"There was a presumption in the mid-1960s that mothers stayed at home and didn't need daycare," said Ruthie Valenzuela, director of Primary Plus-Coventry. "But after talking to women, it was discovered there were more women working outside the home than was originally thought."

Operating under the name Action Day Nursery/Primary Plus, today there are nine centers including Primary Plus-Coventry located at 1125 W. Campbell Ave..

On Aug 12, Primary Plus-Coventry, which opened its doors in 1990, invited parents and children to join them in a fun and festive celebration marking Action Day Nursery/Primary Plus' 36th year of providing quality childcare services.

Action Day Nursery/Primary Plus centers serve children from birth to kindergarten, with a goal of helping children grow and develop intellectually, socially, physically and emotionally.

"We seek to teach children all the academic and social skills they will need to move onto elementary school," Valenzuela said.

The center employs 40 teachers with small classroom ratios to ensure everyone receives the attention they need.

"We have a student-to-teacher ratio of 12 to one in preschool, six to one for toddlers and four to one for infants," she added.

Curriculum for infants includes activities that develop small and large motor skills and an introduction of basic shapes and animals. Toddler and preschool curriculum has age-specific activities designed to promote physical growth, language, reading and math readiness, music development and social skills.

"In addition to classroom-based curriculum, we offer activities such as sports programs and dance and computer classes," Valenzuela said.

For parents like Gary Valencia, this type of structure was just what he was looking for. Valencia has been bringing his 3-year-old daughter, Isabella, to Primary Plus-Coventry for about a 1 1/2 years.

"I originally had her in a home-based daycare scenario, but it was not structured," he said. " I wanted her involved in a planned curriculum with activities that would help her develop her motor skills and prepare her for elementary school. I am extremely pleased with her progress. She's moved up several levels already. They do a phenomenal job and I am very happy she's here."

Valencia also attributes his daughter's overall growth to the experienced staff at Primary Plus-Coventry.

Estella Riveria is an example of that dedication. She has been teaching at the center for 8 1/2 years. "I love my job. It's a great experience and great atmosphere," she said.

Valencia said that positive atmosphere comes though.

Niru Dixit, whose 3-year-old son has been at the center less than a year added, "The teachers are great and he is very comfortable here."

For Valenzuela, whose father was a minister, taking care of children was a natural evolution.

"I used to sing in the church choir, and as I grew up I started helping with the preschool children," said Valenzuela, who started at the center nine years ago as a pre-kindergarten teacher. "A favorite part of my job is the conversations I have with the children about their day. I love it when they stop by my office to chat."

For more information about Primary Plus-Coventry, 1125 W. Campbell Ave., call 408.379.3184 or visit www.adnpp.com for information about Action Day Nurseries/Primary Plus.