While preschool age is typically 3 years to 5 years old, Merryhill Preschool of San Jose – Berryessa offers care for students as young as 6 weeks. We know how much early childhood development matters, which is why our curriculum is built around it. Through the Merryhill Method, our students begin practicing confidence, resilience, and independence to build routines and responsibility that grow with them at every age.

Merryhill Preschool is a top choice for daycare and preschool in San Jose, built on the Merryhill Method. Our teachers turn everyday moments into practice for confidence, resilience, and independence, skills our students will need for elementary school and beyond.

The Merryhill Method is our approach to developing students who are confident, resilient, and increasingly independent. We do that by making students active participants in their learning, not simply recipients of instruction.

What sets Merryhill Preschool apart is the Merryhill Method, our approach to helping children build confidence, resilience, and independence through active participation in their learning. Every child is known by name in a warm and nurturing environment by teachers who encourage them to explore, ask questions, and try new things. Merryhill Preschool prepares children for kindergarten and for life.

Merryhill Preschool in San Jose is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, hours designed with the realities of Bay Area professional life in mind. Whether your schedule is predictable or variable, early or late, Merryhill provides the consistent, high-quality care and education that your child deserves and that your day depends on.

Meals are not included in tuition, but lunch is available for purchase, providing families with a convenient option for those who prefer not to pack a daily meal. Families who choose to send lunch from home are equally welcomed. We encourage open communication about any dietary preferences, restrictions, or allergies so that we can ensure the right accommodations are in place for your child from the very first day.

No. Development unfolds differently for every child, and potty training is no exception. Our teachers meet every student with patience, encouragement, and consistency at every stage of this journey, and they partner closely with families to ensure that routines carry over between home and school, because aligned environments are what make genuine progress possible. At Merryhill, a child’s developmental timeline is always met with support rather than judgment.

We prioritize student safety through background-checked and CPR/first-aid-trained staff, and strict health protocols. We use controlled entry and visitor sign-in, staff follow a “face-to-name” tracking rule for young students, and regular fire and emergency drills keep everyone prepared. Rigorous cleaning schedules and clear sick policies keep classrooms healthy, and we utilize our parent communication app for instant updates and safety alerts.

Teachers meet state licensing standards, typically holding at least 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education or a related degree, often a CDA credential or Bachelor’s degree in child development. They’re certified in CPR, First Aid, communicable disease prevention, and child abuse recognition, pass a criminal background check, and generally bring prior experience in a licensed preschool setting.

Families consistently praise teachers for being patient, nurturing, and attentive, especially during drop-offs, and for keeping them closely connected through detailed daily updates. Teachers are credited with spotting each child’s unique needs, building their confidence, and making learning feel engaging and fun. Parents describe the overall experience as warm, professional, and genuinely invested in their child’s growth.

Their nurturing, patient approach helps children feel secure from day one. They personalize instruction to each child’s interests and learning style, and keep families closely looped in through daily reports, emails, and twice-yearly conferences. Parents consistently praise the staff for creating a warm atmosphere where kids are genuinely excited to learn.

Teachers communicate through the Links 2 Home app, which sends daily reports, photos, and updates on activities, meals, and naps. Families also get face-to-face time at drop-off and pick-up, formal conferences twice a year to review progress, and updates through monthly newsletters.

Yes. Our principal has led the school for over 30 years, our teaching team spans newly hired educators to those with 30 years of experience, and half our staff have five or more years of tenure, a strong sign of stability for families.