About Us

Our Story

In 1985 Judy and Ted Young had grandchildren in need of care and, noticing a lack of available services in the North County, they opened Cabbage Patch Preschool.

In January of 1989 Janice Stevens purchased the business, implemented the school slogan "Teaching is Love made Visible, and designed a curriculum and philosophy, which followed that ideal.

Janice eventually pruchased the 2 acres which now house 3 programs: the Toddler Program, the Preschool Program and the School-Age Program and renamed it "Atascadero Children's Center.

In June 2022 Harvest Torrey and Sara Yost, two long-term employees, purchased ACC from Janice and Mark Stevens. Harvest and Sara plan to continue the same great experience all families have come to expect from ACC

Our Philosophy

Atascadero Children’s Center, in partnership with parents, seeks to create an environment in which each individual is given the opportunity to understand that they are special and unique. We commit ourselves to a student-centered curriculum of developmentally appropriate methods. Teachers encourage and support children in a wide range of planned (structured and unstructured) activities.

At Atascadero Children's Center we are committed to assisting, encouraging and supporting children in their efforts to become self-sufficient and independent.

We understand that every child is a unique individual to be treated with respect, dignity and genuine care.

We, in partnership with parents, commit ourselves to create an atmosphere in which each child can realize their uniqueness and talents.

The goal of Atascadero Children's Center is to build a bridge of knowledge between child and community, encourage a partnership bestween school and home, and encourage the develoment of a strong body, mind and spirit.

Our Goals & Objectives

Academic and Intellectual Development

Atascadero Children’s Center offers students an environment in which they are both challenged and allowed to develop their intellectual potential in which individual needs and development are recognized.

We achieve these goals by the following:

Encouraging students to be creative and curious so they will develop a life-long love of learning.
Providing opportunities for meaningful play that are based on the child’s individual needs, interests and abilities.
Acknowledging the different modalities of learning and providing opportunities and activities which build important foundations for future reading, math and other academic skills and pursuits.

Psychological and Social-Emotional Development

We assist parents in nurturing the emotional well-being of our students. Together with parents we work to instill in each child a sense of importance and self-worth. Our school environment is disciplined and respectful of our students. We foster sensitivity for all people and cultures.

We achieve these goals by the following:

Modeling acceptance of all.
Providing opportunities for interaction with other children in support of building positive relationships and conflict resolution skills.
Providing a warm, supportive environment in which children receive the nurturing and reinforcement they need to develop to their full potential.
Providing opportunities for the development of autonomy and independence and a positive self esteem.

Physical Development

We promote an appreciation of appropriate physical development and the gift of good health. Students are exposed to the value of teamwork, cooperation and joy in play.

We achieve these goals by the following:

Providing opportunities for the development of fine and gross motor skills.
Providing instructional opportunities for development of motor and perceptual skills.
Instructing students in age appropriate developmental games and providing opportunities for practice.
Monitoring student behavior, encouraging sportsmanship, and fair play.