For almost 60 years, Clayton Valley Parent Preschool (CVPP) has been rooted in play-based learning, parent participation, and a strong sense of community. From its beginnings as St. John’s Parent Nursery School to the school it is today, generations of children, families, teachers, and directors have helped shape its legacy.

1967 — The Beginning

• Classroom construction began at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Clayton.

• On December 27, 1967, the original parent cooperative filed its Articles of Incorporation.

1968 — St. John’s Parent Nursery School Opens

• Mrs. Stanley Lemer served as the first director.

• Founders Carolyn and Larry Bovat helped establish the school’s cooperative values and philosophy.

1968 — Mrs. Beverly Mueller

• Mrs. Klaus A. Mueller (Beverly) became director in September 1968.

• She strengthened the school’s foundation of creative, play-based learning, family relationships, and parent education.

• These principles remain at the heart of CVPP today.

1970 — Patsy Sherman Begins Her 30-Year Legacy

• Mrs. Frank “Patsy” Sherman became director in September 1970.

• With a background in Early Childhood Education and experience as a cooperative preschool parent, Patsy brought her passion for child development to the school.

• For three decades, Patsy shaped CVPP while preserving its play-based philosophy and emphasis on parent education.

1975 — A New Home & A New Name

• St. John’s Parent Nursery School moved from St. John’s Episcopal Church to its current location at Concord United Methodist Church.

• With the move came a new name: Clayton Valley Parent Preschool (CVPP).

2000–2022 — The Magic of Teacher DeeDee

• Dietra “DeeDee” Leming brought extensive training in child development, Developmentally Appropriate Practices, Reggio Emilia, and HighScope philosophy.

• Her dedication earned her numerous honors, including Teacher DeeDee Day in Concord in 2009 and California Teacher of the Year recognition in 2010.

• For 22 years, DeeDee poured her heart into CVPP, helping shape its classrooms, play spaces, community, and traditions.

• Her unexpected passing in December 2022 marked a heartbreaking loss for the entire CVPP family.

2023 — Carrying the Legacy Forward

• Natacha “Teacher Tacha” Uriarte, a CVPP board member and Child Development graduate, stepped into the director role.

Today — A Legacy That Continues

• Rosie “Ms. Rosie” Myers becomes Director alongside Jamie Bonde as her Teacher’s assistant (and parent).

For more than five decades, CVPP has remained committed to developing the whole child through play-based learning, parent participation, and meaningful relationships.

The faces and names may have changed, but the heart of CVPP remains the same: a place where children learn through play, families build lifelong connections, and generations of our community grow together.