Tel. (831) 469-9358
happydaysclc@sbcglobal.net

Happy Days has been a licensed childcare program owned and operated by Mary Ellen and Toby Salciccia since 1995. 

Mary Ellen has worked with children locally for over twenty years on an individual and group basis.  Her experience includes working with infants and toddlers as well as teaching pre-school and after- school.  She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz along with an education in Early Childhood. Mary Ellen now works as a Director and Teacher for our program.

Toby has experience working with children in Santa Cruz County of all ages ranging from infants to sixth graders.  In the past, Toby worked at Camp Campbell Outdoor Science School specializing in entertainment, safety supervision, and conflict resolution.  Toby has also worked in after school child care centers at Boulder Creek Elementary and San Lorenzo Elementary as a music enrichment specialist.  Music, rhythm, and creative movement are his special attributes and he loves teaching music time in the classroom.

Over the years, our curriculum has evolved to reflect innovations in early childhood development by providing the latest educational equipment and materials. 
As we have grown through our own experiences, our program has developed along with us. Since our program started, Mary Ellen has had children of her own which brings a parent’s perspective to her experience.  Toby has expanded his knowledge of music and brought imagination and music fundamentals to our program.
We have designed lesson plans with monthly themes while also encouraging our teachers to implement emergent curriculum to allow for flexibility and creativity. Our teachers provide children with the skills they need for success in school, yet are flexible enough to meet the unique needs and personality of each child.

Most importantly, we have always been dedicated to working together with parents to help their children become confident, curious learners.