Want more information or a tour?
We accept new enrollments throughout the year as long as space is available. Click on the “Family Needs Form” Button below and we’ll contact you to answer questions and set up a tour if you want.
School Director Ms. Cari
Hello, my name is Ms. Cari and I'll be the Director while Ms. Rachel is out on maternity leave. I'm excited to become a part of the Children's Cottage family and meet everyone! I've been privileged enough to have 35 years of experience working in the early childhood field. I started as an aide, became a teacher, taught all the age groups, and eventually became a director where I have over 20 years of experience. If you were to ask me my "why," I would tell you this is my passion. I love being able to help make a difference in children's lives. I have had 3 former students come back and work for me. In my free time I love spending with my family, gardening, cooking, and my dog Barley. Hope to meet you soon.
Email: Cari@ChildrensCottage.com
Ms. Mirna, Preschool Team Lead
Hello, I am Ms. Mirna and I am the Preschool Team Lead for the three classrooms in our preschool building: Ladybugs (2-year-olds), Bumblebees (3-year-olds), and Butterflies (4-year-olds). I have been working on the preschool side of the program since 2019 and currently spend most of my day teaching in the Ladybug room. I was born and raised in the Napa Valley and love the community that Children’s Cottage has provided for many families throughout the years. I have a deep passion for teaching children through all stages of development. I am the youngest of three children, and we are all preschool teachers! The preschool team and I look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for growth and development for all our little ones at Children’s Cottage.
Email: Mirna@ChildrensCottage.com
Ray Welch, Owner
Hello, my name is Ray Welch, and my wife Mary and I are the proud owners of Children’s Cottage. My interest in early childhood education began while I was enrolled at the University of Connecticut. A course in Children’s Literature sparked my curiosity, and I soon became a Teacher’s Assistant for the class. During that time, I had the memorable opportunity to meet P. L. Travers, the author of the Mary Poppins books. Mary and I welcomed our twin girls at home—before we even knew we were having twins—and three years later, our son was also born at home. These early experiences as parents deepened our appreciation for the wonder and complexity of a child’s development. In 1993, we founded Children’s Cottage Child Care in Napa. Our commitment to high‑quality early education has taken us around the world, including a visit to the renowned preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. There, we observed the “hundred languages of children”—the many ways children express themselves through art, movement, music, and creativity. I was also honored to serve as a delegate to the World Forum on Early Childhood Education in Macau, China, joining representatives from more than 70 countries in a global exchange of ideas about nurturing and educating young children.
Email: Ray@ChildrensCottage.com
Ms. Rachel, School Director
