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About The Whistle Stop
The Whistle Stop Child Development Center is a nonprofit child care center on the campus address of the Palo Alto VA Medical Center, at 3801 Miranda Avenue, Building T-6B. It enrolls children from 6 weeks old through pre-kindergarten. The center describes its program as developmental and play-based.
The center opened in 1994. According to its history page, it was established with an endowment from the estate of Dr. Franklin G. Ebaugh Jr., who was chief of staff at the Palo Alto VA Hospital. Laeh Bat-Simcha led the center as director from 1994 until she retired in July 2011, a span of 17 years that covered its first generation of families. Today the center lists Valerie Routt as director.
A board of directors governs the center. Its members are parents of VA and community children, along with alumni parents. This listing describes the program as the center publishes it. It is not a recommendation or a comparison with other programs.
Philosophy
The Whistle Stop treats children as capable individuals who build developmental skills in an order that suits each child. Teachers set consistent and safe limits. Parents receive updates on what their child has been doing, so families can follow the day even when they work elsewhere on campus or across town. The center also says it honors each family's diversity, culture and values and encourages families to get involved.
Programs and schedules
The enrollment page describes several ways to attend:
- Full-day care, which includes 10 hours of care a day.
- Part-time schedules on Monday, Wednesday and Friday or on Tuesday and Thursday.
- Half-day preschool, in either a morning or an afternoon session.
Both full-time and part-time places are available. Families who need care for fewer days a week can ask whether a part-time place is likely to open sooner than a full-time one. The website does not list the center's daily opening hours, so ask when you call.
Enrollment and the wait list
Children are enrolled from a wait list. The center aims for a mix of about 70% VA children and 30% community children, so families without a VA connection can apply. To join the wait list, download the form from the enrollment page and mail it to P.O. Box V-51, Palo Alto, CA 94304, with the non-refundable wait list fee. The center notes there is no guarantee of a space on your desired date.
VA employees who meet the eligibility rules may qualify for a childcare subsidy. The center asks them to contact their human resources representative or the VA's childcare subsidy office for details.
Tours are currently offered only to families who have been offered enrollment. The center says it hopes to resume regular tours. For questions and current tuition, contact Valerie Routt at val.whistle.stop@gmail.com or 650-852-3497. The center lists state license numbers 434400202 and 434400203.
Getting there
The center is in Building T-6B at the VA's Miranda Avenue address. The VA says parking on its Palo Alto campus is free but asks visitors to allow extra time to find a space. The campus has many numbered buildings, so ask the center which entrance and parking area are closest to Building T-6B before your first drop-off. Mail for the wait list goes to the center's post office box rather than the street address.
Tips for families
- Join the wait list early, especially for infant places. Note the date you mailed the form.
- Ask which age groups have openings coming up and how the wait list is ordered.
- If you work for the VA, ask HR about the subsidy before you budget for care.
- Ask about drop-off and parking on the VA campus, where the VA advises allowing extra time to find a space.
- The center's website runs on a family portal with a calendar and paperwork section, so expect to set up an account once enrolled.
The center shares the campus with the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, near Barron Park and Stanford Research Park. The nearest Caltrain stops are some distance away, so most families drive. Our schools guide covers Palo Alto's public schools for later years. Our living in Palo Alto page has more on settling in.
Location and getting there
The Whistle Stop Child Development Center is at 3801 Miranda Avenue, Building T-6B, Palo Alto, CA 94304, in the Barron Park area of Palo Alto. Our Barron Park guide covers what else is around.
The nearest train stop is the San Antonio Caltrain station (Mountain View), about 1.7 miles away. That is roughly a 41 minute walk or a short bike ride.
Parking: street spaces or a small lot nearby; check posted limits.
What is nearby
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, practice, 0.2 mi
- J.P. Morgan Private Bank, firm, 0.8 mi
- Bol Park and its bike path, 0.5 mi
- Juana Briones Park, 0.6 mi
- Terman Park, 0.7 mi
Other everyday services nearby: Juana Briones Kids’ Club (0.5 mi); Palo Alto Montessori School (0.8 mi); Tesla Palo Alto (0.9 mi); Volvo Cars Palo Alto (0.9 mi). Browse the full everyday services list.
Before you go
- Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
- Ask for a written estimate before any repair work starts.
- Bring an ID and any paperwork you may need, such as a receipt or account number.
About this listing
Checked October 29, 2026 against The Whistle Stop official website; The Whistle Stop history; The Whistle Stop enrollment. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Whistle Stop Child Development Center in Palo Alto?
The Whistle Stop Child Development Center is at 3801 Miranda Avenue, Building T-6B, Palo Alto, CA 94304, in the Barron Park area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the San Antonio Caltrain station (Mountain View), about 1.7 miles away.
Do I have to work at the VA to enroll at The Whistle Stop?
No. The center enrolls from a wait list with a target mix of 70% VA and 30% community children, so community families can apply. Eligible VA employees may also qualify for a childcare subsidy through VA human resources.
What ages does The Whistle Stop serve?
The center enrolls children from 6 weeks old through pre-kindergarten in a developmental, play-based program.
Can I tour The Whistle Stop?
For now the center offers tours only to families who have been offered enrollment. It says it hopes to resume regular tours. Call 650-852-3497 or email the director with questions.