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Located on the Farallone View Elementary School campus, our Montara Preschool serves children ages 3-5 years in a combined classroom with specialized break out groups.
The Montara preschool has a variety of indoor learning centers: art, dramatic play, building/blocks, math/manipulative materials, and literacy. The outdoor space at our Montara preschool features two sections. One space is a traditional playground with a climbing structure, sandbox, pathway for tricycles/vehicles, and art fence. The second space is re-imagined every several months by the children, who reconfigure the stumps, gardens, composting, and balance beam. We also have the beautiful HEAL Project Garden located next to our site.
Program Curriculum:
Our program uses a blend of play-based, project-based curriculum, with the philosophy that young children learn best by hands-on, active engagement with the environment. We focus on teaching the whole child to help them become independent, self-confident, inquisitive and enthusiastic learners.
We prioritize active participation, relationship building, flexible methods, inquiry and play-based learning. CCP teachers introduce students to new concepts (examples include caterpillars, deep oceans, farming) with the goal of inspiring a love of learning. Teachers then skillfully create opportunities for children to learn more about the topics that interest the children the most.
Highlights:
The Montara preschool has a variety of indoor learning centers: art, dramatic play, building/blocks, math/manipulative materials, and literacy. The outdoor space at our Montara preschool features two sections. One space is a traditional playground with a climbing structure, sandbox, pathway for tricycles/vehicles, and art fence. The second space is re-imagined every several months by the children, who reconfigure the stumps, gardens, composting, and balance beam. We also have the beautiful HEAL Project Garden located next to our site.
Program Curriculum:
Our program uses a blend of play-based, project-based curriculum, with the philosophy that young children learn best by hands-on, active engagement with the environment. We focus on teaching the whole child to help them become independent, self-confident, inquisitive and enthusiastic learners.
We prioritize active participation, relationship building, flexible methods, inquiry and play-based learning. CCP teachers introduce students to new concepts (examples include caterpillars, deep oceans, farming) with the goal of inspiring a love of learning. Teachers then skillfully create opportunities for children to learn more about the topics that interest the children the most.
Highlights:
- Site Supervisor and Assistant Director are California Department of Education permitted, having completed college coursework specific to early childhood and education.
- All teachers are required to obtain at least 24 child development units from college coursework to hold their Teacher Permit
- All teachers CPR/First Aid certified.
- 1:8 adult to child ratio.
- Strong relationship with The HEAL Project and learning about the natural world through hands on experiences.
- More than 50 years of combined on-site teacher experience.
- Two snacks & lunch provided daily.
- We help to potty train your child.
- Raising A Reader Book Bag literacy program.
- Part of high-quality early learning projects and initiatives: The Big Lift and San Mateo County Quality Improvement Rating Scale.
- Teacher Coach and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant supporting the center.
Site Supervisor: Shannan Gotschall
My name is Shannan Gotschall. I am the Site Supervisor and teacher at our Montara CCP site. I have been part of the CCP Team since 2009. I hold an AS in Early Childhood Education and Site Supervisor Permit from California Commission of Teacher Credentialing. I've been working in the ECE field since the early 1990's. The best part of being a CCP teacher is watching a child's natural curiosity bloom as they discover new things about their environment and themselves. I also love building relationships with the family members and their children. Some of our families start in the Montara preschool and stay with our school age program through their years at Farallone View Elementary. The connections between families and school support a lifetime love of learning. One of my goals with each child is to create an environment fostering their independence. One that builds their physical and social-emotional skills in everyday experiences. My philosophy about learning is children learn through play with their natural curiosity in what matters to them.
My name is Shannan Gotschall. I am the Site Supervisor and teacher at our Montara CCP site. I have been part of the CCP Team since 2009. I hold an AS in Early Childhood Education and Site Supervisor Permit from California Commission of Teacher Credentialing. I've been working in the ECE field since the early 1990's. The best part of being a CCP teacher is watching a child's natural curiosity bloom as they discover new things about their environment and themselves. I also love building relationships with the family members and their children. Some of our families start in the Montara preschool and stay with our school age program through their years at Farallone View Elementary. The connections between families and school support a lifetime love of learning. One of my goals with each child is to create an environment fostering their independence. One that builds their physical and social-emotional skills in everyday experiences. My philosophy about learning is children learn through play with their natural curiosity in what matters to them.
Master Teacher: Justin Thomas
Hello! My name is Justin Thomas, and I have been teaching here at Coastside Children’s Programs since August 2024. In addition to teach teaching at CCP, I have been fortunate enough to be teaching for the past 17 years both here in the Bay Area and on the other side of the country, just outside of Washington DC. Teaching brings so much fulfillment every day and watching your children grow and flourish Is something that ignites a spark of happiness and joy within me. They are so inquisitive, and they never cease to amaze me with their capabilities and just how much they grow throughout the school year. It is an honor to be an educator, and your children teach me as much as I strive to teach them every day.
Hello! My name is Justin Thomas, and I have been teaching here at Coastside Children’s Programs since August 2024. In addition to teach teaching at CCP, I have been fortunate enough to be teaching for the past 17 years both here in the Bay Area and on the other side of the country, just outside of Washington DC. Teaching brings so much fulfillment every day and watching your children grow and flourish Is something that ignites a spark of happiness and joy within me. They are so inquisitive, and they never cease to amaze me with their capabilities and just how much they grow throughout the school year. It is an honor to be an educator, and your children teach me as much as I strive to teach them every day.
Teacher: Lilia Martinez
Lilia has been with CCP for over 2 years she started at CCP Hatch in the afterschool program. Prior to working at CCP she volunteered with the company while in High School to complete her community service hours. After graduation she enrolled at Canada College to begin her Early Childhood Education classes. While at Canada College she continued volunteering and completed 90 more hours of community service. Lilia has since completed her Early Childhood Certificate with Canada College and is now taking classes to get her AA Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her goal is to transfer to a BA program.
