Tikiland Daycare & Preschool (Palo Alto)
Open today 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Description provided by the business.Tikiland offers a variety of programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, including our Drop-In Program & bilingual English-Spanish curriculum. Our highly trained staff fosters a love for learning through play & academic development. The facility is designed with a tropical theme that inspires creativity & outdoor exploration. Bilingual learning & play-based daycare & preschool in a private home featuring an outdoor space set up as a tropical oasis. Play area is fenced in and shaded. Infants will learn through sensory play & circle time. Toddlers will learn math, art, & language.
Location Info
St. Claire Gardens
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(Loma Verde)
| Monday | 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Financial Aid
- Sibling Discount
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish
Location Details
- Staff are CPR certified.
- Staff are first aid certified.
- Health screenings are available at this location.
- Outdoor play space is available.
- Program includes field trips.
- Provides support for children with special needs.
Programs Offered
Daycare Program
Infant Program (Tikiland Daycare & Preschool)
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time, Before Care, After Care, Drop In
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English, Spanish
Description
Our Infant Program (0–1) offers a safe, nurturing space where babies grow through tummy time, baby sign language, bilingual songs, puppet shows, and sensory exploration. With small group sizes, outdoor play, and warm caregivers, we support each baby’s development at their own pace.
Education Types
- Academic-Based
- Arts-Based
- Blended Curriculum
- Creative Curriculum
- Bilingual
- Emergent
- Forest School
- Global Curriculum
- HighScope
- Language Immersion
- Mixed Age
- Montessori
- Nature-Based
- Play-Based
- Project-Based
- Reggio Emilia
- STEAM
- STEM
- Technology-Based
- Waldorf
From $2548 to $3432 per month
Toddler Program (Tikiland Daycare & Preschool)
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time, Before Care, After Care, Drop In
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English, Spanish
Description
Our Toddler Program (1–2) nurtures independence through music, movement, outdoor play, and hands-on learning. Toddlers explore sensory stations, build with blocks, sing in English & Spanish, and enjoy PE, puppet shows, parachute games, and nature walks—all in a loving, bilingual environment.
Education Types
- Academic-Based
- Arts-Based
- Blended Curriculum
- Creative Curriculum
- Bilingual
- Emergent
- Forest School
- Global Curriculum
- HighScope
- Language Immersion
- Little Goose
- Mixed Age
- Montessori
- Mother Goose
- Nature-Based
- Play-Based
- Reggio Emilia
- STEAM
- STEM
- Waldorf
From $2548 to $3432 per month
Preschool Program (Tikiland Daycare & Preschool)
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time, Before Care, After Care, Drop In
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English, Spanish
Description
Our Preschool Program (2–5) blends outdoor play, early academics, music, and imaginative fun. Kids explore letters, numbers, nature, art, and bilingual songs. With STEM tools, games, and potty training support, we nurture confidence and prepare little ones for a strong start in kindergarten.
Education Types
- Academic-Based
- Arts-Based
- BAKS
- Blended Curriculum
- Creative Curriculum
- Bilingual
- Emergent
- Forest School
- Global Curriculum
- Language Immersion
- Little Goose
- Mixed Age
- Montessori
- Mother Goose
- Play-Based
- Project-Based
- Reggio Emilia
- STEAM
- STEM
- Waldorf
From $1852 to $2808 per month
Summer Camp (Drop-in Program)
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time, Before Care, After Care, Drop In
Calendar
Summer Only
Languages Taught
English, Spanish
Description
Our School Age Care is part of the Drop-in Program and welcomes kids who nap or don’t. For non-nappers, we offer a morning-only option (Mon–Thurs, 8am–12pm). Children enjoy music, STEM, art, and outdoor play—ideal for school breaks, flexible care, and mixed-age families.
Education Types
- Academic-Based
- Arts-Based
- BAKS
- Blended Curriculum
- Creative Curriculum
- Bilingual
- Emergent
- Forest School
- Global Curriculum
- HighScope
- Language Immersion
- Little Goose
- Mixed Age
- Montessori
- Mother Goose
- Nature-Based
- Play-Based
- Project-Based
- Reggio Emilia
- STEAM
- STEM
- Waldorf
From $100 to $4500 per month
Licensing
Tikiland Daycare & Preschool (Palo Alto) is a licensed child care home.
