Happy Days Children's Learning Center

Happy Days Children's Learning Center offers infants 8 weeks to 15 months toys, books, music, one-on-one interactions, sensory play, beginning sign language, basic art materials, and activity logs. It also offers Toddlers/Tots for children 15 to 24 months with songs, art, creative movement, play, circle time, and storytime. The program also includes Mini-Preschool, Junior-Preschool, Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten.

Programs

• Infants — 8 weeks–15 months · Safe, nurturing infant program with toys, books, music, one-on-one interactions, sensory play, beginning sign language, basic art materials, and activity logs.
• Toddlers/Tots — 15–24 months · Toddlers play, discover, and have fun through songs, art, creative movement, play, circle time, and storytime.
• Mini-Preschool — 2–2½ years · Live Oak only.
• Junior-Preschool — 2–3½ years
• Preschool — 3–4 years
• Pre-Kindergarten — 4–5 years

At a glance

• Ages: 0–5 years old
• Facility hours: Harvey West location: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Live Oak location: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

About the provider

Happy Days Children's Learning Center has provided a place for young children in the community to take part in their own learning and developmental process since 1995. The mission states that the educational approach focuses on developing self-esteem, independence, and social skills so children reach their potential in constructive ways. The leadership team includes Mary Ellen Salciccia Spanu, Toby Salciccia, Andrea Marc, Kristina Salciccia, and Alejandrina Parez. The program was a Good Times Best of Santa Cruz Runner-up in 2021, and its community involvement emphasizes inclusion, rootedness, and relationships among families.

A virtual walkthrough is available, followed by an in-person tour. Enrollment includes an Inquiry Form, virtual tour, in-person tour, and deposit. Full day is a 9-hour time slot; half days are 4-hour time slots. Parents of infants bring food from home. The Harvey West facility provides healthy, nut-free, trans-fat free, and vegetarian meal options for toddlers and preschoolers. Ages are a guideline.

What families say

“It has been so much fun and a great experience working with all of you. I know that I have learned from the best, most creative, and loving teachers in the SC County. Thank you for all of your time and friendships. I will miss you all dearly.” — Brittany

“Thank you. Thank you so much for all the love, care, guidance, education, and fun you have provided our darling daughter, Charlotte, and to us! You have been such a huge part of our lives, and we shall forever hold you in our hearts.” — Katie, Johnnie, Charlotte

“Thank you so much for the love and care you’ve all shown to our grandchildren, Edison and Opal, these past seven years. We are so grateful their pre-school experience was so wonderful. You’re the best!” — Valerie & Russ Leal

Last updated September 22, 2026.