SAN FRANCISCO - INNER RICHMOND
Martha Poppins
Childcare & Art Academy
PHILOSOPHY
At Martha Poppin's Childcare & Art Academy, we believe in a holistic approach to early childhood education, nurturing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of every child. These four dimensions work together—what affects one influences the others—so our care embraces them all through art, nature, music, play, and mindful cooking.
• Physical – We promote healthy growth through movement, balanced nutrition, proper rest, and positive habits.
• Emotional – We help children understand, express, and regulate their emotions, developing empathy and soft skills from an early age.
• Mental – We create stimulating learning experiences that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and the joy of acquiring new skills.
• Spiritual – We foster a sense of purpose, gratitude, and connection with life, encouraging mindfulness and respect for values that guide positive actions.
Our methodology combines heart-centered guidance with immersive, play-based learning, where boundaries are seen as bridges, not walls. We invite children to explore aromas, colors, and melodies through art, cooking, and nature—building confidence, empathy, and a lifelong love for learning.
“Every aroma, color, and melody is a seed we plant in a child’s soul.” - Martha
martha poppins photo Gallery
CURRICULUM
Overall Daycare Curriculum
Focus: Art • Music • Spanish Immersion • Social Skills • Nature Exploration
Special Feature: Daily Golden Gate Park Trips (Japanese Tea Garden, California Academy of Sciences, playgrounds, Botanical Garden)
1. Daily Schedule:
Time Activity
7:30a – 9:00a: Arrival & Free Play (indoor art/musical toys, all greetings in Spanish)
9:00a – 9:30a: Morning Circle: Spanish songs, greetings, weather & date in Spanish
9:30a – 10:00a: Art or Music Focus (theme-based, tied to park visit when possible)
10:00a – 11:45a: Daily Outdoor Activity — Go to a destination in Golden Gate Park or play in the patio out back. When we visit Golden Gate Park we will rotate between the following destinations: Playgrounds, Japanese Tea Garden, Science Museum, Stow Lake, Botanical Garden
11:40a – 12:00p: Snack in the park or backyard (Spanish conversation practice)
12:00p – 12:30p: Return home and prepare for Lunch
12:30p – 1:00p: Lunch
1:00p – 3:00p: Nap Time
3:00p – 4:00p: Music & Movement (instruments, dance, Spanish lyrics), Social Skills Activity (cooperative games, puppet role-play, emotion recognition)
4:00p – 5:00p: Wrap-up Circle: Spanish songs, show today’s art, sing goodbye song in Spanish. Playtime until parent arrival.
2. Core Learning Areas:
A) Art
- Create art inspired by park visits and group activities/
- Use natural materials collected on walks (leaves, sticks, flowers) in collages.
- Learn about famous Latin American artists connected to nature (Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo).
B) Music
- Practice rhythm with nature sounds — clapping like bird calls, shaking maracas in the park.
- Learn songs about animals, weather, and plants in Spanish.
- Perform mini concerts for park visitors or other kids.
C) Spanish Immersion
- All greetings, instructions, and songs in Spanish.
- Vocabulary themed around park destinations (e.g., pez for fish at the aquarium, árbol for tree walks).
- Spanish storytelling during snack time in the park.
D) Social Skills
- Partner and group challenges in playground settings.
- Sharing materials during art sessions in the park.
Our Vision
Heart-Centered Guidance
At Martha Poppin's Childcare & Art Academy, we believe boundaries are bridges, not walls - gentle guides that help children feel safe, respect themselves, and live in harmony with others.
Our Boundaries Philosophy:
• Provide Safety: “I keep you safe so you can explore.”
• Encourage Independence: “You can try on your own, and I’m here if you need help.”
• Foster Empathy: “We take turns so everyone feels included.”
• Build Self-Awareness: “I notice you’re feeling upset; let’s find a calm way to solve this.”
We lead with love, respect, and predictable routines, focusing on connection before correction and nurturing emotional intelligence. In this way, each child grows with confidence, empathy, and resilience in an environment that is artistic, nature-inspired, and safe.
“Where art, nature, and kindness shape little hearts.”
sample weekly menu
about
Martha Kerr
Founder of Martha Poppins Childcare & Art Academy
Educator, artist, chef, and mother.
I was born in Valencia, Venezuela, into a family deeply connected to art, music, and natural wisdom. I grew up surrounded by the scents of spices, classical music, and conversations about healing and creativity. We were one of the few vegetarian families at the time, practicing Ayurvedic medicine and living in harmony with nature.
My father, a gifted pianist and teacher, passed on his love for music from a very early age. By the age of four, I was already playing my first Beethoven melodies, and the piano became a bridge to my inner world. Creativity and artistic sensitivity were part of our daily life—painting, literature, healthy cooking, and body expression shaped my childhood.
At 23, I left Venezuela to expand my horizons. I traveled throughout exploring cultures, landscapes, and diverse philosophies. Later, I became a diplomatic lady, representing Mexico abroad. My final diplomatic post was in Cuba, where I studied art history, philosophy, yoga, and theater with extraordinary Cuban masters who deeply influenced my vision of education and life.
Nine years ago, I arrived in San Francisco, a city that embraced me with its diversity, nature, and free spirit. It was here that I discovered my true calling: to guide children through art, music, culture, and emotional development.
The birth of my children four years ago sparked the creation of Martha Poppins Art Day Care, an intimate, conscious, and creative space where I bring together everything I have learned throughout my life. Our program is inspired by a holistic vision of education, where naïve art, mindful cooking, classical music, philosophy, and cinema are tools to nurture self-esteem, authentic expression, and a deep connection with nature.
At Martha Poppins Art Day Care, we believe every child is an artist, a philosopher in the making, a sensitive soul who deserves to be guided with respect, inspiration, and beauty.
This is more than an educational program—it’s a life experience.
Glendi Castaneda de Blanco
Born in the beautiful department of La Libertad, El Salvador, Glendy grew up surrounded by nature, tradition, and community. From an early age, she learned to value the simplicity of outdoor life and the spirit of togetherness that defines her homeland. Today, she is a proud mother of two children, who are her greatest source of inspiration and strength.
With a special talent for cooking, Glendy has mastered the art of preparing pupusas entirely from scratch, a traditional Salvadoran dish that she makes with dedication and love. Her connection to local cuisine reflects not only her roots but also her ability to share warmth and culture through every experience.
In San Francisco, Glendy has gained solid experience in early childhood education and childcare, working closely with children and families from diverse backgrounds. She has successfully completed all the required trainings to work as a daycare assistant in San Francisco, including CPR and First Aid certification, child abuse prevention and anti-violence training, child safety, and all mandatory childcare health and safety courses. These credentials highlight her commitment, responsibility, and vocation in caring for young children.
She is a valuable contribution to our program, as her patience and wisdom gently support children in learning Spanish as a second language. Through her presence, children experience a deeper cultural richness, kindness, and a truly holistic growth journey.