Play Pals Preschool (Play Pals Early Learning Program)

Play Pals Preschool (Play Pals Early Learning Program) is an inclusive, play-based, Reggio-inspired program where children with and without developmental delays learn together. The program functions as both a preschool and daycare, with therapy woven into the learning experience and integrated support available through onsite speech therapy and ABA services. The environment is nut-free, does not require children to be potty trained, and uses a Reggio-inspired curriculum that follows each child’s natural curiosity, with co-learning environments where teachers have a lateral relationship with children.

• Ages: 1–5 years old
• Schedule: Full-day and half-day options Monday–Friday, with choices of 4 or 5 days per week
• Price: $750 – $2,200/month depending on schedule

Full-day care runs from 8:00am to 5:30pm, and half-day care runs from 8:00am to 12:00pm. The program maintains a high adult-to-child ratio, and licensed therapists, including certified speech-language pathologists and therapists, work within the classroom setting during the school day. Integrated therapy services are available for children who need speech therapy or ABA support, and early intervention and teletherapy services are available through East Bay Child Development Center, with telehealth also offered.

Play Pals Early Learning Program values diversity and states that it embraces unique needs with a curriculum that adapts to each child. The program states that it views all children as competent, capable learners and individuals, and that children of all abilities learn together in an inclusive preschool and daycare setting. East Bay Child Development Center is described as a community partner committed to nurturing each child’s unique strengths and providing evidence-based, family-focused services for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children with the goal to help children succeed.

Families are asked to pack a nut-free lunch, a reusable water bottle, and a blanket or sleeping bag for naptime, and to provide a pair of slip-on indoor shoes with hard soles that stay in the child’s cubby. Play Pals provides morning and afternoon snacks, wipes, and a nap mat. Parents receive daily updates via the Brightwheel mobile app, and the program notes that ¡Hablamos español!.

Play Pals was started in February 2020 and lists Ms. Claire and her team, along with Marian Sanchez, BCBA, as part of its leadership and professional staff. The program holds CA Facility #015700598. It describes itself as serving the East Bay communities with dedication and heart and notes community partnerships under “Our Community Partners.”

Parent testimonials describe the program as “LIFE CHANGING” and note that children “LOVE the program and their teachers,” that “the staff goes above and beyond to be inclusive,” and that families have “loved our time spent with Claire and staff.” One parent, Maryuri H., states that “Ms. Claire and her Team are wonderful professionals… They were always very patient, friendly, funny and helpful. They improved our son’s skills. We are grateful and happy because our son can speak complete sentences and tell short stories.”

Last updated February 15, 2026.