About Us
At Intercommunal Preschool we believe that a partnership with parents provides the most effective school. We are committed to providing experiences through hands on activities that are challenging and encourage creativity, curiosity, and help each child develop their full potential.
Our Pre School Curriculum is taught by Early Childhood Education Teachers, whose credentials are vested by The State of California.
We serve nutritious breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack daily.
Lowest rates possible support our original values that quality childcare should be affordable.
Our History
On July 10, 1972 when very few childcare centers were in existence and almost none were available for low income families, Intercommunal Survival School, opened with ten children. It was a free, community-based child development center founded on the philosophy that all children deserve free, quality childcare and development opportunities. For two years, the school operated from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. free of charge to low income parents, serving three meals a day and guiding children in growing and learning. Parents, friends and community members who believed in the program gave generously of their money, time and energy to keep the school open. ​
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From 1972-1978, the staff and friends of Survival School wrote grants and searched for money from many sources. They held bake sales, rummage sales, fashion shows, raffles and spaghetti dinners. Finally, the school received a CETA (Federal Comprehensive Employment Act) money to pay staff, and a grant from the Peninsula Community Foundation assisted for operating expenses.
Then just over 6 years from its opening day, in October of 1978, Intercommunal Survival School was awarded a state grant and became State Funded Child Development Center, serving 17 children of low to moderate income families.
Intercommunal Pre-School has always valued the help of volunteers. In 1980, it was parents of the program along with community members who took shovels in hand and dug out the basement to create a 2nd classroom for 12 additional children. One parent, a plumber, installed the sprinkler system, another supervised the concrete work, while others painted, built fences, laid vinyl floors, insulated walls and put up sheet rock. This truly was a great achievement.
Today we are licensed for 29 children in two beautiful classrooms and still flourish with the help of volunteers.
Meet Our Teaching Team
Jennifer Hill
Director
Has been in the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE) since 2009. She has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, experience as a Behavioral Therapist and a passion for working with children and her community. Jennifer joined Intercommunal Preschool in 2019 as a teacher for 3 years and after a year away has returned as director. She resides in Hayward with her partner and their fur child Meeko, a energetic Manchester Terrier pup!
"My work here as director is so rewarding. I enjoy coming to this school everyday because I get to support my staff, our children, families and the community."
Areli Bush
Teacher's Aide &
Kitchen Personnel
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Areli joined Intercommunal Preschool in October 2023.
As the Child Nutrition Program Coordinator, she oversees the program to ensure students receive well balanced meals every day. Beyond her administrative and kitchen duties, Areli eagerly contributes to classroom activities every day, enriching the learning experience for our students.
Residing in Oakland with her husband, Areli's household recently expanded with the arrival of their dog Clarabell's litter of adorable puppies. Embracing the bustling rhythm of school life, she finds fulfillment in being a part of a supportive team.
“I enjoy being a part of such a great supportive team and watching the children
learn and grow."
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Gabriel Shurtleff
Teacher
Joined Intercommunal Preschool originally in February 2020. Because of the Pandemic, he
was unable to stay with us. Then in September 2022, Gaby came back to do his student teaching with us. Now living on the peninsula, with his wife and beautiful baby girl, he has returned as a part time teacher in the BlueJay's Classroom. He has worked with children of all ages
for over 12 years, is bilingual in English and Spanish and, has a BA in Liberal Studies from
SFSU. Gaby has his ECE Site Supervisor Permit from the California Credentialing Department. When not at work,
he spends time with his family and friends. He is into fitness & nutrition and loves being
outdoors.
“I believe we are students for life”
Cindy Hernandez
Teacher
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Joined us in November 2022. Cindy is bi-lingual and bi cultural. She has 18 years of experience working with all ages from Infants to School Age. Cindy has 39 units of Early Childhood Education and qualifies for her Associate Teacher Permit, which she is in the process of applying for. She loves to work with children to help them learn new things every day. Cindy lives near to the school with her husband, 5 year old son and a cute maltipoo dog. When not at work she likes to spend time with her family, reading, watching TV and of course taking vacations with her boys.
“Children are the living message we send to an age we will never know.”
Rosa Chinchilla
Teacher´s Aide
Joined Intercommunal in September of 2022. Rosa has grown children and grandchildren. She has been a nanny and loves to be with children. Rosa started as our kitchen coordinator and has transitioned into a teachers Aide position. She is going back to school to obtain more experience in Early Childhood Education. The kids call her abuelita (which is little grandma in Spanish.)
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"My favorite thing to do is play games with the kids outside."
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Jennifer Harris
Teacher Assistant
After subbing for a couple months, Jennifer joined Intercommunal Preschool in May 2022 as a TA. She has taken one ECE Class and hopes to take more in the future. Jennifer has worked with children of all ages for a total of 15 years. She is married and lives with her husband and 3 children, 2 who are attending an elementary school here in San Mateo and one adult child, who is taking classes at a local JC. If Jen, is not in the classroom, she is in the kitchen lending a hand or in the director's office helping with admin
"I enjoy playing with the children and helping the teachers manage the classroom"