Mi Second Casa
📍 847 N San Mateo Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401
🕛 8 AM to 5 PM, M-F
📞 (650) 300-1895
🗓️ Ages served: 3 months – 5 years
-
At Mi Second Casa, children learn through a balance of play, exploration, and intentional teaching. We are a 100% Spanish immersion program, meaning children hear and use Spanish in every part of their school day, naturally becoming confident bilingual learners.
Our curriculum is play-based, with opportunities for children to discover, create, and imagine freely. In addition, teachers design themed, teacher-led activities that connect to developmental goals. We use California’s Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), a state tool that guides educators in supporting growth across important areas like language, social-emotional skills, early literacy, math, and motor development.
We also follow NAEYC standards, ensuring our practices meet the highest level of quality in early childhood education. Above all, our philosophy centers on helping children grow in self-regulation, independence, and agency - skills that empower them to thrive in school and in life.
-
Healthy bodies fuel healthy minds. Each day, we provide breakfast, lunch, and snack that are fresh, balanced, and nourishing. Meals always include a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Vegetarian options are available, and we work closely with families to accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions, including nut-free needs.
We view mealtimes as a chance to learn, too: children practice independence by serving themselves, trying new foods, and learning about nutrition in a joyful, positive way. Sharing meals together builds community and encourages children to develop lifelong healthy eating habits.
-
Children thrive on rhythm and routine, which is why our daily schedule is thoughtfully structured. Each classroom follows a predictable flow that balances:
Indoor play for imagination, problem-solving, and creativity
Teacher-led activities that introduce new ideas and concepts
Outdoor and gross motor play for movement and physical development
Meals and snacks enjoyed together in community
Rest or quiet time to recharge and restore energy
This balance helps children feel secure, while also giving them the freedom to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.
-
At Mi Second Casa, families are partners in every step of a child’s journey. We believe strong family-school connections create the best outcomes for children.
Daily communication: Families receive updates with photos and logs of meals, naps, and activities so you always know how your child’s day went.
Parent-teacher conferences: Once per year, teachers meet with families to share insights into each child’s unique growth, development, and strengths.
Parent Advisory Committee: Families are invited to join a monthly committee that supports our community through volunteering, cultural experiences, gardening, field trips, fundraising, and more. Parents who participate even receive special perks, like a complimentary extended-hours night.
We welcome families to share their talents, culture, and traditions, enriching the experience for all children.
-
Children are grouped by age (infants, toddlers, and preschoolers) in dedicated classrooms, allowing for targeted developmental activities. Our center was thoughtfully co-designed in partnership with an occupational therapist and Sequential Development Consulting, ensuring that each space supports children’s natural growth, independence, and developmental milestones.
Also, our school is proud to offer both a large outdoor play yard and a dedicated indoor gross motor area for active play year-round.
Outdoor Play Area: Children enjoy a private yard with turf, climbing structures, a sandbox, a bike lane, playhouses, and a variety of toys. These spaces encourage running, jumping, balancing, and imaginative play.
Indoor Gross Motor Room: Unique to our program, this indoor gym features a rock-climbing wall, gymnastics mats, and tumbling equipment. Children can build strength, coordination, and confidence — rain or shine.
Through daily opportunities for movement, children develop not only their bodies but also focus, resilience, and self-confidence.
Teachers
-
![Person taking a selfie in front of the United States Capitol building.]()
Michael Tejada
Hi there! My name is Michael and I am the director of Mi Second Casa 😀
Before joining Mi Second Casa, I earned my BA in Economics at Sac State and worked in state government for a few years. While I valued my time there, I discovered my true passion: helping children learn and providing families with quality care.
In addition to my undergrad, I went back to college to earn Early Childhood Education units and a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which qualifies me to serve as a childcare center director. Additionally, I worked as a Teacher Aide in the infant and toddler program at a non-profit childcare center in Oakland, CA.
Outside of work, I love being active and you can find me playing pick up basketball or running. I also really enjoy traveling, reading and rooting for the Niners and Warriors!
