Pickles Family Preschool
A little home in Albany, CA

Where small days feel like big love.

A warm, licensed family home led with love by Maria and her sister Amber — with from-scratch organic meals and room for just thirteen little ones.

State-licensed home Just 13 children Full day · 8:00–4:00
Loving care
Garden play
Meet the family

A home built on love.

Pickles isn't a center — it's a home. The same loving hands greet your child every morning, know their favorite song, and remember exactly how they like their apples cut.

Teacher
Maria Scatina

Lead teacher, carrying on what her mom began — with play, patience, and real connection at the heart of every day.

Family
Amber

Maria's sister and helping hands all day long — extra cuddles, extra eyes, extra fun.

In memory
Laraine “Rainey” Scatina

Maria's mom and the teacher whose love built this home. We carry her warmth into every day.

A day full of good things

Small by design, rich by nature.

With only thirteen children, every day can bend toward what the kids are curious about — and slow down when little hearts need it.

An everyday garden, an everyday adventure

Dirt under fingernails, seeds in little hands, snails to befriend. Outdoor play and nature are woven through the whole day — not saved for a special occasion.

Art & making

Paint, paste, glitter and glue — process over product, every single day.

Story time

Lap-time books, big feelings, and the joy of a tale told just for you.

Music & movement

Singing, dancing, and instruments that are gloriously, joyfully loud.

Gentle rhythms

Predictable days, quiet nap time, and room to rest — the way little bodies need.

Celebrations

The Chinese New Year parade, our Halloween party, and pint-sized performances families never miss.

A gentle day

Unhurried, and full of good moments.

We don't rush the clock. Days flow at a pace little ones can feel — circle-time songs, long stretches of play, a shared lunch, and quiet rest.

Circle time

Songs, hellos, and the day's little plans.

Garden & outdoor play

Digging, climbing, and fresh Albany air.

Art & making

Paint, paste, and gloriously messy hands.

Music & movement

Singing, dancing, and joyful noise.

Story time

Lap-time books and big imaginations.

Lunch together

A warm, homemade meal, family-style.

Quiet rest

Cozy nap time to recharge little bodies.

Free play

Open-ended time to follow their wonder.

From our kitchen

Real food, made from scratch.

Every meal and snack is cooked here from organic, seasonal produce — delivered fresh through our CSA box. No mystery ingredients, just good food kids actually love.

Organic & seasonalA weekly CSA farm box guides the menu.
Cooked on-site dailyLunch & snacks, all homemade.
Shared family-styleMealtime as connection, not just calories.
Come say hello

Let's find your little one a spot.

The best way to know if Pickles is right for your family is to come see it. Give us a call or send a note — Maria answers personally.

Where
Ramona & Solano Ave · Albany
Hours
Mon–Fri · 8:00–4:00