Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Trusted Preschool for Ages 2-5 in Milpitas
Elan Preschool was founded in 1986 with a mission to provide a nurturing environment where children aged 2-5 develop academic, social, and emotional skills through a balanced curriculum. Our program emphasizes individualized learning, allowing each child to progress at their own pace while fostering independence and creativity. With a team of experienced educators, we integrate structured academics with play-based activities, ensuring children equate learning with joy.Our expansive playground and diverse on-site events promote physical development and community engagement. We prioritize transparent communication with families through the Brightwheel app, keeping parents informed about daily activities and milestones. For over three decades, we have prepared children for kindergarten success while maintaining a focus on holistic growth.
Services
Preschool Programs
Individualized Learning
Reading Program
On-Site Activities
Large Playground
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer individualized learning plans tailored to each child's developmental pace.
- Our curriculum balances structured academics with play-based exploration for holistic growth.
- We maintain a 10:1 student-teacher ratio to ensure personalized attention.
- Our 6,000 sq ft playground features multiple play structures for physical development.
- We use the Brightwheel app for real-time updates on your child's daily activities.
What people say
Caring teachers
Huge playground
Balanced curriculum
Effective reading program
Engaging activities
Services
Preschool Programs
Our preschool programs serve children aged 2-5 with a curriculum blending academic instruction and play-based learning. Each child progresses at their own pace through personalized activities that develop reading, writing, math, and social skills. Teachers facilitate group interactions to build communication and cooperation while maintaining individualized attention.
Individualized Learning
We tailor learning experiences to each child's developmental stage and interests. Our approach allows students to work through materials at their own pace while receiving targeted guidance from educators. This method fosters independence and confidence as children master concepts through hands-on activities and structured lessons adapted to their unique learning styles.
Reading Program
Our phonics-based reading program incorporates multiple learning modalities including clay letters, sight word recognition, and interactive reading sessions. Children as young as three often read to peers before graduating, with many entering kindergarten already proficient in basic reading skills through our systematic yet playful instruction methods.
On-Site Activities
We provide monthly educational entertainment including magic shows, animal encounters, puppet performances, and science demonstrations. Seasonal events like Halloween parades, Diwali celebrations, and summer water activities create memorable learning experiences while fostering community connections among students, families, and staff.
Large Playground
Our 6,000 sq ft outdoor space features two major play structures, balance beams, monkey bars, and dedicated bike paths. The playground supports gross motor development through structured games and free play while providing safe, engaging environments for physical activity and social interaction among children of various ages.
People
Candy Mathews
Founder
Candy Mathews established Elan Preschool in 1986 after identifying gaps in available preschool curricula. With educational experience dating to the 1970s, she developed the school's unique approach emphasizing individualized learning and parent collaboration before passing leadership to family members in 2010.
Laurie Mathews
Director
Laurie Mathews has led Elan Preschool since 2010 following a decade of mentorship under founder Candy Mathews. She maintains the school's founding principles while implementing modern enhancements to facilities and technology, ensuring continuity in educational philosophy and family engagement practices.
Elizabeth
Lead Teacher
Elizabeth serves as a lead teacher with over 15 years of experience at Elan Preschool. She specializes in early literacy development and social-emotional learning, receiving consistent parent praise for her nurturing approach and effective communication with both children and families.
Jenelyn
Teacher
Jenelyn contributes to Elan's team with expertise in creative arts integration and outdoor education. She coordinates seasonal events and playground activities while maintaining classroom responsibilities, ensuring balanced development opportunities across multiple domains for enrolled children.
Candace
Teacher
Candace brings specialized skills in individualized learning plan implementation and parent collaboration. She focuses on adapting curriculum materials to meet diverse student needs while maintaining consistent communication with families about developmental progress and classroom experiences.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 2-5 years old across our preschool programs.
What is your curriculum approach?
Our curriculum balances structured academics with play-based learning to develop reading, writing, math, and social skills.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use the Brightwheel app for daily updates, photos, and direct messaging between teachers and families.
What safety measures are in place?
We use keypad entry systems, regular sanitization protocols, and maintain a 10:1 student-teacher ratio for safety.
Do you have outdoor play areas?
Yes, we have a 6,000 sq ft playground with multiple structures and dedicated bike paths.
How do you handle potty training?
Our staff provides individualized support for potty training with consistent communication to families.
