their children and being involved in the community. The teachers are a fantastic source of knowledge and experience.
This is a wonderful place to learn about your child’s budding personality, see how they socialize with other children, and just get a chance to get out of the house and have some time to talk to other parents while your child is safe and entertained. The parent education is what really sets this school apart from other preschool or daycare programs.
Especially great for first-​time parents or if you have just moved to the area!
Place rating: 5
San Carlos, CA
I cannot say enough good things about Little Wonders. I am now back with my second child and have gotten so much from the fantastic parent ed, the friendships that both my children and I have made, and the rewarding experience of creating a community of families.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I am a raving fan of Little Wonders! I cannot more enthusiastically endorse LW as a place where children AND parents grow, learn, and thrive. To me, the educational component of the program makes Little Wonders really stand out amongst the gazillion of activities out there. I cannot over emphasize how invaluable the biweekly discussion has been for me; the well thought-​through topics and materials followed by engaging teacher-​led discussions have honestly made me the mother I am today. Temper tantrums, power struggles, bedtime issues, picky eaters, discipline, sibling rivalry… you name it, we’ve discussed it, and therefore I can tackle all sorts of situations with confidence. Seriously, how amazing is that?! The teachers are wonderful (Suzanne is incredible!!!), the facility is clean, bright, and engaging, and the sense of community is just lovely. Little Wonders is a *very* special place!
Place rating: 5
San Mateo, CA
An amazing place for you and your child to grow! We have enjoyed coming here and can’t say enough about the support from the teachers and families we have come in contact with. My daughter loves the playground outside and enjoys playing inside too — she has a blast during song time and freeze dance. It’s a very special day of the week and we always look forward to it. We have made some great connections and would highly recommend it for anyone looking to make new friends and have a fantastic play time.
Place rating: 5
San Mateo, CA
Thank you thank you Little Wonders! We are just finishing up our 2nd year here at this co-​op. It has been so rewarding for myself and my daughter. The teachers here love what they do. That is what makes Little Wonders so special. If you are looking at something for a 10mo-​3yr old and you have some time volunteer this place is for you. It is run by the parents, so it is important that you are involved. My daughter will be moving on to another co-​op in the fall bc she is going to be 3. We will miss Little Wonders so so much.
Place rating: 5
Hayward, CA
Love Little Wonders! We started last summer when our son was just over a year. He has always been a very BUSY boy and this was the perfect place for him to explore in a safe environment. The teachers are great at not only working with the kids, but helping parents learn how to use positive discipline, tackle parenting challenges and learn more about child development. The weekly discussions were so valuable as well as their monthly optional evening classes on various topics. I hear myself echoing the words of the teachers with my child. Our son is now 2yrs and we participate in the Saturday class. At his recent birthday party we could tell which kids were from the co-​op because they all had the same language, «when you are done its my turn.» That sharing and understanding of social situations for a 2 year old is amazing. I really think that the positive language has helped us to have less conflict and tantrums in our house, and given the head strong nature of our little one that is great.
Place rating: 5
Newburyport, MA
Little Wonders is a great place to take your child before he or she experiences a large daycare setting. There are dozens of indoor and outdoor toys and objects to play with, lots of parents to help out and supervise (it’s a co-​op), and structured time, run by a teacher, for singing, dancing, and snacking. Our son loves it, particularly the «tick-​tock» song and the Freeze Dance. The price is reasonable for a year’s tuition too.
Place rating: 5
Redwood City, CA
We have been doing Little Wonders since my daughter was 9 months old– she’s now two! The teachers are VERY knowledgeable, and most importantly they are very caring, they make you feel like family. The classes are small, and are grouped by age. They offer one day a week classes, Mornings start at 9am, and afternoon classes start at 11:30am, and they are 2 hours long. Like a previous Unilocaler said, this school is a Cooperative school, which means parent participation is required. During Class, half of the parents are on «Play Station» duty, watching/​playing with the kids whenever they are in their area… and the other half get into a parenting topic discussion with the teacher… where the teacher (who is well educated in child Development) will give insight into your child’s behaviour and temperament, as well as let the other parents give you advice…(because it’s great to hear you aren’t the only one going through the sleep deprivation, or not the only one who has a kid who’s biting!!!)
Besides the wonderful discussion topics, and the weekly classes, they also have great events thay they plan for the families to enjoy… a very much needed mom’s night out, etc. I highly recommend joining Little Wonders, in fact, you can call to schedule a preview, if you’re really interested. contact Mireille, who is the director, and she can arrange that for you!
Place rating: 5
Burlingame, CA
I have so many fabulous things to say about Little Wonders that I don’t know where to begin! It has been such a rewarding experience for both my daughter AND me. The school is a co-​op, so I attend every week with my daughter and either manage a play station or participate in a parenting topic discussion. I don’t know who has learned more going to school, me or my girl! It’s been so incredible to see my eight month old grow into the eighteen month old she is now in the Little Wonders environment. She has become so social, so brave, so interested in trying new things… the first time she left my side and crawled out the door on her own to play outside, I cried. If you are looking for a loving, safe, play based environment for your child and an opportunity to make new friends for yourself, Little Wonders is exactly where you want to be.