Tanya's Learning Garden

My name is Tanya and I was born and raised in San Jose. My husband and I married in 1977 and have two wonderful grown sons. I have run my licensed small family child care in our home since 1989. My CPR & First Aid training are always current. I am a member of many early childhood organizations including NAEYC, CAAEYC, and NAFCC. I lead the Child Care Network, a group of local family child care providers who meet to network and support each other. My high quality of work has been acknowledged by Choices For Children with a Gold Seal Award, the Junior League for my volunteer work, and the City of San Jose for Outstanding Contributions in The Field of Child Care. I have my certificate from De Anza College for Specialization in Home-Based Child Care and my Child Development Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. My inspiration is continually renewed through child development trainings, workshops, conferences - and the joys of having children in our home.

We only have one childhood and I firmly believe that it must be cherished. Play is the way that young children learn best. By creating fun learning experiences, children will naturally learn what they need to know. As an early childhood educator, my desire is to show children the world through hands-on experiences. By finding their interests, those can be nurtured and developed, empowering the child to follow his/her passion in life.

Our daily schedule is not a rigid time schedule, but is a predictable routine which allows for the flexibility of expanding on the children’s current interests. Teachable moments are observed and expanded on. Respect of others & manners are valued and encouraged.

I offer a play-based learning program which is now primarily outdoors. Activities include art, learning games,  sensory play, music & movement, scissor skills and more. Story time is a favorite learning time that includes books, felt board stories, finger plays, songs, and group discussions.

Monday-Thursday 8:30-1:00

In order to keep our "bubble" at a minimum, 4 day enrollment is required for all children.  Age range is 2 years and up.

Minimum age is 2 years old, however tours can be scheduled for younger children wanting to join the wait list to join Tanya's Learning Garden when they turn 2.

Ratio is normally 1:6, but may increase to 1:8. Whenever there is a 7th or 8th child in program, they would be school age. This would normally occur during the summer and are normally children that have "graduated" from our program.

Children bring their own lunch and water bottle each day.  (Most of the children bring a Bento style lunch box with a variety of healthy foods.)  Morning snack is provided and served around 9:00 at no extra cost.  Lunch will be eaten around 11:30/12:00.  All meals are eaten outside.

Diapers are o.k. Parents provide all diapering supplies. Toilet learning is a cooperative effort between the child, parent, and myself when the child is ready.

Gladly provided upon request. Please also visit the Testimonials page on this site.

Tanya's Learning Garden is located in the Willow Glen area of San Jose near Hamilton & Leigh Avenues. Please e-mail for further contact info and to schedule a tour.

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact me at:

e-mail: [email protected]

License #430755147