Mi Second Casa was founded by Graciela “Tia” Tejada, a lifelong early childhood educator who has over 30 years of childcare experience and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development from San Francisco State University. She has spent her career ensuring that families receive the highest quality care, and as a mother of three grown children, she deeply understands the importance of a nurturing and secure environment in fostering a child’s development.

Rooted in the heart of San Mateo, CA, our program is built on the core values of community and inclusivity, reflecting the rich diversity that makes our city so special. We believe that every child deserves a sense of belonging, and we cultivate this through our Spanish immersion program, culturally responsive curriculum, and strong partnerships with families. Our nurturing environment fosters curiosity, empathy, and respect, empowering children to feel safe, valued, and connected while developing a global perspective. More than an escuela, we are our community’s second casa.

We focus on whole-child development, with a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and self-regulation. Our curriculum nurtures confidence, empathy, and resilience by helping children recognize and manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and develop problem-solving skills. Through language development, early literacy and math, science exploration, creative arts, and outdoor play, we provide a well-rounded foundation that supports each child’s growth in a warm, inclusive environment.