Parent's Comments

Petra was a second mom to our son and daughter. She has an amazing way of making each child feel special and loved. And she creates a wonderful atmosphere of family throughout her house. Although she was working at a different daycare, it was her spirit and creativity that filled the house. Our children have wonderful memories -- playing in the sprinklers, eating watermelon on the grass, celebrating birthdays and learning things in fun ways. They still talk about Petra and beg to visit her. She will always be a special person in their lives.
-- Anna Durante & Jerremy Holland

When the time came for me to leave my firstborn with a caregiver, I was naturally apprehensive. I visited daycare centers with my 4-month-old and never felt quite right. However, when I entered the house where Petra worked, I instantly felt all was well. The delicious smell of lunch wafted through the air and happy toddlers roamed around the yard filled with toys. As I looked around, I noticed how clean the house was. What I remember most of all though was Petra herself. Smiling, calm and attentive, she exuded warmth and security. Over the next few years, I'm happy to say that over and over again I was proved what a good choice she was for my two girls. And me! -- Lisa Estrada

We initially chose Petra's for our son, as we saw her talents as a teacher as well as the love she had for the children. When we brought our daughter home from Guatemala, we were happier than ever to have Petra. While our daughter is now in kindergarten, she continues to spend special time each week with Petra. Our entire family has been so blessed to have Petra as a teacher and now as a wonderful friend.
-- Pat and Jerry Brodkey

Welcome To Petra's Home Daycare

Petra's Home Daycare provides a warm and friendly environment where every child feels loved. It is a licensed, home-based daycare that cares for 8 children ranging from infancy to 6 years old.

Petra Islas is the owner and primary caregiver at the daycare. She employs one other caregiver which allows her to provide (on average) a 1:2 ratio of adults to infants and a 1:6 ratio of adults to toddlers/preschoolers.

Both Spanish and English are spoken in the house, giving children exposure to both languages. Some daily preschooling is offered to children ages 2 and up. This preschooling focuses on learning the basics: colors, patterns, numbers and letters. There is a great emphasis on creativity and exploration, allowing the children to discover through experimentation (painting, drawing, sculpting, playing with sand, rice, water, building blocks, puzzles, maniuplatives, etc). Petra also helps the children with toilet training and other basic development.

Petra and her staff work with the children to learn basic manners and interpersonal skills. They learn how to share toys, play well in a group setting and work through conflicts.

Petra encourages lots of outdoor play. The daycare has two playstructures as well tricycles and other ride-on vehicles. Supervised water play is also organized during the summer months. Petra has a large gardening patch in the backyard. Every year, the kids plant and take care of flowers and vegetables.

Petra's older children eat two meals (breakfast and lunch) and an afternoon snack every day. Infants are fed based on their specific needs. Petra talks to all the parents at the end of the day and shares the events of the day.

Petra's Daycare is open from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The daycare is closed for major holidays, one week in the summer and one week between Christmas and New Year's Day. A schedule of holidays is given to all parents at the beginning of the year, so that they have time to make other arrangements.

About Petra

Petra Islas moved to California and joined the staff of a local Los Altos daycare provider. She worked at this daycare for 15 years and became the manager of one of the houses that was located near Los Altos Hills. She managed this house for 10 years and worked with 2 other care givers to care for 4 infants and 10 toddlers/preschoolers.

Petra earned a Child Develoment Teacher Career Certificate in 2003, and she is currenlty working on her Child Development Master Teacher Career Certificate.

In February 2007, Petra decided to open her own daycare in the heart of Los Altos. Petra's Home Daycare is currently accepting applications for openings or for the waiting list. Please contact her using the information below.

Contact Information

Petra's Home Daycare is located at:
810 Raymundo Avenue
Los Altos, CA 94024

Phone number:
650.961.1631

Email: info@petrasdaycare.com

References

Additional references are gladly provided on request.