ABOUT US
ScuttleBugs child care center was conceived by Sam, one of our Founders / Partners. She thought if she could introduce some of the advanced and globally praised child care features from her native Australia she would find a warm welcome among parents in the US.
And so with husband Geoff (the Aussies) and two expat friends, Allan and Kim (the Brits), all with a deep passion to help kids in their adopted home, her idea for infants to Pre-K child care was born. We have been operating in Santa Clara and San Jose since 2011, and in 2023 we opened our first ScuttleBugs’ campus in Boulder.
We love being in America, particularly the melting pot that is Silicon Valley. Our parents, their kids and our teachers are from all over America and all over the world. Each child learns and participates first hand in the richness of not only our American culture but the other global cultures all around us. We love music, languages, reading and so do our kids. (OK, we also teach them to say G’day mate, fair dinkum, and cobber.)
We use advanced child care education methods such as Emergent Curriculum and Reggio Emilia. You can read more on our Curriculum Page.
We love our kids. The ScuttleBugs family (child-teacher-parent) is a three-way bond. This is so rewarding but it is also important that our kids love coming in each day to see their teachers as well as their friends. Parents can then know that truly we provide a warm, safe and loving place for their kids to learn and grow on their journey to becoming well rounded and well grounded. Ready for life's journey...
We are delighted and humbled by our parents strong messages of support and encouragement. We will continue to deliver on and develop Sam’s original dream.
The soundtrack of our working day? The sound of happy, engaged children. We must be doing something right.
You can read our Staff bios to learn more about who we are and we hope you will explore our website.
Contact Us Today
We hope you like what you've learned about us throughout your visit. Parents love our top-rated program and all-inclusive rates. Click below to get in touch with us!
Start HereWhat People Are Saying
The varied curriculum and environment helped her flourish and she’s now a bubbly positive 3yr old.
Management has many great programs in place including field trips (that allow parents to participate in), dance classes, gymnastics, arts, theater, etc…and a great outdoors covered playground area. Their meal program is outstanding and their facility is clean.
Scuttlebugs was a game-changer for our family. It was the only preschool in our area that didn’t hold kids back on curriculum just because they weren’t potty trained by a specific time.
Our boys were moved into the appropriate classes when they were ready. They were NEVER held back or pushed ahead for any reason.
“[We] are truly appreciative of Scuttlebugs more than ever”
My daughter had a tough first week, as most kids do. But the teachers took extra care to make her feel better and help her in the transition.
“Of the handful of places we looked at for my infant daughter, this was by far the best in terms of the teachers and overall vibe.”
…real eye-opener was how they handled Covid and the regulations that came from that. …they bent over backwards to help us, but resisted caving into us when it affected their rules and the new, changing, regulations.
I have to express my sincere gratitude to Scuttlebugs, you have truly shown your value during this time.
“Thank you for keeping us updated with everything that is going on at school and for all the links and home ideas. [Our daughter] has especially liked the homemade playdough.”
His teacher said he asks a lot of questions and that’s actually good, because it leads to the other kids also asking questions.
We watched our son excel in every area: academically, physically and getting fantastic social skills. The teachers are wonderful!
Great scale where it is not too big and has a coziness feeling for the kids ,its also not so small so that kids can get enough interaction and socialize.
“Thanks for helping out the essential business families during this time.”
Scuttlebugs have been so much joy and enormous experience that has contributed positively to her cognitive growth and her well being.
The teachers were kind and caring, and very communicative.
I’ve really been surprised with how quickly my daughter’s vocabulary and knowledge has expanded over the last year and half.
There was notable consideration and care put into the simple phone call I had with them.
“Thank you for all that you and the staff are doing during this unprecedented time.”
“we really love ScuttleBugs and the entire staff”
“The staff is always happy and helpful (something that is amazing when you deal with kids and demanding parents each day).”
“My daughter looks forward to going to school in the morning. And now that she has started speaking, when my wife goes to school to pick her up in the evening, and her teachers tell her “Mommy has come, let’s go”, she sometimes says “No No”.
…we are so deeply impressed at the way Scuttlebugs (and you) are navigating this phase. Bravo! We need more people like you guys to lead all of us. Truly.
You really cannot find a more genuine group of teachers and staff. We received daily reports and teachers always called to let you know if something was going on or your child was becoming ill, etc.
Overall, a solid choice for a Boulder daycare that caters to the typical working parent.
“The way you guys have been handling this entire situation is really amazing”
“The diversity of staff at ScuttleBugs is amazing. I am glad that for my sons, it is normal to see faces of different colors and celebrate holidays of different cultures”
My son has learned so much at ScuttleBugs. I love that education is very important here. They also helped wean my son from the pacifier (Phew!!) and when he’s ready they will help with potty training which is a HUGE +++! Another HUGEEE plus is diapers, meals, snacks, and pretty much everything they will need throughout the day is all inclusive. I never have to bring lunch, diapers, and wipes which saves so much time.
