Spanish immersion for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Three bright classrooms, each built around a stage of early childhood and led by experienced, Spanish-speaking teachers. Ratios above state requirements, organic lunches, photo updates through the day, and a big private playground.
- 847 N San Mateo Dr
- Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 5 PM
- 3 months to 5 years
- License 414005228
What's included at the Center.
The essentials, at a glance. Open any item for the details.
100% Spanish immersion
Children hear and use Spanish in every part of the day, from circle time to lunch, and become comfortable bilingual learners along the way.
No Spanish at home? Most of our families don't speak it either, and teachers use gestures, pictures and songs so no one feels lost.
Three classrooms, grouped by age
Conejitos, Pajaritos and Ositos, each set up for the stage the children are in. The center was designed together with an occupational therapist and Sequential Development Consulting.
Ratios above state requirements
We exceed Title 22 and follow NAEYC's recommended ratios: 1:3 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschoolers.
Licensed, with screened, experienced teachers
License 414005228. Every teacher is screened under Title 22, with fingerprint background checks, health examinations and mandated reporter training, and our lead teachers bring decades of combined classroom experience.
Organic meals, every day
Lunch comes from Bebe Bitez, a local kitchen cooking only with organic, sustainably sourced ingredients. Breakfast and snack are made in our own kitchen each morning, with vegetarian and nut-free options.
A big private playground
Turf over a shock pad, climbing structures, a sandbox, playhouses and a bike lane, plus a shaded area just for infants and toddlers. Children are outside twice a day, every day.
Daily photos and updates
Meals, naps, diaper changes and activities shared through Brightwheel as the day unfolds.
Progress you can follow
We follow each child's development with California's Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), and sit down with every family for parent-teacher conferences twice a year.
Parent Advisory Committee
A monthly group for volunteering, cultural events, gardening, field trips and fundraising. Volunteers earn a Parents' Night Out, when we stay open until 8 PM so you can have an evening to yourselves.
Help with tuition
We take part in the 4Cs of San Mateo County Alternative Payment Program, and offer a Community Access Tuition Adjustment for families who qualify. See how it works.
Our classrooms.
Three rooms, one for each stage, so every child spends the day with friends their own age.
ConejitosInfants · 3 to 18 months
A calm, soft room to roll, crawl and pull up, with a separate sleep area so naps hold.
- Feeling safe and attached to their teachers
- Tummy time, rolling, crawling and first steps
- Reaching, grasping and exploring with all five senses
- First sounds and words in Spanish, through songs, books and everyday talk
- Their own rhythm for feeding and naps
PajaritosToddlers · 18 months to 3 years
Books, art supplies and furniture low enough to reach without asking.
- Climbing, running, balancing and jumping
- New words every day, and first sentences in Spanish
- Doing it themselves: washing hands, eating on their own, helping tidy up
- Naming feelings, taking turns and playing alongside friends
- Potty learning, when they're ready
OsitosPreschool · 3 years to kindergarten
Our largest room, with space for projects that carry on across several days.
- Early literacy in Spanish: letters, sounds and storytelling
- Early math: counting, patterns, shapes and sorting
- Longer projects, big questions and problem solving
- Friendship skills, self-regulation and independence
- Getting ready for TK and kindergarten
Room to run, climb and dig.
Our private playground is where children spend some of their happiest hours, twice a day, every day. It was built for little bodies: soft underfoot, safe to explore, and full of things to do.
- Soft turf over a shock pad
- Climbing structures
- A sandbox
- Playhouses
- A bike lane for trikes
- A shaded area for little ones
every day
Meet the Center team.
The teachers your child will know by name, in their own words.
Director
Michael Tejada
Hi there! My name is Michael and I am the director of Mi Second Casa. Before joining, 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 giving families quality care.
I went back to college for Early Childhood Education units and a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and I worked as a Teacher Aide in the infant and toddler program at a non-profit center in Oakland. Outside of work you'll find me playing pick up basketball or running, and rooting for the Niners and Warriors.
