Our Story
Eureka Learning Center was founded by, Leslie Banta, in September 1983. She sought out to provide high quality, individualized care with an emphasis on social and emotional learning for preschool children and families.
To meet the increased need for early childhood programs. The school expanded in 1985. At this time a second preschool site opened at 464 Diamond street offering a warm home like environment with a lush backyard space. In 1987, the Transitional Kindergarten was added to this location. In 2012 the school consolidated offering a single Transitional Kindergarten on the main level of the 464 Diamond street. Many of our core teachers who were instrumental in forming the school in the beginning years are still with us today.
In August 2017 our founder Leslie Banta retired. Her niece, Leanne Foley, became the current Owner/Director of the program. Leanne’s years of teaching in the Eureka Learning Center preschool program, 2001-2011, paved a seamless transition for the school during the time of change. “It is like returning home.” explains Leanne. Her years of teaching and learning at Pacific Primary, 2011-2017, provided rich experiences in working with diverse populations, project based and inquiry learning, 21st century teaching, and an overall enhanced professional development. Leanne’s vision is to preserve the longstanding goals of Eureka Learning Center while supporting the growth and accessibility to the community.
"There is something very special about a “family business” when the business is all about families." explains Leanne
Our Team
Our Teachers
There are three qualified teachers working with the Transitional Kindergarten classroom, Kelly Fox, Yvette Villegas, Markus Barsanti, with the director, Leanne Foley, available as support.
Dedicated Inspiring Nurturing
(Kelly - Markus - Yvette)
In addition to previous experience working in an early childhood programs directly with children, teachers have educational background in child development, early childhood education, special needs, psychology, and/or family services on a university level. Most teachers hold BA and MA degrees.
We feel privileged to have this level of professionalism here at our school.
Our director
Leanne Foley is the Director and Owner of Eureka Learning Center. Her educational background consists of a Masters of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development from San Francisco State. She holds a Program Director permit from the state of California. Her specialized interest is in children’s social and emotional learning. Leanne has been committed to working on behalf of children and families for over 15 years in a variety of educational settings. Leanne has supported new teachers through the Teacher Mentor Program offered through San Francisco City College.
Thoughts from Leanne:
My role as the director at Eureka Learning Center is enhanced by my many years of commitment to working and learning along side children and families. The resources I bring have been nourished by my time and experience in a variety of classroom environments, my deep thinking and inquiry in workshops and professional trainings and my rich relationships with colleagues, parents and the many children I have had the opportunity to learn with.
I am pleased to continue my work of partnering with parents, learning with children, supporting staff, and collaborating with the community here at Eureka Learning Center.