Type
Licensed Child Care Home
Identifier
434414668
Capacity
14
Issued
10/15
Parent Reviews
So grateful we found Tikiland during our daycare search as it is a wonderful little school where we are glad to be registered in the Drop-in Program. Mrs. Pily & team are warm, caring, attentive, kind and supportive. Learning your LO isn’t easy, but TL feels safe, comforting, welcoming and full of heart. <3. Here are some selling points- Why we LOVE Tikiland: *Caring Staff, Mrs. Pily and her team are warm, attentive, and supportive, making it easier to leave our little ones in their care. The teachers were BORN for this! *A+ communication w/ parents, the staff provide regular updates and are super responsive to Qs and concerns *Well-rounded curriculum which strikes a great balance between playtime and studies, helping Kids thrive socially & academically. *Tikiland offers a bilingual program that helps children become multilingual, enhancing their language skills from an early age. *Engaging celebrations of holidays (VDay, may5, MDay, etc.) and special occasions (birthdays, hellos and goodbyes) *Fun structured and also child led outdoor play in the big shaded yard w/ fun play structures (cars, playhouse, giant playground) for exploration. * Flexible drop-in programs has been a lifesaver, giving us time to reset/recharge. Very flexible-start w/ a few drop-in hrs & add more as needed *Welcoming and inclusive family community-never cliquey. We rate TL a 5/5 quality childcare program top to bottom TY for taking such good care of the kiddos!
If you need a trustworthy place where your little one will be safe and well taken care of I highly recommend Tikiland Daycare & Preschool. They are perfect for anyone that needs reliable childcare in Palo Alto. The teachers are kind fun and have years of experience and great reviews. They are good at engaging different age groups (infants toddlers preschoolers etc) with indoor and outdoor activities. They provide bilingual education in Spanish and English through arts and crafts story time and music. They have a decent sibling discount for families with multiple children. Cheers
Tikiland provides exceptional backup care. Their Drop-in program is a lifesaver- we've had to use them several times this year and every time it's been a wonderful experience.
We really liked Tikiland Daycare & Preschool in Palo Alto. Highly recommend!
We’ve used Tikiland’s Drop-in Program since June 2023 for occasional care and it’s been a total lifesaver. Even with just 2-3 visits every few months, both our toddler and nursery-aged child settle in easily and come home happy. Our toddler is now fully potty trained thanks to the teachers, and we love getting daily text updates and quick replies to all our questions. If you are looking for a Drop-in daycare near you be sure to check them out.
We enrolled in the Drop-in Program when our kids were 8mos and 2.5 years. Tikiland has been invaluable to our family. Tikiland is a large home daycare with a Drop-in Program. Tikiland is licensed and run by three teachers (Keanu Pily and Marielle) who are wonderful with the kids. The teachers are experienced and speak Spanish and English with the kids. They are great communicators, fun, loving, observant and patient. My kids love the attention they receive from the teachers. They have a clean and safe environment and activities throughout the day such as storytime, circle time, free play, daily walks, arts and crafts, storytime and physical education. Tikiland is perfect for an infants toddlers preschoolers and elementary school aged kids. If your family is looking for a home daycare/preschool for the upcoming summer Tikiland is spectacular.
Warm, Trustworthy, and Thoughtfully Run—Big Rec for Tikiland! I’m Hannah Müller (originally from Frankfurt, Germany), and I currently have two little ones at Tikiland—my preschooler and my 10-mo baby. We relocated to Palo Alto for my partner’s tech role, and finding a quality childcare setting here was v important for us. Back home, we were used to structured, nurturing Kitas, and tbh, Tikiland feels v similar—just w/ more palm trees! The team—Pily, Marielle, Keanu + the rest—are proper early years educators. They’re warm, patient, and totally in tune w/ the kids. I bring our own food from home and they do a brill job making sure my little ones eat well + follow their routine. Might seem small, but it makes a big diff. We also get helpful updates + cute daily pics in a private parent group—v reassuring when you’re working. The setting is lovely—just a few mins from Alma St, near Loma Verde + Bryant, in a quiet resi part of PA. Easy parking too (big bonus). The outdoor yard is gorgeous: big green space w/ shade, climbing gear, + loads of toys. My older one’s always buzzing to play, and the baby learns loads just watching the big kids—great natural peer learning. Indoors is calm, tidy, and well organised—perfect balance between structure + fun. They have a proper daily rhythm: storytime, music, sensory play, crafts, outdoor time. My preschooler’s been learning early literacy, maths, and even a bit of STEM—all through playful activities, not pressure. The bilingual setting (English + Spanish) is brill. It’s blended into daily life so naturally, and both kids are already using new words confidently. As an international family, that’s such a bonus. Also worth noting: TL is tax credit eligible—good to know for working families here! We found TL via other EU parents in the area who spoke v highly of it—and now I see why. The team’s consistent well-trained and clearly love what they do. My kids are happy settled and thriving. There’s an infant spot open atm—so if you’re looking for a nurturing, flexible early years setting in central PA, don’t wait. TY to everyone at TL—you’ve made our first year in the US so much easier. We feel truly lucky to be part of this little school!
