Since 1995, Happy Days has provided a place where young children in our community can actively participate in their own learning and developmental process.
At our child-centered program, you can be assured of:
- A nurturing environment that encourages cooperative and independent learning
- Experienced teachers with access to top-quality educational and classroom resources for preschoolers
- Frequent communication and engagement with parents
Programs
Infants
We believe that a positive start builds a sense of trust and security that lasts a lifetime. At our safe and comfortable facilities, babies learn to explore in a hands-on environment.
Toddlers
Active play and discovery are how little ones develop a healthy sense of self. Our programs support growth through age appropriate projects and free play that are interactive and fun.
Preschoolers
As children from 2.5 to 4.5 years get ready to enter school, they are encouraged to build their classroom skills in science, math, and language through a rotating comprehensive monthly curriculum.
Philosophy
We strive to maximize confidence and love of learning in positive ways. Our educational approach is focused on developing self-esteem, independence, and social skills so that your children reach their potential in constructive ways.
Testimonials & Accolades
Andrea, Toby & Mary Ellen-
"We want to let you know how much we have enjoyed our experience at Happy Days. Jake has absolutely thrived at your school. Your staff and teachers are incredible. It’s been a wonderful year of growth & development for Jake. Thank you for all you do! We can’t thank you enough."
To all of you at Happy Days-
"I’d like to express our gratitude for your role in helping our family raise Noemi and Nico there last 7 years. We are very appreciative of your care and attention and good work. They are both very lucky to have had such a good experience with you while their parents worked and they’re well prepared for school. Have a wonderful summer!"
Good Times
Best of Santa Cruz Runner-up 2021
To everyone at Happy Days,
"Thank you. Thank you so much for all the love, care, guidance, education, and fun you have provided our darling daughter, Charlotte, and to us! You have been such a huge part of our lives, and we shall forever hold you in our hearts."
Dear Happy Days Staff,
"It has been so much fun and a great experience working with all of you. I know that I have learned from the best, most creative, and loving teachers in the SC County. Thank you for all of your time and friendships. I will miss you all dearly."
Dear Happy Days Staff,
"Thank you so much for the love and care you’ve all shown to our grandchildren, Edison and Opal, these past seven years. We are so grateful their pre-school experience was so wonderful. You’re the best!"
To Everyone!
"Thank you so much for almost a decade of caring for the Soenen kids. Thank you for teaching them, looking out for them, all the hugs, all the smiles- for all of it. I am so happy to have been a part of such a wonderful place! "
Community
Living in Santa Cruz provides our families and staff with a common foundation. We encourage children to be inclusive and to feel grounded in their own roots. Collaboration and strong communication guide everyone to become the best version of themselves. Because of this model, many families remain close for years to come.
Enrollment
Walkthrough
A virtual walkthrough allows your family to see our facilities without leaving home. After this, we encourage you to take an in-person tour at one of our facilities.
Get Enrolled
It’s easy to start at Happy Days. Just fill out our Inquiry Form, take a virtual tour, an in-person tour, and save your place with a deposit.
Meals, Services & Facilities
Meals
At our Harvey West facility, we provide healthy, nut-free, trans-fat free, and vegetarian meal options for toddlers and preschoolers. Parents of infants bring their food from home.
Services
Our Harvey West location is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and our live Oak location is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. We consider a full day as a 9-hour time slot within those hours. Our half days are 4-hour time slots, with morning and afternoon options.
Facilities
We maintain the highest standards to make your children feel as if Happy Days is their home away from home at either of our two locations in Harvey West (West Side) and Live Oak (East Side) neighborhoods.
Health, Safety & Security
We follow strict health protocols to keep both preschools clean and safe for everyone in our community. Currently, children are dropped off and picked up at their classroom door. This allows our teachers to scan them for any signs of illness, helps prevent spread of disease, and ensures that all children are safe and secure in every way. Our classrooms and learning environments are cleaned daily with toxin-free products. Entry ways are closed to prevent strangers from entering.
Administrative Staff
Mary Ellen Salciccia Spanu
Owner
Toby Salciccia
Owner
Andrea Marc
Teacher & Director
Kristina Salciccia
Teacher & Office Assistant
Alejandrina Parez
Teacher & Director, Live Oak
Photo Gallery
Calendar
Locations & Contacts
Harvey West Area
191B Harvey West Blvd.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
tel. (831) 469-9358
fax. (831) 469-0145
Live Oak Area
720 17th Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
tel. (831) 476-2000
fax. (831) 477-1743