History:

Tilly’s Tots was founded in 2022 by owner/director, Tilly. Tilly adores children and has worked in the professional childcare field for 10+ years. In the early 1900’s, the building was Noe Valley’s neighborhood market. Since then, the zoning of the switched from commercial to residential. Although we are technically a residential in-home daycare, Tilly’s Tots resembles a commercial facility. Tilly’s Tots is operating in the space previously known as Timothy Mouse House, which successfully operated for 20+ years. We’re honored to carry on the legacy of childcare in this space, and thrilled to be a part of Noe Valley.

A place for social families:

Since moving to Noe Valley in 2020, Tilly has managed to magnetize the children of Noe Valley, gaining the reputation as the village sitter. By the time Tilly’s Tots opened in 2022, it was enrolled to capacity with friends and neighbors who patiently waited all of pandemic for Tilly to open her school. Since opening, there hasn’t been a need for marketing, we’ve grown by word-of-mouth. Tilly loves creating special memories for children and parents. She hosts about 10 events a year, taking the pressure and hassle of working families to plan and coordinate playdates and holiday events. Because of the frequency and consistency of the events, Tilly’s Tots has become a popular preschool for families who love to socialize as a family.

A place to grow well-rounded children:

Tilly has long had a fascination with young children and unveiling their personalities, their strengths, and what makes them unique. She is of the belief that regular exposure to as many subjects as possible contributes to the well-rounded nature of children. We believe child-led and outdoor play is important for children this young; we go on neighborhood walks (the school in the pink vests), we garden, and we do sensory play each week. We also offer an array of engaging classes each week; children participate in a cooking class, music class, theater class, sports class, and a science class. We also spend a small portion of the day with a curriculum component, ensuring that children are gaining the tools they need for the next step in their education. The most rewarding experience is to discover what each child is passionate about at such a young age. We have 4 children in each class, all grouped by age. On campus, our infant ratios are 2:1 and our toddler ratios are 3:1.

A place for teachers to feel supported:

Many teachers have transferred into Tilly’s Tots from other schools feeling burned out from the high ratios, or the inability to have flexibility during the work week. At Tilly’s Tots, teacher can expect low child:adult ratios, a fair wage, genuinely amazing parent involvement and support, and flexibility for time off. Tilly’s Tots is a place to grow in whatever area you’d like to grow in (teaching, managing, administration, etc.), and transition to the next step in your career. If you’re interested in a job opportunity for the future, please email Tilly@TillysTots.com

Arca de Noe:

Tilly’s Tots will be launching a sister location on 23rd street and Noe street by the name of Arca de Noe (Noe’s Ark). This is the Spanish Immersion version of Tilly’s Tots. The school is currently being renovated, but is expected to start enrollments August, 2025. All Tilly’s Tots applicants will get priority admissions to Arca Preschool. Tours are expected to begin the last week of July.