Our Story

The Origins of PreSchool Family (PSF)

PreSchool Family, a program of the Palo Alto Unified School District, has been serving families with children from birth through five years of age since 1946. It began as a revolutionary idea to involve parents in their child's education at a time when the concept of preschool and parent participation was still in its infancy.

The program was founded by Besse Bolton, a Palo Alto kindergarten teacher and mother of four, who saw the need for parent education. She proposed the idea for a parent education-parent participation preschool to the Palo Alto Adult School, which was accepted, leading to the creation of PreSchool Family. Initially, the program moved from location to location until it found a permanent home at Greendell School in 1975, where it remains today.

PreSchool Family is committed to nurturing and educating parents and young children in a developmentally appropriate environment. The program values each individual’s uniqueness, welcoming families from all backgrounds and ensuring a space where both children and parents can grow and learn together.

How Friends of PreSchool Family (FoPSF) Came to Be

In 2003, after raising funds for simple renovations on the Greendell campus through a successful "Plugs and Paint" campaign, it became clear that PreSchool Family could benefit from its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The goal was to facilitate fundraising activities, build parent involvement, and advocate for PreSchool Family within the broader community.

In the summer and fall of 2004, efforts to establish the nonprofit began, and Friends of PreSchool Family was incorporated on March 22, 2005.

Our Values and Mission

Friends of PreSchool Family is committed to:

  • Building Strong Families and Communities: We support parent education and provide ongoing programs for children aged 0 to 5.

  • Nurturing and Educating Parents and Children: We foster a developmentally appropriate environment for all families.

  • Respecting Individuality: Every parent and child is seen for their unique potential and treated with respect.

  • Ensuring Access for All Families: We aim to ensure that PreSchool Family's parent education program remains accessible to Bay Area families for years to come.

Our mission is to:

  • Support PreSchool Family’s programs and activities.

  • Raise awareness of the PreSchool Family program.

  • Provide parent resources to the broader community.

  • Foster connections with alumni and extend our community beyond the classroom.

  • Raise funds to support these initiatives.

How FoPSF Supports PSF

Friends of PreSchool Family plays a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the PreSchool Family experience by funding essential programs and activities. Thanks to our fundraising efforts, we ensure that PSF has the resources it needs to thrive. Here’s how we make a difference:

  • Teacher Home Visits: We fund home visits for all incoming 3-year-olds, helping teachers build strong connections with children and families before the school year begins. These visits provide a smooth and welcoming transition into the classroom.

  • Parent-Teacher Conferences: We support the organization of fall and spring conferences, giving parents the opportunity to receive personalized feedback on their child’s progress and development.

  • Speaker Event Series: FoPSF hosts a range of expert-led talks and workshops, providing parents with valuable insights and tools to navigate the early years of parenting with confidence.

  • Community Events: We sponsor seasonal celebrations and fun parties, fostering a sense of community among families and creating opportunities for lasting memories.

  • Classroom Supplies: We provide funding for essential educational materials, toys, and equipment, enabling teachers to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for every child.

  • And Much More: Our commitment extends beyond these key areas. We continually explore new ways to support the PSF community, ensuring an enriching experience for both children and families.

Together, We’re Building a Stronger Community

For over 70 years, PreSchool Family has been a place where families learn, grow, and connect. With your continued support, we’ll keep nurturing the next generation and strengthening our community for years to come.

Thank you for being a part of our journey.