Founded 21 years ago, the Holy Family Children's Center is a non-demoninational play-based child care center.…More Director Caren Burgess says that the Center's teachers see themselves as facilitators for the children's learning by creating lessons based on their interests. Children can enroll in a full-time or part-time program.</p> <p>With an organic vegetable garden, an art studio and two stages (indoor and outdoor), the Center offers diverse ways to learn. Each student "writes" (the teaching team takes dictation from the students whenever possible) and draws in his/her own journal. Students have written stories and plays as well.</p> <p>The Center is NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited.</p>

Founded in 1975, Coastside Children's Programs is a nonprofit organization that runs two preschools and three…More school-age child care programs on the San Mateo County coast. A total of 300-350 children attend all sites. Agnes Chan, Executive Director, describes the organization's teaching philosophy as "child-centered."</p> <p>Two of Coastside's sites are in Half Moon Bay: one preschool and one after-school program for school-age children. The school-age program planted a garden in Summer 2010 featuring vegetable crops, a pumpkin patch and apple trees. </p> <p> </p>

Half Moon Bay Head Start has been providing services for low income families in the San Mateo County Coastside area…More since 1990. The organization offers programs that serve the entire child, meaning that offerings range from health and nutrition education to cognitive skill-building that readies each child for kindergarten. Special needs children are welcome. Breakfast and lunch are provided daily.</p> <p>Head Start also offers workshops for parents. Past topics have included how to keep children safe and how to access social services. In order for their children to attend Head Start, each family must prove eligibility in advance. Stop by the office to submit an application.</p>