Welcome to the Toyon Early Learning Center!
The Toyon Early Learning Center represents a bold new chapter for early childhood education in Berryessa. Through a unique collaboration with the Berryessa Union School District, Kidango is transforming the former Toyon Elementary School into a vibrant early learning center serving children from birth to age 5. With the support of partners like the San José Public Library, the center will offer enriching, play-filled, and culturally responsive experiences that reflect the diversity and strengths of our community. Kidango also offers reduced-rate and free child care options for eligible low-income families, with monthly fees determined on a sliding scale based on household income and family size—ensuring that high-quality early learning is accessible to the families who need it most.
At the heart of the Toyon center is our commitment to creating a comprehensive, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every child can grow, explore, and thrive.
Our programs are designed to support children’s development across all essential domains—social-emotional, cognitive, language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific exploration, and physical development. We also integrate nature-rich environmental learning opportunities and provide intentional support for multilingual learners, helping children build strong foundations in both language and a connection to the natural world. We believe that strong early learning experiences build the foundation for lifelong success.
But the Toyon Early Learning Center offers more than exceptional education. By supporting the whole child and the whole family, the center will provide access to a range of resources and services that strengthen well-being, deepen connections, and empower families. Together, we are building a community-centered center that helps children flourish—both in the classroom and far beyond.
Programs and Center Features
Our center brings together a rich collection of programs and partnerships designed to support young children and their families. These include:
Hiqh-Quality Early Learning
Full-day Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Care
Nurturing, developmentally supportive programs tailored to each age group.
Early Head Start Services
Comprehensive support for income-eligible families, including family services, screenings, and education.
Innovative Learning Experiences
Environmental Education
Nature-rich outdoor classrooms and hands-on exploration.
Multilingual Education Support
Practices and materials that honor and build on the languages spoken in children’s homes.
Partnerships that Enrich Learning
San José Public Library Bridge Program
On-campus library resources, multilingual books, storytimes, and no-barrier borrowing for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new center open?
The Toyon Early Learning Center (formerly Toyon Elementary School) scheduled to open in January 2026, pending licensing.
What are the location and operating hours?
995 Bard St, San Jose, CA
Full-day programs will operate Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
What programs will be available?
Infant, Toddler & Preschool Care
Kidango offers high-quality, full-day programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our caring teachers create nurturing, safe, healthy, and culturally responsive environments where every child is supported and celebrated.
Early Head Start
A no-cost program for income-eligible families with infants and toddlers, providing:
- Family support services
- Health and mental health screenings
- Developmental assessments
- Parent education and resources
Do families need to live in a certain boundary to enroll?
No. Families from any area may apply.
How old does my child need to be to enroll?
Infant: Birth–18 months
Toddler: 18–36 months
Preschool: Ages 3–5 (until kindergarten entry)
What are the teacher-child ratios?
Infants: 1:3
Toddlers: 1:4
Preschoolers: 1:8
These low ratios ensure every child receives individualized care and attention.
What are the program fees?
Program fees for infant, toddler, and preschool care are based on California’s reimbursement rate, which considers family size and income. Many families qualify for free or low-cost care depending on eligibility.
A Kidango family eligibility & needs specialist will review your options and help determine whether your family qualifies for no-cost or reduced-cost services.
Are meals and transportation provided?
All children enrolled at the Toyon Early Learning Center will receive free, nutritious snacks and meals each day.
Transportation is not provided for children enrolled in Kidango programs at this time. Families are responsible for drop-off and pick-up.
How do we enroll our child?
Submit an enrollment request at:
kidango.org/howtoenroll
Kidango prioritizes serving families with the greatest need for care. When a space becomes available at Toyon, the Family Eligibility & Needs Specialist will contact the next eligible family on the waitlist.
How are multilingual learners supported?
The Toyon Center honors the linguistic diversity of Berryessa—where families speak Vietnamese, Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, and many other languages.
Our multilingual supports include:- Culturally and linguistically responsive teaching
- Classroom materials and books in home languages
- Bilingual family engagement activities
- Early language and literacy development in English and home languages
- Multilingual resources through the SJPL Bridge Library
While the district is exploring long-term multilingual or dual-language pathways, Toyon’s early learning programs help build a strong foundation for multilingual learners.
What is the environmental education component at Toyon?
Toyon will feature a strong environmental education program developed in partnership with Kidango, and the Berryessa Union School District. To ensure a high-quality experience for children and families, this program will be introduced in phases over time as the center develops.
Phase 1: Building Foundations Through Play-Based Learning
At opening, staff and families will learn how Kidango’s rich, play-based curriculum naturally supports environmental learning. Children will explore the outdoors daily in ways that promote physical, cognitive, and social–emotional development, helping them build curiosity, confidence, and a connection to the natural world.
Phase 2: Outdoor Classrooms
MAs the project continues to develop, the center will introduce:
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Outdoor classrooms designed for hands-on exploration
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Nature-based play environments
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Environmental learning activities
- Interactive elements that encourage discovery of plants, weather, habitats, and sustainability
These additions will roll out as construction and exhibit development are completed, ensuring families understand that the full outdoor features, along with hands-on activity stations, will arrive in stages.
This phased approach allows us to provide meaningful environmental learning from day one while thoughtfully building toward a fully immersive outdoor learning environment.
What is the San José Public Library “Bridge Library” at Toyon?
The Bridge Library brings early literacy and family resources directly to campus, offering:
- A curated children’s book collection
- Multilingual books and materials
- Storytimes and literacy activities
- No-barrier borrowing: no card or late fees
- Access to the full SJPL system