Littlest Angels Preschool celebrates 25 years of two-year-olds

We’re guessing you may be like us, walking or driving by Bethany Church on Cloud Avenue in Menlo Park — pausing to admire the lighted cross at night.

But nestled within its grounds is Littlest Angels Preschool which springs forth from various nooks and crannies in buildings and grounds not noticeable from the street.

This Sunday, April 14, the school is celebrating 25 years of two-year-olds with a musical service by the preschool children followed by a reception from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. The organizers are hoping alumni of the preschool will stop by.

We recently chatted with the preschool’s Director, Katie O’Malley, who was quick to point out that while the school is part of the church it serves children ages two to five years of all faiths.

“We work on how to self advocate, how to take turns,” she explains. “Each month is a different virtue — gentle words, sharing, etc.”

Katie has worked with young children almost her whole life, working as a babysitter and performing in children’s theaters as a teenager. “You have to have a heart for it — there is so much to it,” she says.

Katie was first introduced to the preschool when she was a nanny for two children who attended there. She started teaching in the classroom and became Director in 2018.

“Every day is different,” she says about the job she clearly loves. “Every day will bring challenges — and multiple laughs. Kids don’t come in with an agenda!”

Photos by Linda Hubbard (c) 2024