Bridges to Kinder Parent and Early Childhood Education Program

Bridges to Kinder Parent and Early Childhood Education Program includes activities such as self portraits, clay play, library time with Kathy, and a field trip to Mail some Love, play at the park, and feed the ducks. The program also offers parenting classes for participating adults.

• Ages: 3–5 years old

Bridges to Kinder Parent and Early Childhood Education Program is a non-profit, State Licensed Program with teacher/student classroom ratios of 1:6. The program serves parents along with their children aged 3 years until entry into kindergarten. Its mission states that it provides early childhood education that includes fundamental parent education coursework and instruction, and that it is dedicated to helping each child develop socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically within a safe, structured and stimulating learning environment. The mission also states that parents gain knowledge of child development theory in action and discover strategies for increasing their child’s self-esteem, cooperation and problem solving skills, and that the program encourages and supports parents and children to learn, grow and have fun together while raising joyful, engaged learners who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the world.

According to the mission statement, Bridges to Kinder is dedicated to building strong relationships among educators, families and students, and to forging a loving community based on respect, kindness and the desire for mutual growth. The program offers regular parenting classes and provides opportunities for observation and hands-on experience for parents. Bridges to Kinder Parent and Early Childhood Education Program (License # 444412156) is licensed by and accountable to the State Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing. The school is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of Bridges to Kinder parents, staff, and members from the Santa Cruz community, and the Director is Laura Tobias.

Last updated June 24, 2026.