Lilia has been with CCP for over 2 years she started at CCP Hatch in the afterschool program. Prior to working at CCP she volunteered with the company while in High School to complete her community service hours. After graduation she enrolled at Canada College to begin her Early Childhood Education classes. While at Canada College she continued volunteering and completed 90 more hours of community service. Lilia has since completed her Early Childhood Certificate with Canada College and is now taking classes to get her AA Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her goal is to transfer to a BA program.
Teacher: María del Carmen Ayón Ruiz
My name is Maria del Carmen Ayon Ruiz. I am a teacher at our School Age and Preschool Montana CCP site. I have been part of the educational team since February 2024. I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, a bachelor's degree in elementary education, a bachelor's degree in secondary education with a minor in English, a master's degree in education, a Doctorate in education, and a Master teacher permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing site. I have worked in the field of early childhood education since early 1992 and have experience working as a director and supervisor from elementary through preschool. One of my goals as a teacher is to contribute to the holistic development of children by focusing on physical, cognitive, affective and social development, language development and sensory and motor development. All of this is based on play, which is one of the fundamental rights of the child, which helps him or her to progress in their development starting with curiosity and even forming critical thinking. I love to be part of the progress in the development of children and contribute to achieve their main happiness and an education for life with the support of parents.
My name is Maria del Carmen Ayon Ruiz. I am a teacher at our School Age and Preschool Montana CCP site. I have been part of the educational team since February 2024. I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, a bachelor's degree in elementary education, a bachelor's degree in secondary education with a minor in English, a master's degree in education, a Doctorate in education, and a Master teacher permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing site. I have worked in the field of early childhood education since early 1992 and have experience working as a director and supervisor from elementary through preschool. One of my goals as a teacher is to contribute to the holistic development of children by focusing on physical, cognitive, affective and social development, language development and sensory and motor development. All of this is based on play, which is one of the fundamental rights of the child, which helps him or her to progress in their development starting with curiosity and even forming critical thinking. I love to be part of the progress in the development of children and contribute to achieve their main happiness and an education for life with the support of parents.
Associate Teacher: Mariela Flores
My name is Mariela Flores. I am a Sea Star teacher at Coastside Children's Program in Montara. I've been at CCP since 2015. I have an Associate Teacher Permit and more than 30 Early Childhood Education units. I'm working towards my Master Teacher Permit. I have more than 16 years of experience teaching in the ECE field. My goal is to get my Early Childhood Education Certificate this semester and continue my education towards my BA. I will then be eligible for my Master's Teacher Permit. I would love to learn more ways to work with Special Needs children by providing the right materials to access their needs. My goal is to provide the parents with the information and resources to support their Special Needs child. I enjoy working with children at CCP because I learn from them as they learn from me. I love to watch them grow and seeing their smile everyday puts a smile on my face. I like to observe and watch what they are attracted to, this helps me set up our preschool environment. I'm very pleased to be part of the CCP team, we continuously support and collaborate with each other.
My name is Mariela Flores. I am a Sea Star teacher at Coastside Children's Program in Montara. I've been at CCP since 2015. I have an Associate Teacher Permit and more than 30 Early Childhood Education units. I'm working towards my Master Teacher Permit. I have more than 16 years of experience teaching in the ECE field. My goal is to get my Early Childhood Education Certificate this semester and continue my education towards my BA. I will then be eligible for my Master's Teacher Permit. I would love to learn more ways to work with Special Needs children by providing the right materials to access their needs. My goal is to provide the parents with the information and resources to support their Special Needs child. I enjoy working with children at CCP because I learn from them as they learn from me. I love to watch them grow and seeing their smile everyday puts a smile on my face. I like to observe and watch what they are attracted to, this helps me set up our preschool environment. I'm very pleased to be part of the CCP team, we continuously support and collaborate with each other.
Associate Teacher: Madison Rice
Hello! I am Teacher Madison, but you can call me Maddie. I was born and raised in Half Moon Bay. I joined the team at Coastside Children’s Program Montara in September of 2025. I found my passion for education while teaching swim lessons at a local swim school. I am a student at Cañada college in Redwood City and will earn my associate degree in early childhood education in December 2025. In January 2026 I am continuing my education at San Jose State to pursue a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts- Preparation for Teaching, Multiple Subjects. My goal as a teacher is to create a warm, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn. I am committed to nurturing their natural curiosity through play-based exploration, fostering social-emotional growth, and building foundational skills that will support lifelong learning. By working closely with families and my fellow teachers, I strive to help every child reach their full potential during these important early years.
Hello! I am Teacher Madison, but you can call me Maddie. I was born and raised in Half Moon Bay. I joined the team at Coastside Children’s Program Montara in September of 2025. I found my passion for education while teaching swim lessons at a local swim school. I am a student at Cañada college in Redwood City and will earn my associate degree in early childhood education in December 2025. In January 2026 I am continuing my education at San Jose State to pursue a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts- Preparation for Teaching, Multiple Subjects. My goal as a teacher is to create a warm, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn. I am committed to nurturing their natural curiosity through play-based exploration, fostering social-emotional growth, and building foundational skills that will support lifelong learning. By working closely with families and my fellow teachers, I strive to help every child reach their full potential during these important early years.
Contact the Preschool- LIC# 414002475
Shannan Gotschall, Site Supervisor
1100 Le Conte St (Farallone View Elementary campus)
650.728.0174
[email protected]
1100 Le Conte St (Farallone View Elementary campus)
650.728.0174
[email protected]
