August 2026

Welcome Superintendent Glass!

PACCC would like to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Jason Glass, PAUSD’s new Superintendent!


From our family to yours, welcome to Palo Alto – the thriving, innovative, and friendly community we call home. See you on the playground!

Community First – PACCC Endorses Measure J

PACCC’s board has voted and officially endorsed Measure J, the City of Palo Alto Community Safety/Services Measure , which would “provide dedicated, locally controlled funding to support a critical community priority, upgrading the 70-year-old Cubberley Community Center.” These updates would:

  • Meet current earthquake, accessibility and safety standards
  • Fix deteriorating electrical, wiring, and plumbing systems in community spaces
  • Ensure community spaces are prepared for an emergency or natural disaster
  • Preserve trees and expand greenery and natural outdoor spaces 
  • Provide opportunities for affordable childcare, outdoor education, senior programming and other community services
  • Maintain streets and repair potholes

PACCC’s unwavering commitment is to build community through Palo Alto’s most precious asset – its children. We believe Measure J aligns with that commitment. Yes on J! 

PACCC’s endorsement of Measure J is also focused on these crucial factors for Palo Alto families as part of our unwavering commitment to provide quality, accessible early childhood education and care through the Whole-Child Approach:

  • When Palo Alto's needs grow, PACCC responds! PACCC has entered into a Letter of Intent with the City of Palo Alto to expand ECE and childcare capacity at Cubberley with a PACCC site. The anticipated expansion arising from the City’s plans to add more than 1,500 housing units near San Antonio Road increases the need for early childhood education and care to include more infant-toddler and preschool classrooms, along with outdoor space. 



  • Youth enrichment is critical to Whole-Child Development. Cubberley is an integral part of Palo Alto’s history – and future. Cubberley provides youth enrichment programs that shape our city’s future through its most important asset – the children. Cubberley is the premier destination for youth programs that support health and wellness, childcare, education, recreation, language literacy, and visual and performing arts.


PACCC's board has endorsed Measure J. We respect the right of each employee, parent, and other readers to form their own political beliefs.


Want to get involved? Would you like to request a yard sign?



Learn more about Measure J here


PACCC Expands Partnership with Center for Children and Youth!

PACCC and the Center for Children and Youth (CCY) have partnered to offer Palo Alto families a comprehensive support system to help families grow and thrive as they navigate the challenges of modern life. 

As the saying goes, “It takes a village,” and PACCC is honored to partner with CCY! Together, PACCC and CCY are committed to giving families meaningful support at every stage. Whether parents are looking for guidance around behavior and big emotions, sensory needs, learning differences, anxiety, ADHD, or family transitions, this partnership helps families connect with experienced professionals. Through this partnership, PACCC families and educators will have access to discounts and/or scholarships, as outlined on our website. Each month, parents can expect access to expert-led workshops, events, and educational courses designed to support Palo Alto families, as we have done since 1974! 

Did you know? PACCC’s Whole-Child Approach: Math

Hello! Elliot Sage here,

PACCC's Ambassador for Math!


Did you know that nearly 20% of preschool families are unaware of the mathematical learning happening in our schools? I know…a lot of people didn’t know! So, we need to make sure you know this important information! Math looks different when taught through play! Young learners are developing mathematical skills while building Legos, participating in a cooking activity, sorting objects by colors, learning shapes during circle time, etc. Be sure to ask your teacher how your child is developing mathematical skills during their school day! 

Board Highlight: Melissa Kaganovsky

Melissa Kaganovsky is Founding Recruiter at Parallel (local startup) where she builds teams from the ground up after five-plus years leading sales and talent teams at Navan. Before moving into tech, Melissa spent over 10 years working with youth, including approximately six years at the Palo Alto Family YMCA running Youth Development programs and operations for the community-centered branch. A Palo Alto resident and mother of two young girls, Melissa is preparing to welcome her oldest daughter into PACCC's afterschool program this year and is excited to get back to supporting youth programming!


Melissa's career has centered on building teams and unlocking potential in people; she sees the same mission at the heart of PACCC's work with children and educators. As a working parent navigating childcare in the Bay Area, she understands how much a program's quality and accessibility shape a family's daily life, and was drawn to PACCC's commitment to exceptional, affordable care for every family in the community. Melissa looks forward to supporting PACCC's vision of a community where children thrive, “educators are valued, and families are supported” — starting right in her own Palo Alto neighborhood.

August is National Immunization Month

August is National Immunization Month. Our partner, Stanford Children’s Health “believes that all children should receive the recommended vaccines according to the guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Vaccines are safe and effective in preventing diseases and health complications in children and young adults. Regular vaccinations help children ward off infections and they are administered as one of the safest and best methods of disease prevention.” 



