Westside Parents Education Nursery Is Readers'Choice for Best Preschool

Santa Cruz preschool won the Patch poll for best in the city Friday.

Located on the same property at Bayview Elementary School, the preschool, founded in 1970 lets kids get a hands-on experience with art, music and science, according to its statement.

The school took 44 percent of 27 votes cast. These preschoolers might tell you that's 12 votes. placed second.

Patch reader Julia S. commented that: "Westside Parent Education Nursery School (WPENS) supports the parent and the child, recognizing that good parenting lends itself to better child rearing. Stronger families lead to stronger communities."

And Beth Moorehead, who supported Happy Days said: "Happy Days CLC cared for my kids from the age of 4 months until kindergarten started.

The staff rarely changes (happy staff!) and my kids still talk about their caregivers - Robin the Hugger, Erica the Ever Cheerful, Kristina the Patient.. the list goes on.

Toby, the owner, will play his guitar and sing with the kids at a drop of the hat (or pacifier). My husband and I both work full time, and leaving our kids all day long with a daycare facility was made much easier when we realized our kids were gaining another family. We still get together with parents and children from Happy Days - our community remains strong years after."

Thanks for your voting and help.

Next week Patch looks for the Readers' Choice spot to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.