“we are truly grateful for the scuttlebugs staff and your commitment to the kids and their learning!”
I am glad that for my sons, it is normal to see faces of different colors and celebrate holidays of different cultures. My sons have been exposed to Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and probably many more languages through teachers, students, and parents.
This school puts stronger emphasis on content and a pedagogical program, rather than just passing the day somehow.
They have a great shaded outdoor play area and indoor gym.
“At the end of the day, I picked up my (tear-free!) son, and I’ll never forget what he said: “mommy I like school, can I go back to school tomorrow?”
The new owners have brought many positive changes including an app (love seeing pictures of her throughout the day!), improved curriculum, and a full time chef!
Thank you so much for all the updates. The way you guys have been handling this entire situation is really amazing. The activity guide for the week has been so helpful. You guys are definitely making our lives easier.
You’ve not only taught academics but also nurtured confidence, creativity, and compassion.
“My daughter … started not even 3 years ago, she was very very shy and reserved, she did not speak a word of English, she hardly understood this new language … She is now 4 and a half years old and is completely fluent thanks to this school.”
It’s very clean and tidy, the rooms are bright and airy, and you can see that children enjoy it there.
The infant room was absolutely amazing! The teachers are like family and have really contributed very positively to my son’s development.
Thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts for the love and dedication your staff has shown our daughter in the last 2 years of attendance.
Excellent and professional staff.
“The school takes great pride in their quality of their educational methods, their equipment (and toys), and maintaining a clean and inviting learning environment for our kids.”
With frequent communication with his caregivers, I felt very comfortable having him there every day. That was very important to me, especially when he was very young.
In my opinion, the change has been for the better. … I appreciate so much all the staff and it’s new owners and managers for making this all possible.
“We did all our homework on other facilities, costs, value for what you get and quality of care providers. There just was not something else out there that made me as comfortable as Scuttlebugs for many reasons.”
“They focus on child development, not just watching your children. The cost is very reasonable as well!”
The teachers my son had over the years have been helpful, kind, caring and showed interest in my sons development.
“My son’s speech was mostly indecipherable. …They then worked with him so that “his language” turned into something more like “the English language”. He’s also learned all his pre-k requirements very early on.”
“It is a clean facility. They supply everything there (no additional costs): Diapers, sunscreen, daily meals.”
“Thank you so much for all that you are doing. I’m glad the kiddos of essential workers have a place to go!”
Our 2 year old is shy but he absolutely loved going to ‘school’ and adapted to the place within days. His teachers, Greta and Emma are amazing – calm, consistent and most importantly, loving and caring.
Both the boys will greatly miss scuttlebugs a lot (especially the food :)). They have learnt a lot and made lifetime friends.
Over the past 8 years, ScuttleBugs has given not just exceptional care and education to our kids, but a community filled with joy…
As French, we wanted our daughter to eat healthy and balanced. This is indeed the case thanks to the chef who is cooking good food every day.
“Thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts for the love and dedication”
I would like to thank you for sharing a curriculum with us with some activities to do with our child at home…
We were relocated from England to bay area and it was never easy to find a preschool that he can settle easily as the school organization difference. We are quite glad to choose scuttlebug in the end and my son is very happy in the school.
The other thing is that Scuttlebugs MAKES OUR LIVES SO EASY. We just drop him off. They provide breakfast, all snacks, healthy lunches (who knew my kid would eat QUINOA, seriously?!), more snacks.
“The facility is by far one of the cleanest daycares we had seen, the kids are always happy and well taken care of.”
My kiddos loved the indoor gym, their teachers, friends and the yummy food made onsite. Mommy and daddy loved how everything is included. For busy working parents the last thing I want to worry about is washing daycare sheets or them running out of diapers.
“One of the things I most value in ScuttleBugs is the teaching staff. They care about the kids and rightfully take pride in the positive impact they’re having, now and into the future
My daughter thrived there from infancy through preschool because of the attentive and thoughtful owners, passionate and dedicated teachers, and all-around positive, fun and creative environment.
“it’s great to see you guys caring about your families so much and providing care for those families that need it the most.”
Since they spend a lot of time outside in the playground and in the gym, I have seen significant improvement in his physical abilities as well. I always see a good amount of discipline and love when I am in the class.
“I like their backyard play area, I like their menu, I appreciate the fact they take care of the sunblock for all the kids and everything else for that matter, I obviously like the teachers.”
“This place, by far, has been the best daycare our son has been in. … We got to know other parents at their social events”
Their fee is only slightly higher than other schools by about $10 per day. $10 for diapers, wipes, and food cooked on site by a personal cook (that other schools don’t provide) sounds like a worthwhile investment.
Over the years, we’ve watched them grow, laugh, and make so many beautiful memories here.
We appreciate everything and everyone in Scuttlebugs especially in these tough pandemic years.