-
![]()
Maestra Nohemy
Hello! My name is Nohemy, and I am the Head Infant Teacher at Mi Second Casa. I have nearly 20 years of experience working in childcare centers and am also a proud mother of six, which deeply informs the care I provide to our babies and families.
Originally from Guatemala, I am passionate about nurturing infants in a warm, safe, and loving environment while supporting families during these important early years. I truly enjoy helping babies grow, feel secure, and thrive.
Outside the classroom, I love going for walks, spending time with family, enjoying Armadillo Willy’s, and treating myself to cheesecake :)
-
![]()
Maestra Jessi
My name is Jessica, but everyone calls me Maestra Jessi. I’m originally from Mexico, and I work with infants and toddlers, an age group I absolutely love.
What I enjoy most about working with children is watching them discover the world. It’s an honor to be part of those important moments in their lives, and their energy truly inspires me. I’m passionate about supporting their growth and making learning joyful and meaningful.
My favorite classroom activity is dramatic play because children love to imitate, imagine, and act out real-life situations. It allows them to express themselves, build confidence, and explore their creativity in such a natural way.
I would describe myself as patient, loving, and fun. I strive to make every child feel special while they learn through play. And if you ever want to make my day - bring tacos; they’re my favorite food!
I’m excited to share my heart, enthusiasm, and creativity with the Mi Second Casa community.
-
![]()
Maestra Cindy
¡Hola familias! My name is Maestra Cindy, and I’m very excited to be the Lead Preschool Teacher here at Mi Second Casa.
I have over 20 years of experience working in childcare centers, and I hold a Site Supervisor Permit, which reflects my commitment to supporting high-quality early childhood education programs. I am passionate about creating a positive, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where children can grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
I especially enjoy building strong relationships with families and working collaboratively with my teaching team to support each child’s development. Watching children gain confidence, independence, and curiosity through play and exploration is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my husband, my 8-year-old son, and our Maltipoo. I’m very happy to be part of the Mi Second Casa community and look forward to getting to know your families!
-
![]()
Maestra Jazmin
My name is Jazmin, and I am an assistant teacher in the infant and toddler room. I’m originally from Mexico, and I’ve always had a deep love for working with young children.
I feel incredibly grateful to play a role in their early development, seeing them learn, grow, and discover the world a little more every day is truly rewarding. I love their authenticity, their spontaneous hugs and smiles, and the way their imagination knows no limits. Children create whole worlds from simple objects and tell stories with such freedom, and being close to that creativity inspires me every day.
One of my favorite children’s books is The Little Engine That Could, a story that reminds me of perseverance and positive thinking. My teaching approach is rooted in love, respect, and creativity, helping little ones feel safe, understood, and excited to explore.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, and my favorite foods are enchiladas and noodles.
I’m excited to support our youngest learners and be part of their joyful beginnings here at Mi Second Casa.
-
![]()
Maestra Noemi
My name is Noemi but since it can be a little hard for some kids I also like Maestra Emi (Ms. Emi) I am the lead toddler teacher here at Mi Second Casa.
I bring three years of professional experience dedicated to nurturing and educating children. My passion for these little ones runs deep, and I'm excited to contribute to their growth and development. I approach each day with a heart full of love and dedication for these children, striving to make learning a joyful experience for them.
I truly cherish those moments when their eyes sparkle with excitement during creative activities, circle time It's incredibly rewarding to build meaningful connections with each child, becoming a trusted, safe place where they can explore and grow. And the unconditional love they bring, with their sweet hugs and constant kindness, is truly the best part!
My favorite part of working with kids is when we do activities together seeing how much they all enjoy it and making learning fun!
Outside of school I love spending time with with my family, I love working out, baking, traveling
I love traveling but i’m scared of airplanes. I don’t like bananas but I love banana bread.
I hope they all remember feeling loved and safe.
I’m excited to be part of the team here at Mi Second Casa!