Hi Hannah - your review means a lot. Relocating w/ 2 littles is no small thing, and we’re so glad TL has helped make your first yr in PA smoother. TY for noticing the care behind the details—from honoring home routines and offering real-time updates to creating that daily rhythm where both kids feel engaged and seen. We love how you described the vibe—structured, nurturing, and fun (plus a few palm trees). It’s also great to hear the bilingual setting and peer learning have been such a natural fit for your fam. Big thanks for trusting us and for sharing your experience so thoughtfully. We feel lucky to have your family here. The Tikiland Team
We Love Tikiland Daycare & Preschool in Palo Alto. My family has been using the Drop-in Program since 2015 and we couldn't recommend it enough. Tikiland is ☆amazing☆ with incredible teachers, good child teacher ratios, and welcoming classrooms. The teachers know my kids so well and they are caring and lovely to every child that attends. Lots of outdoor playtime, circle time, and fun water activities during the summer time (weather permitting). Pily Marielle and Keanu are so good with the kids. With Tikiland I know my kids are safe and happy 😊. Our experience has been remarkable 👏 highly recommend.
Hi Beatrice - happy Tuesday and TY for this longtime love! Since 2015? That means the world to us. We’re so grateful your fam keeps choosing Tikiland, and it’s been a joy watching your kiddos grow and keep coming back. The fact that you still feel that strong connection yrs later tells us we’re doing something right. TY for shouting out our team and the drop-in program too - from water days to circle time, we’re all about blending safety, fun, and connection. Hearing that your kids feel known, happy, and cared for is everything. Appreciate you so much for being part of our TL community! The Tikiland Team
Finding a daycare for our daughter wasn’t easy—I wanted a place that felt safe, loving, and fun, but not like I was dropping her off at a corporate office. Then we found Tikiland, and suddenly, the search was over. From the huge tropical yard to the happy, engaged kids and the warm, caring teachers, it just felt right. Now, at 4.5 years old, Aggie has been here since she was 8 months, and she absolutely loves it. She adjusted instantly, skipping the separation anxiety because she was too busy making friends, singing Spanish songs, and learning her ABCs. Somehow, she’s now bilingual, recognizing words and letters, and completely obsessed with numbers (which, as a parent who dreads tax season, I fully support). I’m constantly amazed by how much she’s learning, but the best part? She thinks she’s just having fun. And honestly, how could she not? Tikiland is basically a kid’s dream backyard—trees, plants, bunnies, and daily nature adventures. Even on rainy days, the kids get fresh air. Aggie comes home covered in dirt and happiness, excited to tell me about the bugs she found or the plants she helped water. I love that she’s exploring, running, and actually connecting with nature, not just sitting inside all day. The teachers? Absolute gems. Pily and the team made everything so easy for us as parents, and they’ve helped Aggie flourish socially. She has made so many friends in her class, and her social interaction skills have grown tremendously. The staff genuinely cares about each child, making learning creative, personal, and exciting, and they treat every kid like family. Beyond the amazing teachers, Tikiland is incredibly well-run. Security is solid, and they have a great attendance log system that makes drop-off and pick-up seamless. Their website provides detailed daily activity breakdowns, so parents always know what’s happening in class. And while we don’t get daily photos, we do get weekly pictures in a private Facebook group, which is a fun way to see what the kids have been up to. What I really appreciate is the daily communication—whether it’s through regular text updates or verbal feedback at drop-off and pick-up, I always know how Aggie’s day is going. The teachers are super responsive, and I love that they make an effort to keep parents in the loop. One of the biggest things Tikiland has done for us is prepare Aggie for kindergarten in the best possible way. She’s learned so much more than just letters and numbers—she’s gained real skills that will help her thrive in school. Thanks to Tikiland, she can recognize letters, understand letter sounds, and read simple words. She’s also confident in counting, recognizing numbers and shapes, and even understanding basic math like addition and subtraction. But beyond academics, she’s learned so many important life skills—how to follow multi-step directions, take turns, interact with peers, express herself, and be independent. It’s amazing to see how much she’s grown, and I know she’ll walk into kindergarten excited, confident, and ready to learn. And let’s talk about the drop-in program—a total lifesaver. We typically do 8 AM - 12 PM, two to three times per week, but we’ve also used 8 AM - 3 PM and full-day care (8 AM - 5 PM) when needed. It’s $25 per hour, with a 15% sibling discount, and the online booking is super easy. No long-term commitment, no stress—just great childcare whenever you need it. If you’re on the fence about Tikiland, here’s my advice: just do it. Your kid will come home singing songs in Spanish and English, bedtime will be so much easier, and they’ll be learning real academic and social skills while thinking they’re just playing. It’s been a perfect fit for our family, and we highly recommend it. Honestly, if Tikiland had an adult version where I could drink coffee in a hammock while learning Spanish and gardening with bunnies, I’d be the first to sign up. Naomi
