Our Values

• PACCC values dedicated, highly-qualified teachers...
  by recognizing that teachers are PACCC's greatest asset and setting high standards for salaries and benefits.
• PACCC values nurturing...
  by supporting children, families and staff and leading with our hearts.
• PACCC values life-long learning...
  by providing the tools and experiences appropriate to the needs of each child, parent, teacher and volunteer, thus enabling every individual to embrace a lifetime of growth.
• PACCC values safety...
  by ensuring that all environments are safe for children to freely explore.
• PACCC values diversity...
  by creating a place for all to belong and bringing diverse peoples together.
• PACCC values community-building...
  by fostering trusting relationships between children, families, teachers, and all community members.
• PACCC values leadership in the child care profession...
  by modeling professionalism through accreditation, collaboration and advocacy.
• PACCC values organizational sustainability...
  by implementing and following responsible policies and procedures.

Our History

In 1971 a Child Care Task Force appointed by Palo Alto City Council recommended the city take an active and supportive role in the provision of child care and related services and that a non-profit corporation be established to implement and coordinate the recommendations.

Palo Alto Community Child Care (PACCC) was created and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization, and in March 1974 City Council approved a contract with PACCC allocating funds for various aspects of the plan.

Under the plan a sick care program, an infant-toddler center, a preschool program and two part-time centers were established. Other elements of the plan included licensing of 35 day care homes; subsidizing of low-income children at two non-PACCC centers; and hiring a City Child Care Coordinator who would also serve as the Executive Director of PACCC.

For the next ten years PACCC operated seven child care programs, seven independent "affiliate" programs and a network of 25 family child care providers. One of the City's child care goals was too see the administration of PACCC child care centers become self supporting. Accordingly, in 1984, the City of Palo Alto reduced its administrative subsidy to PACCC.

With the passage of the utility users' tax in 1989 after-school care facilities were established at every elementary school site. PACCC became a major provider of school–age care and the number of PACCC centers increased from seven to 15.

PACCC currently serves the child care needs of more than 900 families daily; providing care for children from as young as two months through the 5th grade at 19 sites throughout the city. Approximately 17% of PACCC families receive subsidy or scholarship support either from the city, the State, or from PACCC itself.