Santa Cruz Parent Education Nursery School

Wendy Wyckoff

2010 United Way Community Hero

Wendy has been at SCPENS since 1993. She has been working with young children and families for more than 30 years as a toddler and preschool teacher. Wendy has been a parent education instructor at Santa Cruz Adult School for 25 years, and was a Program Director of a toddler daycare center prior to joining SCPENS.

In 1997, Wendy developed our toddler class, which she teaches today. The toddler program is unique to SCPENS, among the Parent Education Nursery Schools in Santa Cruz.

Wendy received a BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz, and an Early Childhood Education Programs Permit from the Cabrillo College ECE program. She also has an Adult Education Credential.

There are many things I love about teaching at SCPENS! We offer a place where parents can really develop skills and attitudes that will help them be effective and appreciative of their parenting journey. The children in the program learn about being together in a group, making friendships, enjoying new activities, following directions, developing independence and they learn to trust that adults in their environment are loving, kind and helpful. I love the feel of “family” where we support each other, help each other and learn together. Most of all, I love the hugs from the kids.

Maggie Klepp

2010 United Way Community Hero

Maggie has lived in Santa Cruz for 40 years. For 18 years, Maggie was a teacher and Executive Director of Community Children’s Center in the Louden Nelsen Community Center. She has taught preschool classes at SCPENS since 2002.

Maggie majored in Home Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and received an A.A.in Early Childhood Education from Cabrillo College. She served on the Cabrillo College Early Childhood Education Advisory Board for fourteen years and was a long-time member of the Child Care Council. She has an Adult Education Credential and has been certified in Positive Discipline.

SCPENS is a safe haven where challenges can be discussed and solutions explored. As one parent said, “SCPENS provides the instruction manual that didn’t come with the baby!” I wish all parents could experience how combining parent education with the children’s program promotes effective parenting techniques. There is an immediate sense of community and support for parents, and a warm, gentle place for children where they can gain the social and cognitive skills that will be the foundation for success in elementary school. The teamwork between the parents and teachers, and the affection and respect for the children and each other, create an ideal learning environment for all participants. And even after all these years of working with children, I continue to learn from both children and parents.

I love providing a variety of experiences for children; from messy art and science projects that parents would never attempt at home, to music, art, movement, carpentry, cooking, hatching chicks, and discovering wildlife in our own backyard.

Dara Thornton

2010 United Way Community Hero

Dara has been teaching children in Santa Cruz for 20 years. In addition to teaching for the Santa Cruz City Schools, Dara operated a home daycare center, was a professional puppeteer and storyteller and worked with the Girl Scouts of Monterey Bay for 12 years. Dara joined SCPENS in 2003, where she teaches preschool classes.Dara is also a Children’s Theater Instructor at the West End Studio Theater.

Dara graduated with distinction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BA in Communication Arts. She also has an Adult Education Credential in Parent Education and Multiple Subjects. She is certified in Positive Discipline.

Every day I come to work and am greeted with big smiles and heart-melting hugs. I spend each day sharing my enthusiasm for learning and inspiring creativity in children. Preschool is the time where the mold is set for how children are going to experience education for the rest of their lives. At SCPENS we teach the whole child -- developing self-esteem, social skills and imagination as well as academic readiness.

But SCPENS is more than a preschool. Parents are students as well. It’s so rewarding to help parents develop and expand their parenting skills. Children grow. Parents grow. Families grow. And in the process both adult and childhood friendships develop. Community flourishes as teachers, parents and children learn and work together. Learning is an adventure that I love to share!