For non-insured families, the Mayview Community Health Center in Palo Alto has Child and Adult Immunization Clinics. Please consult with your family physician for further questions. 

PACCC in the Community:

As a community leader in Palo Alto, and in keeping with our Strategic Plan and commitment to build and foster community, you will find PACCC engaged in the following advocacy efforts and events this month: 


  • State of Palo Alto Address
  • Chamber’s Mayor and Police Chief Breakfast
  • Ballot Measure J Campaign Events
  • Child Care & Development Fund State Plan Input Session
  • Santa Clara County Supervisor Ellenberg’s “@ The Kids Table” Event
  • Local Early Education Planning Council Summer Retreat
  • FIRST 5 Commission Meeting and Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting
  • Santa Clara County Office of Education Childcare Catalyst Advisory Committee
  • Leadership Palo Alto
  • Palo Alto City Council Meeting
  • PAUSD Board Meeting

Family Fun in Palo Alto!

Palo Alto Festival of the Arts | Aug 22-23 

The popular fine art and entertainment festival along nine blocks of downtown’s tree-lined University Avenue returns for its 43rd year on August 22-23. “Proudly hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce with support of the City of Palo Alto, this stunning, multifaceted art showcase spans all mediums, from 250 booths of unique fine art to live music to a street painting expo.” 

Cats - The Musical | Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber | Sept. 9 - 27

Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot. Directed by Judge Luckey. The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year—the night of the Jellicle Ball. Filled with catchy music, accessible themes of acceptance, and high-energy performances, “Cats Junior – The Musical,” will create “Memories” your family will never forget! 

Enjoy an Art Class at Palo Alto Art Center

The Art Center offers art classes for children ages 3 years and above, as well as family workshops. "Our drawing, painting, ceramics, fiber arts, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media classes are for all skill levels.”

California Dinosaur Garden

“Utilizing creative, sensory-rich exhibit techniques, California Dinosaur Garden tells stories that help children experience the diversity of prehistoric life that existed…Visitors learn that plants and animals evolved over time, and that some went extinct. They also have an opportunity to learn that scientists use fossil and geologic evidence to inform our scientific understanding.” 

DATE

EVENT

CENTER

August 28, 2026

Back to School with Agua Frescas!

Sojourner Truth Child Development Center (STCDC-PS)

September 9, 2026

Family Potluck Night

Walter Hays Kids’ Club (WHKC)

September 17, 2026

Back to School Ice Cream Party

Palo Verde Kids’ Club (PVKC)

Can't wait to see you there!

Happy Anniversary, PACCC Employees!

We couldn’t do it without you!

Thank you for the education and care you provide for Palo Alto’s children, and thus, our future!

Mary M. (STCDC-PS)

- Aug 31 - 43 years


Edna B. (EKC)

- Aug 17 - 20 years


Mis O. (BPKC)

- Aug 20 - 19 years


Rocio A. (PVKC)

- Aug 18 - 18 years


Clara E. (PVKC)

- Aug 15 - 15 years


Jill H. (ADMIN)

- Aug 15 - 15 years


Felonna W. (CTC)

- Aug 30 - 15 years


Hanh H. (DCC)

- Aug 28 - 13 years


Erik G. (HKC)

- Aug 15 - 10 years

Adrian A. (ADMIN)

- Aug 6 - 8 years


Kelli Y. (JBKC)

- Aug 6 - 8 years


Amanda H. (OKC)

- Aug 13 - 8 years


Geli A. (HKC)

- Aug 5 - 7 years



Nathalie M. (HKC)

- Aug 5 - 7 years


Renita L. (CTC)

- Aug 10 - 6 years

Chandana S. (SUB)

- Aug 15 - 4 years


Elise B. (SUB)

- Aug 10 - 3 years


Aidan A. (SUB)

- Aug 14 - 3 years


Lorena S. (ITC)

- Aug 16 - 3 years


Laura N. (DKC)

- Aug 22 - 3 years


Nataliya G. (SUB)

- Aug 28 - 3 years


Sakina A. (SUB)

- Aug 28 - 3 years


Ian F. (SUB)

- Aug 28 - 3 years


Zack P. (BPKC)

- Aug 5 - 2 years


Fernando G. (WHKC)

- Aug 5 - 2 years


Hannah H. (SUB)

- Aug 5 - 2 years


Luisa R. (SUB)

- Aug 5 - 2 years


Bethany B. (OKC)

- Aug 30 - 2 years


Susannah H. (SUB)

- Aug 4 - 1 year


Mirtha N. (SUB)

- Aug 4 - 1 year


Laura P. (DKC)

- Aug 4 - 1 year


Alina N. (WHKC)

- Aug 4 - 1 year


Brenda A. (BBKC)

- Aug 4 - 1 year


Catleen C. (BPKC)

- Aug 4 - 1 year

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