Kids’ Country Celebrates 40 Years

– What Began as a Single Site Has Grown into a Regional Institution, Proving That Community-Driven Childcare Can Thrive for Generations –

DANVILLE, CA, March 14, 2025 – Kids’ Country, the Bay Area’s pioneering nonprofit afterschool program, is celebrating 40 years of serving local families with quality, community-driven childcare. Founded in 1985 by a determined group of working parents in the San Ramon Valley, Kids’ Country pioneered a then-radical model—placing childcare directly on elementary school campuses. This vision changed afterschool programming in the Bay Area and set a national benchmark for safe, high-quality, and enriching out-of-school programs.

When Kids’ Country was created, our founders weren’t just building a childcare program—they were building a future for our kids and our community,” said Ann Tancioco, Executive Director of Kids’ Country. “Forty years later, we are still here, still thriving, and still setting the standard for what exceptional afterschool care looks like.” Kids’ Country was the first afterschool organization in the U.S. to earn COA accreditation, a distinction that recognizes its high standards in child development, education, and enrichment programming.

Over four decades, Kids’ Country has expanded from a single location at Walt Disney Elementary to 18 locations across Alamo, Danville, and San Ramon, serving thousands of children each year.

Programs include:

· STEAM-based learning to foster curiosity and critical thinking

· Social-emotional development programs that build resilience and confidence.

· Outdoor play and fitness activities to support health and wellness.

· Community engagement initiatives such as the Run for Education and the Danville Kiwanis 4th of July Parade.

Despite rising childcare costs and increased competition, Kids’ Country remains a pillar in the Bay Area—proving that a nonprofit, community-driven model can thrive even in today’s challenging landscape. “Forty years is a remarkable milestone, but more importantly, it’s a promise—we’re here to stay,” said Tancioco. “Kids’ Country will continue to provide families with the trusted, high-quality care they need now and in the future.”

To mark the occasion, Kids’ Country will host a series of community celebrations throughout the year, including its participation in the Run for Education and a special 40th Birthday Week across all 18 sites.

Thanks in part to the generosity of our 2025 Gifts, we were able to keep Kids’ Country’s doors open and continue to serve our community. We were able to stay competitive, value our passionate and dedicated staff, and continue our search for and recruit new talent to join our Kids’ Country family in order to serve more children in our programs. We continue to work our way back to being able to provide scholarships to families in need, because we truly feel that every child deserves Kids’ Country.

We thank you for your donation and for being a part of our Kids’ Country community.

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