Staff
Our team of professionals are selected for their experience, education and love of the field. Each staff member is CPR & First Aid certified and goes through over 20 hours of inservice training each year.
Owner/Director                                                                                                                                                          Adela Alvarado brings over 25 years of experience to Children’s Learning Cottage. Combining practical knowledge and education with her passion for early childhood education she is responsible for creating the curriculum and learning environment of the school.

Beginning her career as a preschool teacher Adela expanded her experience by becoming the director of a large preschool/school age program serving over 125 young people, served as manager of the SmartKids program for the San Mateo Child Care Coordinating Council and has provided consulting services for a variety of preschool/school age programs in San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. She currently serves as a program assessor for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) traveling nationally and internationally to certify new programs and reviewing compliance of established programs to insure standards of the organizations industry leading criteria are met.

Adela is a child advocate and believes every young person deserves quality preschool education. With her warmth and dedication she is committed to providing the best preschool experience at Children’s Learning Cottage!  

Education & training: 
Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education
Director Permit - Child Development
CPR and First Aid Certified 
NAEYC assessor & member



Teacher 
Miss Angie has been with Children’s Learning Cottage since 2007 and serves as the schools lead teacher. In addition to working as a preschool teacher she has experience as both a tutor and nanny. 

Miss Angie has an understanding for children that is evident in her daily interactions with her students. With her ability to balance the children’s nurturing and program boundaries her students maintain a strong sense of security and structure that contribute to their social and educational development.  

Education & training: 
Teachers Permit
CPR and First Aid Certified 




Teacher
​Miss Denise has 5 years of experience working with preschool age children and is currently pursuing her teacher’s certificate. After working at other peninsula schools and experiencing various school structures and philosophies, she feels she is best suited in a small school environment where she is able to use a variety of creative methods to teach children. With a background in Reggio Emilia she has been a great addition to Children’s Learning Cottage.

Education & training:
Teacher Permit
CPR and First Aid Certified




Teacher
Miss Jean is a native Californian and holds a Bachelor degree in Psychology from Notre Dame de Namur University. She has spent many years working with young people and enjoys the energy of preschool aged children. In her free time Ms. Jean enjoys reading, playing chess and has an absolute passion for teaching and playing tennis. Her volunteer work focuses on animal welfare as she spends time collecting crates and blankets for various animal shelters.s. Jean is a native Californian and holds a Bachelor degree in Psychology from Notre Dame de Namur University. She has spent many years working with young people and enjoys the energy of preschool aged children. In her free time Ms. Jean enjoys reading, playing chess and has an absolute passion for teaching and playing tennis. Her volunteer work focuses on animal welfare as she spends time collecting crates and blankets for various animal shelters.

Education & Training
Bachelor of Psychology
​Teacher Permit



Owner/Administrator 
Dirk Alvarado has 16 years of experience managing public and nonprofit programs. He brings his administration skills to Children’s Learning Cottage where he is responsible for operations and marketing.

His experience has led him to work with a wide variety of people ranging from at risk youth, school age children & teens to seniors and individuals with physical, mental, emotional and developmental challenges. Dirk currently serves as the Execuative Director of Sonrisas Community Dental Center in Half Moon Bay.

Education & training: 
Masters of Science in Administration 
CPR and First Aid Certified





CHILDREN'S LEARNING COTTAGE
Mountain View, California
Picture coming soon