Hey Naomi - hope your Tuesday's going smooth! Reading this honestly made our day. TY for sticking w/ us since Aggie was 8 mos old - watching her grow into such a confident, nature-loving, bilingual kid has been amazing. We love that she’s thriving both socially and academically, and that the learning always feels like play. Big appreciation for pointing out the balance we work so hard to create - from the jungle-like yard and flexible drop-in options to the clear comms and prep for K. And that line about an adult version of Tikiland? We felt that. We’re so grateful for the trust your fam has placed in us. TY for making us part of your parenting journey! -The Tikiland Team
Highly Recommended Daycare – Tikiland Daycare & Preschool Dear Parents, If you’re looking for a wonderful, safe, and loving daycare for your little one, I can’t recommend Tikiland Daycare & Preschool enough. Our family has been with Tikiland for years, and it has been such an important part of our kids' early years. My older kids went through the Infant & Toddler and Preschool programs, and even now, they still look forward to attending the Drop-in Program during school breaks. My 3-year-old is currently in their 2-day Part-Time Preschool Program, and she is absolutely thriving. One of the things that makes Tikiland so special is that it feels like home. From the moment you walk in, you can tell that the teachers genuinely love what they do—they are kind, patient, and truly invested in the kids. They don’t just watch over them; they connect with them, encourage them, and make sure they feel safe and loved. It’s the kind of place where your child gets all the cuddles, attention, and kindness they need while also developing independence and confidence. I love that Tikiland naturally incorporates Spanish into their curriculum. My little one constantly comes home singing Spanish songs, and even my husband and I have picked up some phrases over time (unexpected bonus!). They have a developmentally appropriate curriculum that keeps kids engaged and learning in a way that’s fun and exciting for them. They do a great job of balancing mixed-age group activities, where kids learn from each other, with age-specific activities designed for different developmental stages. From arts and crafts to early literacy, problem-solving, and hands-on science fun, the activities are thoughtfully planned to encourage both learning and creativity. Their outdoor space is fantastic—big, shaded, and full of opportunities for safe exploration. The kids also go on walks to the park and nearby school, which my daughter looks forward to every day. And I love that they are so on top of sun safety—they always make sure the kids wear hats when playing outside. The teachers are amazing at keeping parents in the loop. They provide daily updates during pick-up, which I love because I get to hear about my child’s day in real time. They also send regular emails and texts and are always quick to respond if I ever have a question. And their weekly photo updates? My absolute favorite part—I get a little window into my child’s world at Tikiland, and it’s so fun to share with our family. Another thing I really appreciate is how thoughtfully the classrooms are set up. They have separate spaces for different age groups, so younger toddlers, older preschoolers, and babies each get their own structured activities tailored to their needs. At the same time, they create opportunities for mixed-age interactions, which has been amazing for social development. My older kids learned so much from helping younger ones, and my 3-year-old is now benefiting from watching and learning from the older kids. Tikiland also offers a variety of schedule options—2-day, 4-day, and 5-day programs, which is great for families with different needs. And unlike other places that charge extra for every little thing, their enrichment activities are included at no additional cost. Potty training help? Yes, they do that too! They’re incredibly patient with the process, making it so much easier on both kids and parents. Health and safety are a huge priority here. The daycare is clean, well-organized, and fully enclosed with a secure outdoor space. All the teachers are CPR-certified, and they follow strict hygiene and safety measures. They’re also great about promoting good habits, from washing hands to teaching kids to clean up after themselves and use kind words. Oh, and one more thing—their sibling discount is amazing! Most places give a tiny 5%, but Tikiland offers 15% off for a second child, which has been a game-changer for us. We first found Tikiland through a trusted family friend, and I can confidently say it has been one of the best decisions for our family. It’s a place where kids feel safe, loved, and excited to learn—the kind of daycare where your child runs inside without looking back because they can’t wait to start their day. If you're looking for a caring, enriching, and genuinely wonderful daycare, Tikiland is the one! Happy to answer any questions if anyone is considering it. — Kate
Hi Kathe, Happy Tuesday!!! Wow - TY for this heartfelt review on Winnie. We're so grateful to have walked alongside your fam for yrs now. Watching your kids grow through Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and now Drop-in has been such a joy. Love that you feel Tikiland is a true second home - that’s exactly the energy we work to create. TY for calling out the little things too: the real-time updates, sun hats, Spanish songs, daily check-ins, and mixed-age play. It means a lot to know those details are noticed and appreciated. And we’re so glad your 3 y/o is thriving in the PT program! Big thanks for trusting us w/ your littles over the yrs - it’s families like yours that make Tikiland what it is. Warmly, The Tikiland Team