Yaya's Happy Home Wonderschool

Our Teachers

Mayra De Hernandez - Director

Hello! I am Mayra De Hernandez, the founder of Yaya’s Happy Home. I was inspired to start my own program because I saw a need for high-quality care in my community. I have 20 years of experience working with young children.

I am also a mother myself - my three children are grown now and I have five grandchildren! I know personally how important it is to find someone you trust to care for your children.

I have worked as a nanny for various families in the community for years. I am excited to provide nurturing care for more children in the community.

​

Philosophy

At Yaya’s Happy Home Wonderschool, we are a play-based program. Children will learn daily through play and project based learning. These activities include art, sensory play, singing and dancing. Our materials help to foster a “yes” environment for kids where they are free to develop their own sense of creativity.

​

​

Location

Mayra’s Wonderschool is located in a warm, cozy apartment in the Western Addition (near Pacific Heights) neighborhood.

We’ve designed our care environment with play and learning areas that allow children to explore various developmentally-appropriate activities based on their interests. Some of our favorite areas include block area (for gross motor skills and problem solving), dramatic play area (for self-expression and empathy), and reading / cozy area (for literacy, relaxation, and respite).

Children will have some outdoor time everyday at mix of both my private yard and local parks and playgrounds. Children need space to run, jump, and move!

At Mayra’s Wonderschool, I want to provide a loving home away from home.

About our program

Parental involvement at breakfast:

We know that transitions can be hard for many children. Our program is designed to start early so that parents have the option to linger a bit longer at dropoff and can volunteer to help serve breakfast or sit with their child at breakfast.

Children can arrive starting at 7am and breakfast is available until 8:00am.

Bilingual Education: We believe in the power of a bilingual education. Our bilingual program offers children the chance to grow comfortable and confident in two languages regardless of what they speak at home.

Cognitive benefits of bilingual and language immersion early care

• Children who attend bilingual preschool have a better ability to monitor their immediate environment compared to monolinguals. They exhibit more mental flexibility and a stronger ability to switch between tasks (also known as ‘working memory’)
• Children who attend bilingual preschool show increased self-regulation skills
• Early and consistent bilingualism has been shown to delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Focus on proficiency in both languages to increase executive functioning, academic success, and lifelong learning

Admissions

Join the Mayra’s 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 Mayra’s 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.