My daughter started at 6 months old in the infant room … she took off for her classroom with barely a glance back at me 🙂
“Thank you so much for staying open and taking such good care of our little ones”
They are also very accommodating to food allergies and the cook Joanna has been great to work with to make sure our son follows a gluten free diet. The food offered is so healthy and nutritious with ethnic meals and lots of fruit and vegetables.
A first-time mom I was scared to leave my child for the first time not at home, but they took time to address all my concerns and I soon saw that overall it was very safe and my baby was happy there.
my son was getting sick monthly at his previous daycare’s. I think he has only been sick from a fever caught at school twice in the 1 year he has attended. Scuttle-bugs sanitizes the toys frequently.
“We really admire the professionalism of the staff and ownership and feel even more confident that we made a great choice with enrolling [our daughter] at Scuttlebugs.”
The chef prepared a variety of meals that our toddler seemed to enjoy.
“I get weekly and monthly updates and know exactly what’s going on in their school life. … The staff is so competent that I learned a lot on the way…”
“Thanks for the updates and the support that you and the entire staff have been given to keep our child entertained and educated at home during this difficult time.”
I can truly say that I have complete faith and trust in the center. I cannot tell you how great of a feeling that is as a parent.
We know our daughter is surrounded by people who really care about her wellbeing.
“The work you and all the teachers are doing at these critical times is highly appreciated. … We really appreciate all your efforts in helping the families who need child care and trying to sustain the business”
My son used to cry when we would drop him off and … he’s come so far! He waves hello and goodbye, he’s social, and eats better food than me during the day (true story)!
“I am so glad to have found ScuttleBugs, as a busy working mom it takes a big relief knowing that I fully trust the center staff to provide a safe, fun learning environment for my daughter.”
“I feel that my son is very safe, a key-card is needed to enter the lobby and the classrooms”
I truly feel blessed with this place! They offer secure and clean facility with yummy meal plan and wonderful playground area.
They love our son as if he were their own.
I feel 100% safe leaving her here.
They work well with me and greatly with my son. He’s learning everything I feel he needs and more, and his comprehension is outstanding.
All in all, you will not find a better daycare in the area. There is nothing more comforting as a mom than dropping our daughter off every morning, knowing that she will be cared for.
Scuttlebugs provides a clean, healthy and happy learning place for kids.
“Thank you for all the work your doing in these uncertain times”
As he has moved through different classrooms, each teacher has played a crucial and positive role in his development.
Everything is included in the tuition. You don’t have to worry about packing snacks, lunch, sunscreen, diapers… everything is taken care of. This took a lot of stress out of our family’s morning routine.
“We also appreciate all the material the ScuttleBugs team has made available online. … please pass on our appreciation to the ScuttleBugs ownership”
“thank you for continuing to support families that are still attending scuttlebugs and families that are keeping kids home.”
I have nothing but amazing things to say! extra bonus, my daughter potty trained in about one week.
“Everything is included with your tuition. Diapers, wipes, food (which is prepared there) and formula. Makes it so much easier to get your kid’s stuff together in the morning because you don’t need to pack much for them!”
All the teachers really help in the morning as my son sometimes has separation anxiety but they make him feel safe and loved; I couldn’t ask for more!
“We have seen the great change /my child/ made after going to ScuttleBugs. Once again, me and my husband appreciate all things you guys have done to build such a great place for children living and prospering.”
My oldest daughter is going to Kindergarden next year and I can’t stop worrying about her safety in a public school. Cognitively, socialy and academic wise I know that she is ready but I feel SAFE bringing her to Scuttlebugs as I have for the last 4 years because I know its a secure Center.
My son transitioned from pre-K at Scuttlebugs to elementary school with ease, thanks in part to the excellent curriculum at Scuttlebugs.
I’m always impressed at drop-off and pick-up with how focused and well-behaved S and her classmates are with their various little projects.
We applaud you and the rest of the Scuttlebugs staff for continuing to operate the center as an essential business and thus supporting the community at large.
“thank you for everyone’s efforts at ScuttleBugs to make sure my son was happy and well cared for during these troubling times. You guys are amazing!”
I’m forever so grateful to Scuttlebugs for creating such a loving and nurturing environment for my son – he’s such a sensitive little guy.
This Child Development center is one of the cleanest centers I’ve ever seen!
Our child has made some great friends (so have we), comes home with great exploratory art and talks about the new lessons of that day with curiosity and enthusiasm.
“knowing [our daughter] has a safe place to go during this time is so comforting”
“Instead of letting him lie down all day because he can’t sit up or crawl, they hold him, sit him in boppies, and give him tummy time so that his muscles can develop and he can learn to sit and crawl.”
ScuttleBugs was a 2nd home for our kids! We have many wonderful memories!
They have truly become a huge part of our “village.” Also, the nutrition/menu is spectacular.