Hilltop is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4 PM. With limited extended options available from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. We enroll children ages 2 to 6 years old. Your child does not need to be potty-trained to be admitted.
Our Curriculum
At Hilltop, learning is fun! We have two classrooms with a “free-choice,” play-based, emergent curriculum in which children are allowed to choose from a wide variety of activities, all designed to help them develop life’s basic growing skills: self-esteem, self-expression, conflict resolution and a curiosity about the world around them. We offer creative experiences in art, music, movement, science and nature, communication and language, and physical education. Our goal is to provide children their first glimpse of the world in a safe environment where the hard work of growing up and solving problems can be learned through personal experience.
Our Staff
Hilltop’s staff is composed of highly trained professional teachers and teacher’s assistants, all selected by the parents. While degrees are important, affection, patience, enthusiasm and “quality” experience in working with preschoolers are main considerations in hiring staff. In addition to planning and organizing Hilltop’s curriculum and daily activities, Hilltop’s staff provides guidance and supervision to classroom volunteers, conducts parent conferences and maintains a steady watch on each child’s development.
My name is Isabel Trejo, and I’m the Program Director at Hilltop. Hilltop has been a second home to me for the past nine years. I have worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for 18 years, beginning my journey as a Substitute Teacher, then moving into leadership roles as a Preschool Teacher, Lead Teacher, and now proudly serving as the Program Director at Hilltop.
I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education in 2010 and have experience working with children ranging in age from 3 months to 13 years. While I’ve enjoyed every stage of childhood, preschool is where my heart truly feels at home. I love being part of the children’s daily lives at Hilltop and supporting their growth and development.
My name is Odilia Gonzalez, I am the current Financial Operations Admin, a former teacher, and parent of two Hilltop Alumni, class of ‘07 and ‘09. My husband and I have 6 children ranging from 31 to 9 years old. For us, Hilltop was a true family commitment as I was teaching and my husband was a co-op for the 5 years we were here as parents. I am proud to say that my teaching career began right here when a former director transitioned me from a parent co-op to an educator. She must have known that teaching would become my passion. I enjoy camping with my family and have such fond memories of our camping trips with Hilltop. Even after 20 years, we still get together with our Hilltop friends and have had the pleasure of watching our children grow together into young adulthood. Hilltop has been an amazing home to my family throughout the years. Once a Hilltopper, Always a Hilltopper.
My name is Kaitlyn Alvarez, and I am the Office Assistant. I have been working at Hilltop for five years, and am also a proud Hilltop alum. I am currently a senior at Cal Poly Pomona, pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a focus on Social Work. In my free time, I enjoy reading, thrifting, and spending time with my family. I’m excited to meet everyone and am looking forward to a wonderful school year.
My name is Rosario Vasquez and I been part of Hilltop for the past 20 years. I worked for a family that attended Hilltop as a nanny. Then Hilltop needed help and hired me as a cleaning personnel. I have seen so many children grow and return to visit Hilltop. I’m still in touch with the alumni family, and it’s been great seeing the children go off to college and still keep in touch. I’m a mother of 3 young adults and also a grandmother to 5 grandchildren. I enjoy being part of the Hilltop Community because I appreciate the staff and families.
My name is Camille Montiel. I’m a veteran teacher here at Hilltop. I have worked at Hilltop for the past 25 years, and have worked with children all my life in many different ways, from before and after school programs, summer school, and even home daycare while my own children were little. I’m a mother to three amazing young adults, two of whom attended Hilltop. Now I get to work alongside my daughter here at Hilltop. Which is amazing to watch her grow into the wonderful teacher she has become. I’m also a grandma of two (the best job ever). Throughout my years as an educator, I have seen many children grow into amazing individuals. It warms my heart to see old Hilltoppers come to visit and share their fond memories with me. Year after year, I enjoy becoming an important part of my students’ lives. It is a pleasure to be allowed into your families and to be able to share so many amazing milestones with you and your children. Being an educator is truly a rewarding experience.
I’m Ruby Ascencio, and I’m excited to be at Hilltop Nursery School.. I received an Associate in Arts degree in Child Development from LACC, along with a certificate in Infant and Toddler Studies. Through these courses, I had the opportunity to assist in two preschool programs, which reaffirmed my love for this field. The main reason I entered this profession was the incredible educators I had growing up. They demonstrated a true passion and love for teaching, and their example continues to motivate me. I strive to leave a positive impact on the children I work with, just as they did for me. In my free time, I enjoy practicing photography at family gatherings or outings with friends. Whether using my digital camera or a disposable film camera, I love capturing those special moments. I am eager to learn and improve my skills in this craft.
My name is Amanda Montiel, and I am a Hilltop Alumni (class of ‘02!). I have been a teacher for the past six years and have enjoyed learning and growing as an educator. I recently graduated from CSULA with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders to pursue a career as a licensed child speech therapist. I love doing crafts, having dance parties, and the children have the best day ever. Outside of being a teacher, I find joy in going to the lake, watching 80’s movies, and playing with my niece and nephews. I have a passion for building strong relationships with my students and parents. I look forward to working alongside the Hilltop families.
My name is Radhia Jamil, but the kids call me Teacher RaRa. I am entering my second year of teaching here at Hilltop. I have enjoyed working with children in several capacities for 20 years now. My family founded a community-oriented school much like Hilltop in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I am originally from. I so much enjoy the play-based and student-led approach here. I hold a B.S. in Nutritional Sciences from U.C. Berkeley and am currently pursuing an AA in Child Development. When I am not in the classroom, I am usually enjoying local coffee shops, pursuing my passion for pilates, and knitting socks for my baby nephew.
A Parent-Owned Cooperative
A cooperative nursery school is “owned” by the community of families it serves. Parents are involved in all aspects of their child’s education, from participating in the classroom, hiring staff, and serving on the Board of Directors to organizing fundraising activities for the school. This participation demands commitment from every family, but there are many rewards. Co-op members benefit by being part of an extended family and feeling secure about where and by whom their child is being taught.
For children, the benefits of a cooperative school are even greater. With family members involved, the transition from home life to school life is easier, a child’s self-esteem is boosted, and both parents and child develop a dynamic learning relationship that carries over into the future.
As a cooperative preschool with a full-day program, Hilltop is an ideal place for families who want to be involved with their children’s education in a hands-on way, but who may need more hours of care than most co-ops are able to provide.
Parent Participation
Because its families have a wide range of schedules and skill sets, Hilltop offers a variety of ways for families to do their part in supporting the school. All families are required to:
-Attend Family Meetings one night each month, to facilitate communication and community-building
-Participate in fundraising activities essential to maintaining the socioeconomic diversity that is central to the school’s values
-Provide twelve hours per year in maintenance
-Serve on a school committee
Although they may participate in different ways at different times, all Hilltop families share a commitment to collective responsibility and a belief that you get from a community what you put into it.
