Tikiland Daycare & Preschool, Palo Alto

Tikiland Daycare & Preschool – A Loving, Safe, and Enriching Place for Kids! We’ve been part of Tikiland Daycare & Preschool for years, and I can confidently say it is one of the most caring, well-run, and enriching places for children. The moment you walk in, you can feel how warm and inviting the environment is. Everything from the clean, well-organized classrooms to the spacious, fully enclosed outdoor play area is designed with kids' learning and safety in mind. It’s a place where children aren’t just cared for—they are truly nurtured, engaged, and encouraged to explore the world around them. My older kids went through Tikiland’s Infant & Toddler and Preschool programs, and even now, they still love coming back for the Drop-in Program whenever school is out. Having the option to easily drop them off in a fun and structured environment is such a relief, especially during breaks. I never have to worry about whether they’ll have a good time—they always do! In the summer, they are obsessed with the water play activities, coming home excited and exhausted after a day of splash-filled fun. They constantly talk about the games, activities, and adventures they have at Tikiland, and I love seeing how much joy it brings them. My 3-year-old is currently in their 2-day Part-Time Preschool Program, and she absolutely adores it. She wakes up excited to go, rushes out the door, and runs inside with the biggest smile, eager to start her day. Seeing her enthusiasm and knowing she is spending her time in a nurturing and educational environment means the world to me. The teachers greet her with so much warmth, and you can tell they truly love and care for each child as if they were their own. Tikiland doesn’t just feel like a daycare—it feels like an extended family that is fully invested in my child's happiness and growth. What makes Tikiland so special is how well-thought-out their curriculum is. Everything is developmentally appropriate, and they have found the perfect balance between structured learning and play-based exploration. Kids are introduced to early literacy, math, science, and creative problem-solving, all through engaging, hands-on activities. The way they naturally incorporate Spanish into everyday learning is incredible—my daughter is constantly singing songs in Spanish, counting, and using new words without even realizing she’s learning. Even my husband and I have started picking up Spanish thanks to Tikiland! Beyond academics, Tikiland does an amazing job of fostering social and emotional growth. The children learn how to share, express their feelings, communicate with friends, and develop independence in a supportive way. The teachers encourage kindness, patience, and responsibility, and I love seeing how these values carry over into our home life. They also make sure every child is actively engaged—whether it's through arts and crafts, music, outdoor play, or group activities, my daughter always comes home excited to tell me about what she did that day. The facility itself is beautifully maintained, safe, and designed for exploration. The classrooms are bright, tidy, and filled with learning materials that encourage creativity and curiosity. The outdoor space is a dream—a fully enclosed yard with plenty of room to run, play, and engage in nature-based learning. The teachers even take the kids on walks to the nearby park and school, giving them an extra opportunity for fresh air and movement. They are always on top of safety, making sure kids wear hats outside and keeping a watchful eye on everyone at all times. Another thing that sets Tikiland apart is how well they communicate with parents. I never feel out of the loop because they provide daily updates at pickup, send texts and emails, and share weekly photos that I absolutely love. Knowing what my child is doing, what they’re learning, and how they’re progressing makes me feel so connected to their day. It’s clear that the teachers genuinely care and want parents to be part of their child’s experience. I’m beyond grateful we found Tikiland—it’s a safe, loving, and enriching place that has given my children a strong foundation for learning and growth. The teachers are dedicated, patient, and passionate, and their program is so thoughtfully designed that I know my children are not just being cared for, but truly thriving. If you’re looking for a daycare that feels like home, prioritizes both education and play, and surrounds your child with warmth and kindness, Tikiland is the place to be. — Kate