OUR STORY

The St. Helena Preschool for All, originated in response to the closure of the St. Helena Head Start preschool in 2010, leaving a gap in affordable preschool options for local families. A collaborative effort by UpValley Family Center, St. Helena Cooperative Nursery School, and the St. Helena Unified School District resulted in a short-term plan to assist families with preschool expenses. The St. Helena Cooperative Nursery School played a pivotal role in piloting and funding the program until the St. Helena Preschool for All (SHPFA) became financially stable. In 2012, formal meetings began, leading to the establishment of SHPFA as a nonprofit in 2013.

The organization, led by Executive Director Julio Olguin, expanded its reach over the years, offering scholarships to 3-and 4-year-olds and increasing enrollment. Community support, including from organizations like the St. Helena Unfied School District, St. Helena Rotary Club, and the Roger J. Trinchero Family Foundation, allowed SHPFA to make significant strides, providing extended hours and year-round coverage to meet the needs of working families. In 2021, SHPFA began offering coverage in the surrounding communities of Angwin & Calistoga. The organization looks forward to a promising future and is grateful for the unwavering support of the community.