Happy Days Children's Learning Center

Happy Days Children's Learning Center offers age-appropriate projects, free play, and a rotating comprehensive monthly curriculum. The program includes hands-on environments for babies to explore and activities that are interactive and fun for toddlers, along with classroom experiences in science, math, and language for preschoolers.

• Ages: 0–4 years old
• Schedule: Full-day 9-hour time slots within open hours, with 4-hour half-day morning and afternoon options

Since 1995, Happy Days Children's Learning Center has provided a place where young children in the community can actively participate in their own learning and developmental process. The program is described as child-centered, with age-appropriate programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and a nurturing environment that encourages both cooperative and independent learning. The stated mission is to maximize confidence and love of learning in positive ways, with an educational approach focused on developing self-esteem, independence, and social skills so that children reach their potential in constructive ways.

Happy Days Children's Learning Center has experienced teachers who have access to top-quality educational and classroom resources for preschoolers. The leadership team includes owners Mary Ellen Salciccia Spanu and Toby Salciccia, along with teachers and directors Andrea Marc and Alejandrina Parez, and teacher and office assistant Kristina Salciccia. The program offers frequent communication and engagement with parents, including logs of how children spent their day so milestones and behavioral and developmental events are not missed.

The program offers healthy, nut-free, trans-fat free, and vegetarian meal options for toddlers and preschoolers at the Harvey West facility, while parents of infants bring their food from home. Children are dropped off and picked up at their classroom door so teachers can scan for signs of illness and ensure safety and security. Classrooms and learning environments are cleaned daily with toxin-free products, and entry ways are closed to prevent strangers from entering, as part of strict health protocols to keep preschools clean and safe. Virtual walkthroughs are available, and there is a step-by-step process for enrollment.

Community life at Happy Days Children's Learning Center is described as a loving and close group of families and children, where many families continue their friendships throughout the years and report that they have found community beyond scheduled daycare times. Living in Santa Cruz provides families and staff with a common foundation, and the program encourages children to be inclusive and to feel grounded in their own roots. Collaboration and strong communication are described as guiding everyone to become the best version of themselves, and Happy Days facilitates childcare with an exchange of wisdom gained from watching children grow. It is described as a place for children and parents to develop bonds and friendships that can last a lifetime.

Happy Days Children's Learning Center was recognized as the Good Times Best of Santa Cruz Runner-up in 2021. Testimonials from families and staff describe long-term care over many years, appreciation for the teachers, and positive experiences for children and their families.

Last updated June 24, 2026.