TOT DROP, which was first introduced in the City of Lafayette in March 1994, was created for families in the community who wanted more flexibility in preschool programs. The standard preschool model no longer fit the busy family of today. TOT DROP's founder believed that there was a better way to serve families; that preschool enrollment should take into account the realities of the busy lives of families with young children. TOT DROP listened to parents' frustrations. Then we designed a program for preschoolers with customer-centered policies.

Parents have responded with enthusiasm. TOT DROP now operates in seven Bay Area locations including: Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, Benicia, Hercules, Pleasant Hill and Livermore. The total number of families currently attending the seven sites exceeds 2,000.

In 1997, the California Parks and Recreation Society nominated TOT DROP for the Recreation Program of the Year. Founder Ruth Kaiser, was nominated for the Contra Costa Woman of the Year award (not once but twice) for "creating community". Through the years TOT DROP has repeatedly won awards from Mothers' Clubs, Parent Magazines and Community Organizations for best Drop in Care and for Best Parent Respite! TOT DROP's unique approach to how a community can, and should, serve its families, has dramatically improved the lives of thousands of families.

Ruth Kaiser is the founder and President of TOT DROP. She has an extensive background in the field of education with teaching credentials from the State of California for preschool, elementary school, high school, adult education and fine art. Additionally, she has taught as a reading specialist. Ruth received both her degree in Fine Art and her teaching credentials from the University of California at Berkeley.

After years of teaching in the public schools and in local preschools (and becoming a Mom to three great kids), Ruth began TOT DROP in 1994.

Our first priority at TOT DROP is to help each child to successfully and happily separate from their parents. We hire wonderful teachers who create a safe, nurturing and supportive learning environment while gently guiding children through activities to foster development, growth and school readiness.

Most of the TOT DROP teachers are also mommies. Many TOT DROP teachers are former customers who came to TOT DROP and fell in love with what we do. All are still kids at heart. We have teachers who have been at TOT DROP for over eight years. That's unheard of in preschools; TOT DROP is just that great a place!

Our staff comes from a variety of backgrounds, including: credentialed teachers, ex-nannies, people who formerly provided licensed daycare in their homes, elementary school aides, a pediatric medical assistant, a Spanish teacher, a music teacher and a cheerleading coach. The common thread is that these are people who have chosen to spend their adult lives serving children.

Our staff is patient, caring and supportive. Each staff members is required to be:

TOT DROP is often seeking kind, fun, gentle, easygoing, high-energy adults who love goofing around with kids, facilitating noisy play and messy projects. Enthusiasm and a good work ethic are extremely important.

When you teach at TOT DROP, you can bring your toddler with you for FREE. Imagine working with your toddler at your side! What could be better? If you are interested, contact us.