Where We’ve Been: A Legacy Rooted in Community
For more than 50 years, Papermill Creek Children’s Corner (PCCC) has been the heart of early childhood education in West Marin. Founded in 1973 by local families who believed every child deserved a safe, nurturing, and enriching place to learn, PCCC has grown from a small parent-led cooperative into the region’s only bilingual, culturally responsive preschool.
Generations of West Marin children have taken their first steps into learning, friendship, and community at PCCC. The school’s philosophy of play-based, hands-on learning continues to reflect the values of inclusion, curiosity, and belonging.
“When I drop off my daughter, I know she’s not just in school, she’s with family. PCCC is a home for our children’s hearts and minds.” — PCCC Parent
Where We Are: A Trusted, Thriving Program
Today, PCCC serves 25 children each year, providing high-quality early learning and child care for working families across rural West Marin. Our bilingual staff teach in English and Spanish, ensuring that every child can learn in their home language and build bridges across cultures.
Through our partnership with Community Action Marin (Head Start), PCCC has secured stable funding for five years, maintaining affordability for families while preserving teacher wages and quality care. Nearly 40% of families receive tuition assistance, supported by community donations, small grants, and fundraising events.
Our staff, many of whom have been with us for over a decade, are the heart of PCCC. Their commitment, compassion, and cultural understanding make our classrooms joyful and grounded in trust.
“The teachers at Papermill have a gift. They see each child as an individual, and every family as part of the community.” — Community Member & Donor
Where We’re Going: Sustaining the Next 50 Years
As PCCC looks ahead, we stand at a turning point. The challenges facing rural early education are real, rising costs, limited facilities funding, and a growing need for equitable access. To meet these challenges, PCCC has launched a Sustainability and Fund Development Plan designed to secure the future of early learning in West Marin.
Our Next 50-Year Vision:
Scholarships & Tuition Fund: Ensure no child is turned away due to financial need.
Teacher Wage Parity: Provide competitive pay and benefits to retain dedicated bilingual educators.
Facility Upgrades: Replace the school roof, install solar power, and enhance outdoor classrooms.
Operating & Contingency Reserves: Build six months of operating funds for long-term stability.
Endowment Fund: Establish a permanent source of annual income to support programs and staff.
“This is the moment for PCCC to evolve, to move from surviving year-to-year to thriving for generations.” — Lourdes Romo, Executive Director
Board of Directors:
Julie Cassel
Board President & Fund Development Committee Member
Alexis Lino
Vice President
Loretta Farley
Secretary
Dee Lynn Armstrong
Treasurer
Laurie Monserrat
Board Member
Corrine Fitzpatrick
Board Member
Ariel Harrison
Board Member
Yesenia Martinez
Board Member