Lead Infant Teacher
Maestra Nohemy
Hello! My name is Nohemy, and I am the Lead Infant Teacher at Mi Second Casa. I have nearly 20 years of experience 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 through these important early years. Outside the classroom, I love going for walks and spending time with my family.
Lead Toddler Teacher
Maestra Noemi
My name is Noemi, but since it can be a little hard for some kids I also like Maestra Emi. I'm the lead toddler teacher here, and I bring three years of experience dedicated to nurturing and educating children.
I cherish those moments when their eyes sparkle during creative activities and circle time. The unconditional love they bring, with their sweet hugs and constant kindness, is truly the best part. I hope they all remember feeling loved and safe.
Lead Preschool Teacher
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 in childcare centers and hold a Site Supervisor Permit.
I'm passionate about creating a positive, nurturing environment where children grow socially, emotionally and academically. Watching a child gain confidence and curiosity through play is the most rewarding part of my work. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and our Maltipoo.
Infant Teacher
Maestra Jessi
My name is Jessica, but everyone calls me Maestra Jessi. I'm originally from Mexico, and I work with infants, an age group I absolutely love. What I enjoy most is watching them discover the world, and it's an honor to be part of those moments.
My favorite classroom activity is dramatic play, because children love to imitate, imagine and act out real life. I would describe myself as patient, loving and fun. And if you ever want to make my day, bring tacos.
Toddler Teacher
Maestra Jazmin
My name is Jazmin, and I am a teacher in the toddler room. I'm originally from Mexico, and I've always had a deep love for working with young children. Seeing them learn 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. My teaching is rooted in love, respect and creativity, helping little ones feel safe, understood and excited to explore.
Infant and Toddler Teacher
Maestra Juanita
Hi, I'm Juanita! I'm an infant and toddler teacher at Mi Second Casa, and I love helping create a warm, nurturing and joyful environment for little ones.
I have several years of experience caring for children, and I enjoy supporting their growth by helping them feel safe, loved and confident as they learn. In my free time, I enjoy Jazzercise and going for walks.
Teacher Aide
Maestra Aviana
Hi, I'm Aviana! I grew up in Pacifica and San Mateo, and I speak both English and Spanish. I'm currently a college student and work as an aide here, where I'm excited to gain hands-on experience in early childhood education.
I love getting to know each child's personality and being someone they feel comfortable with while they learn and grow. I'd describe myself as passionate, determined and kind.
Teacher Aide
Maestra Diana
Hi, I'm Diana! I'm a bilingual teacher aide from San Mateo and speak both English and Spanish. I've completed three Early Childhood Education classes, which have helped me build a strong foundation in child development.
I'd describe myself as caring, responsible and hardworking, and I especially enjoy spending time with children and being part of their growth. Outside of work, I love relaxing with my family.
How a day goes.
Children settle more easily when they know what comes next, so the shape of the day stays the same. Conejitos keep their own rhythm around naps and feeds.
Pajaritos & Ositos
Toddlers and preschool
- 8:00 – 9:30
- Arrivals, indoor play and breakfast
- 9:30 – 10:30
- Indoor play, circle time and a teacher-led activity
- 10:30 – 12:00
- Outdoor play and teacher-led activities
- 12:00 – 1:00
- Lunch
- 1:00 – 3:00
- Nap time and quiet time
- 3:00 – 3:30
- Snack
- 3:30 – 4:45
- Outdoor play
- 4:45 – 5:00
- Circle time and dismissal
Conejitos
Infants, 3 to 18 months
- 8:00 – 9:00
- Arrivals and breakfast
- 9:00 – 10:00
- Outdoor play
- 10:00 – 11:00
- Nap time
- 11:00 – 12:00
- Indoor play
- 12:00 – 1:00
- Handwashing and lunch
- 1:00 – 3:00
- Nap time and quiet time
- 3:00 – 3:30
- Snack
- 3:30 – 4:45
- Outdoor play
- 4:45 – 5:00
- Indoor play and dismissal
Come and see the Center.
Walk the classrooms, meet the teachers and ask us anything. Infant spaces are limited, so it helps to reach out early. Looking for something smaller and more like a home? Meet In-Home.