First 5 Care & Wonderschool

Our Teachers

Hello! My name is Anghella Mena, and I am the founding director of First 5 Care Wonderschool. I have my A.A. in Child Development and worked for over 20 years at childcare centers in the area. My dream was always to create a space where children could be nurtured and receive a high quality education, especially in a space with a lower teacher-to-student ratio. I am passionate about providing a space that is focused on students - the amazement I see during a science experiment or ability to give more to kids in my care is why I do this work. I have three children of my own, and look forward to welcoming you to my family as well!

Philosophy

​​”If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”

First 5 Care is a child-centered Spanish bilingual program that combines a play-based approach with teacher-guided activities in a small, home-like setting. We know that structure is essential for developing little ones, however we offer children many opportunities to make choices about their learning. We put student’s interests first and the teachers serve as facilitators in their learning experiences. Through passionate and dedicated teachers, your will child receive confidence, communication skills, positive social interaction, an introduction to organized activities, routines and freedom to find their own identity. First 5 Care is an exciting place where children explore the rich possibilities of childhood.

Location

Located at the top of a cul-de-sac with sweeping views of the Bay, our program is right off of Mission Blvd and a quick 5-10 minute drive from 880, the South Hayward BART station and the CSU-East Bay campus. Families enter our program through a separate entrance that brings you through our large outdoor play area with a sandbox and grassy yard.

About our program

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Our learning is guided by the children. We have themes based on the children’s interests; themes may be one, two, three or four weeks long.  Instead of the teacher choosing the themes, we observe the children and find out what intrigues them.  Our theme activities involve math, language, science, art and cooking.

We believe that a child develops through exploration and discovery. Throughout the day children have various moments for free play or free choice. They can choose from the different centers we have in the classroom such as the pretend play area, manipulatives table, the blocks center, the art table, the library corner, or the outdoors. No matter what your child’s interest is, there is so much fun and learning in each center. At First 5, children decide when they want to play outside and don’t be surprised if they spend long periods of time in the sandbox, the mud kitchen, our sensory tables or just reading a book; they are learning while playing.

We provide opportunities for children to see new things happen through teacher-led and student-driven enrichment activities. Children participate in small group activities appropriate for their age and skills. These activities offer fine motor, language, math and cognitive development. Children benefit from these daily small group activities where the teacher can identify the child’s strengths and weaknesses to help the child reach his/her full potential.

Admissions

Join the First 5 Care & Wonderschool community in four easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Tour our program

Come see what makes First 5 Care & Wonderschool unique. Please schedule a tour or attend an Open House event.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application. Please note that we require tours for all prospective families. Please do not submit an application if you have not visited the program.

4. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation you’ll pay your enrollment fee, fill out enrollment documents and review our Parent Handbook.