The closure of the beloved Presbyterian Preschool in Santa Rosa marks the end of an era for many families in the community. This preschool, which has been in operation for over six decades, has left a lasting impact on generations of children and their families. The school's unique approach to education, focusing on play and emotional development, has been a cherished part of the community's fabric.
Rev. Aeryn Seto Johnson, the new pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Rosa, has been hearing stories about the preschool from the community. The school's decline in enrollment, which dropped to around 20 students by the spring of 2025, from a peak of 75, was a significant factor in its closure. The changing times and the need for full-time care that caters to younger children have made the part-time model of the preschool untenable for most working families.
The establishment of free Transitional Kindergarten in California in 2012 also contributed to the preschool's struggle. This change required all incoming kindergartners to be five by September 1st, instead of December 2nd, and established a voluntary, free transitional kindergarten program for four-year-olds. This cut into enrollment at preschool and daycare programs across the board.
Despite the closure, the preschool's impact on the community is undeniable. Many families have fond memories of the school, including the giant spaceship in the playground, the two-way mirror through which parents could watch their children play, and the focus on developmental play. The school's director, Linda Maloney, who sent three of her children through the program, described it as "beautiful."
However, the preschool's short-day, part-time model was no longer meeting the needs of most families. The school lacked the facilities for all-day care, such as diaper-changing stations, and the curriculum was not aligned with the needs of today's families.
The closure of the preschool has sparked a mix of emotions. While some families mourn the loss of a cherished community member, others are relieved that the preschool is being replaced by a full-day program that caters to younger children. The new partnership with the North Bay Children's Center, which offers a play-based, environmental curriculum, is being touted as a positive step forward.
The North Bay Children's Center, established 38 years ago, is headquartered in Novato but has a majority of its locations in Sonoma County. The center's "Garden of Eatin'" program, which focuses on nutrition education and school gardens, is a key part of its curriculum. The center's play-based approach to education aligns with the preschool's vision, and it aims to provide a strong foundation for academic success.
The closure of the Presbyterian Preschool is a reminder of the changing needs of families and the importance of adapting to meet those needs. While it is a bittersweet moment for the community, the new partnership with the North Bay Children's Center offers a promising future for young children in Santa Rosa.
