Ellen Thacher Children's Center

About the center

Ellen Thacher Children's Center, often called ETCC, is a preschool at 505 East Charleston Road in south Palo Alto. It is one of the centers run by Palo Alto Community Child Care, a local nonprofit known as PACCC. The center serves children from age 2 until they enter transitional kindergarten or kindergarten. Families can reach it at 650-494-1467 or [email protected].

PACCC lists David as the site supervisor. This listing describes the program as PACCC publishes it. It does not compare it with other programs or offer parenting advice.

The program

PACCC describes the center's curriculum as play-based and emergent, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. In practice, the center says, lessons grow out of the children's own interests, with the aim of building curiosity and deeper learning. Teachers and volunteers focus on building strong relationships with each child.

The center names two enrichment programs. Golden Acorn Music brings rhythm and music. MyGym leads active play. It describes a large outdoor play area where children play, garden and explore. It also says it partners with the nearby Magical Bridge playground and Mitchell Park Library, which extend learning beyond the classroom. Families and volunteers take part in center life, according to PACCC.

Healthy hot lunches and snacks are served every day. PACCC says they are included in tuition.

Ages, ratio and schedules

The center's page sets out the basics:

• Ages served: 2 years to TK or kindergarten entry
• Ratio: 1 teacher to 8 children
• Full day: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Part day long: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Days: five days a week, three days (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) or two days (Tuesday and Thursday)

Drop-in care is not available. PACCC publishes tuition for its preschool centers on a separate page of its website.

About Palo Alto Community Child Care

PACCC was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in March 1974. Its history page traces the idea back to 1969, when six mothers asked the Palo Alto City Council to address the need for quality, affordable childcare. In 1971 a city task force recommended that Palo Alto take an active role in childcare. Its plan called for a nonprofit to run a sick care program, an infant-toddler center, a preschool and two part-time centers. For its first decade, PACCC says, it ran seven centers, worked with seven affiliate centers and supported a network of 25 family childcare providers. In 1984 the city began reducing its administrative subsidy, with the goal of making the centers self-supporting.

Today PACCC says it serves more than 850 children a day at 18 centers across Palo Alto, from two months old through fifth grade, 52 weeks a year. It says more than a third of its enrollment spots are set aside for families receiving financial assistance. Its partners include the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Unified School District. Other PACCC preschool centers include Barron Park, College Terrace, Downtown and Sojourner Truth. Its after-school Kids' Clubs include El Carmelo Kids' Club.

How to enroll

Applications go through the PACCC Family Portal on its website. There is an application fee, which is waived for families who qualify for financial aid through the application. PACCC strongly recommends touring a center with your child before enrolling. Tours of Ellen Thacher can be booked online, either virtual or in person. For enrollment questions, PACCC asks families to email [email protected].

A tour is a good time to ask how a typical day runs, how the outdoor area is used and how the center works with Mitchell Park. Ask too which schedule options have openings, since that can shape your choice.

Location and nearby

The center counts Mitchell Park's Magical Bridge Playground and Mitchell Park Library among its partners. Our libraries guide covers the city's library branches, including Mitchell Park. For a broader look at early learning options in town, see our preschools and childcare guide. The nearest Caltrain stop is San Antonio station in Mountain View, a little under a mile away.

Location and getting there

Ellen Thacher Children's Center is at 505 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the Charleston area of Palo Alto. Our Charleston guide covers what else is around.

The nearest train stop is the San Antonio Caltrain station (Mountain View), about 0.9 miles away. That is roughly a 22 minute walk or a short bike ride.

Parking: street spaces or a small lot nearby; check posted limits.

Hours

Hours from the business's own website, checked October 30, 2026.

What is nearby

• Great Clips, salon or spa, under 0.1 mi
• Peet's Coffee Middlefield Road, cafe, 0.1 mi
• Pet Food Express, shop, 0.1 mi
• Mountain Mike's, restaurant, 0.1 mi
• Piazza's Fine Foods, food shop, 0.1 mi
• Mitchell Park and Magical Bridge, 0.2 mi
• Mitchell Park Library, 0.2 mi
• Cubberley Community Center, 0.3 mi

Other everyday services nearby: Charleston Cleaners (0.1 mi); The Car Doctor Tire Pros (0.6 mi); Hertz San Antonio Road (0.6 mi); Magnussen's Toyota of Palo Alto (0.6 mi). Browse the full everyday services list.

Before you go

• Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
• Ask for a written estimate before any repair work starts.
• Bring an ID and any paperwork you may need, such as a receipt or account number.

About this listing

Checked October 30, 2026 against Ellen Thacher Children's Center, PACCC; PACCC history; PACCC enrollment information; PACCC home page. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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