Meet Kathy

For more than 30 years, Kathy Lashkari has run a licensed family child care home in Palo Alto. What started as caring for a few neighborhood families has become a lifelong calling — and a community of parents and grown-up "kids" who still keep in touch.

Kathy believes early childhood should feel safe, unhurried, and full of small joys: songs, meals around the table, nap time on familiar blankets, and plenty of unstructured play. Every child is treated as part of the family.

Our Philosophy

  • Calm, predictable routines that help young children feel secure
  • Warm, undistracted attention — not passive supervision
  • Nutritious home-cooked meals, fresh air, and plenty of play
  • Respect for each child's pace — no one is rushed
  • A small, home-based setting where your child is known by name

Programs

Kathy's Day Care is a small, licensed Family Child Care Home serving infants and young children in a warm, home setting — not a large facility. Children spend the day in a calm household rhythm, not a classroom shuffle.

  • Infants & young toddlers — gentle, attentive care on each child's own schedule
  • Older toddlers & preschoolers — songs, stories, art, outdoor play, and early social skills
  • Part-time and full-time schedules available

Daily life includes home-cooked meals and snacks, outdoor play in the fenced yard, quiet time, naps, reading, music, and plenty of free play.

Hours & Location

  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: 749 Montrose Ave, Palo Alto, CA
  • Phone: (510) 304-5859

For rates and current availability, please reach out — Kathy is happy to talk through your family's needs.

Enrollment

Because this is a small home-based program, spots open up only occasionally and enrollment is by personal conversation. The process is simple:

  1. Reach out by phone or email to introduce your family
  2. Schedule a visit so you and your child can meet Kathy and see the home
  3. Talk through schedule, meals, and any questions you have
  4. Complete enrollment paperwork and set a start date

What Parents Say

Kathy's Day Care has a 5.0 rating on Yelp, where longtime families have shared their experiences over the years. Many parents stay with Kathy through multiple children, and many "graduates" still visit years later.

Credentials

  • Licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD)
  • 30+ years operating a licensed Family Child Care Home in Palo Alto
  • Women-owned and operated

Ready to learn more? Call (510) 304-5859 or email Kathy_Lashkari@yahoo.com.