Mt. Taylor Children's Centers

Mt. Taylor Children's Centers offers hands-on activities such as art, music, storytelling, and outdoor exploration as part of its daily routine. The program includes outdoor play and active learning opportunities, with snacks included as part of daily care. Diapers are accepted for children who need them.

• Ages: 2–6 years old
• Schedule: Mon–Fri, 7:30 am–5:30 pm

Mt. Taylor Children's Centers is a licensed preschool and childcare provider with three locations and an average ratio of one early childhood educator for every eight children. The program follows a play-based approach with a developmentally appropriate curriculum for ages 2–6, offers full-time and part-time childcare options, and provides before- and after-school care. The centers also offer individual attention in a nurturing environment and support for children with special needs.

Mt. Taylor Children's Centers has been caring for children in Sonoma County with preschool and childcare since 1991. Owner Varala Durai has a business degree from Madras University in India and completed child development education at De Anza College in California and UCLA, and she has volunteered hundreds of hours in public schools as a Spectra teacher. Director Karen Guerin has been working with children in Sonoma County since 1979 and started working at Mt. Taylor in 1999. Director Amberly Bunch has worked with children in various capacities since 2010, holds an associate degree from Santa Rosa Junior College and a bachelor’s degree in human development from UC Davis, and is a trained member of YMCA Project Cornerstone Silicon Valley. Director Martha Avina joined Mt. Taylor in 1998 and serves as director of the Rohnert Park location and Mt. Taylor Too in Rohnert Park.

The stated purpose of Mt. Taylor Children's Centers is to provide a safe and caring environment in which each child may develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically at his or her own rate, with consistent direction, appropriate activities, and encouragement. The program also states that it serves as a resource for parents and aims to offer care, guidance, and education for young children in an atmosphere of love, respect, and cooperation, with a belief that being responsive to children’s needs supports positive self-esteem, confidence, and a caring attitude toward others.

Mt. Taylor Children's Centers operates licensed facilities (License Numbers: 493010316, 493010315, 493010314) and has been awarded Sonoma County’s Small Child Care Center of the Year three times. Parents describe the preschool as a “sweet preschool” that took “utmost care” of their child, and one parent shared that their child learned to write all letters and entered transitional kindergarten, as well as learning about kindness. Another parent reported that their son attended full-time for two years and described the school as “very affordable” and “flexible with summer plans and days of the week.” Other parents say their children are excited to go to school, have gained confidence and “found her voice,” and that their child “thrived through their play based curriculum,” adored the teachers, and left at 5 years old “kindergarten ready.”

Last updated May 15, 2026.