Little Aviators Child Development Center

I went here when I was a kid in 1998 – 9. It was a good school then, seems like it still is. They had a lot of fun activities I remember, and a really cool play area for all of us.

My children have both been at Little Aviators since the prior ‘school year.’ Thus far, we really like the program. It’s Reggio-​based, so one would want to consider whether you identify with that particular teaching philosophy before considering this school. My husband and I were specifically looking for a Reggio-​inspired program, and there aren’t many in the South Bay. We were lucky to hear of this program from a mother in one of our toddler groups.
The Director of the school is fantastic. I questioned her extensively about the Reggio philosophy when we toured and it was clear to me that she has a strong background and understanding of it. We love the huge, outdoor, natural play space (lots of dirt, small garden, stone fort/​house, walking paths on the perimeter, and a stone fountain/​water play area). There is also a craft table and some trikes and wagons outside, as well as a dress up area and play kitchen. The kids have an opportunity to assist in the garden and actually cook and eat some of what they grow — corn, snap peas, they made pesto from their basil, and a dip from the dill they grew. There is often times an acoustic guitar being played outside on the play yard by one of the teachers, which I think adds to the inviting environment. Inside, the areas are divided by activity, similar to most Reggio schools — dress up, stage, puppet booth, building (blocks, stacking magnetos, Legos, boxes, etc.), lightbox play, clay/​tools, art, etc. They also recently introduced a brand new art room and I love the way they implemented it – its a quiet space enclosed by glass doors, and just a few children are invited in a time to ensure they have time to focus and enjoy the space. They use a bunch of organic items (leaves, feathers, twigs, etc.) that they collected outside to incorporate into their art work, as well as the standard supplies like paints, tissue, etc. They spend time learning about various science or math concepts through play, for example using ramps and experimenting with varying the height of the ramp, or the weight of the object and observing how it differs. Also, playing with ‘flubber’ and experimenting how it moves and falls differently through various objects of resistance.
The school does monthly parent breakfasts and occasional potluck dinners, but I wish there was more of these types of activities, and it more of a community feel, but I have seen improvements since we started.
As far as potential drawbacks, there are a few. Since we started, two of the teachers have left. I had heard about some turn over when they were taken over by GeoKids, so this was essentially round two of the turnover (about 3 years later than the last one). I wasn’t bothered by the fact that the first teacher left, but the second one really hit home since my kids were really bonded with her. However, the teacher who left handled it wonderfully, by writing a letter to the parents and warning us in advance, and by also speaking to us very candidly about her decision. In the end, I was happy for her, because it was an advancement in her career. The director handled the transitions well, shifting around staff schedules to ensure low ratios were maintained and also had staff flown down from their Menlo Park counterpart to substitute in. The director kept us updated weekly on the progress of the new hires.
The other drawback is that sometimes the kids are ‘read’ a book at story time, which is a recorded audio playback while a teacher is sitting down in front of the kids turning the pages. I don’t know they just can’t read the book themselves, but this does bother me.
I find the communication to be good. The director emails us every Monday about updates on administrative issues — changes, improvements, staff vacations, upcoming events, etc. They also send out papers at the end of every week summarizing what your child has done (as I have two kids in the same class, its clear to me that these are not templated, as they are both unique). They also have mailboxes for communication to distribute forms, food calendars, etc. Occasionally, I will receive a call from a teacher during the day to express things — ex. daughter complaining of a stomach ache. Also, at pick up, the teachers do a great job of communicating things in regards to your child. Naps, food intake and toileting are recorded on white boards on the wall and photos are also posted daily on the wall to summarize the days’ activities (they leave up 5 days at at time so you can look back too).
As far as the basic stuff, the food/​snacks are relatively healthy, although not organic. They provide an option to purchase lunch which is a great. They are fantastic with potty training, the hours are quite long (6am-​6pm), and it is ridiculously safe, being that it’s housed in a Federal facility (we’re talking ID checks and security guards at all entrances).
Overall, I’m happy and so are my kids.

Little Aviators is best suited for kids 3 y.o. and below as their focus is mainly on early childhood development (social skills, language development, peer interaction) instead of preschool academics. They are very good at toilet training!
The whole facility is VERY secure (no kidding, this is like Fort Knox and daycare combined). It is modern, bright and airy. I like their ampitheater at the back. Being on government property they really do not celebrate holidays with the kids (Christmas, etc.) so that part is a bummer.

My little girl has been going to this school for the last year. Ever since GeoKids took over operations, the school has gotten better and better. The ratio is supposed to be 1:6, but it’s often even lower than that. The teachers are nice and attentive and the program really cares about the quality of education. The school follows a Reggio Emelia philosophy, so it’s definitely not academic but I don’t think that matters much at this age group. Jenny, the Director, is fantastic and the price is great. In fact, it’s a steal since it’s partially funded by the federal government. The school is housed in the FAA building on Aviation.