As you know, registration for next year is very soon. In preparation for that we have made great efforts to ensure you have the very best information available to you in order to make a decision regarding your child's needs. The Kindergarten Readiness seminar was helpful in describing the importance of a child's emotional preparedness for the rigors of today's Kindergarten. It was obvious given the pace and scope of what is expected ,the piece of the puzzle that comprises "the whole child" should be firmly intact! To that end, everything we do here at La Casa, from Mini 3's to the Kindergarten Prep 5's and all classes in between , is filled with play and learning!!!! You may have once thought....all they do is play? Or heard that statement expressed by others when questioning the validity of that very important component in a child's education. May I take the opportunity to dispel that misconception!

PLAY is fundamental to a child's learning. It allows them to explore concepts and see the world in a way that is meaningful to them.  Developmentally appropriate materials and challenges set forth in a play based manner effectively give the child the ability to succeed AND fail and to accept both outcomes: success with confidence and pride as well as failure without distress or frustration or judgment.  Both attributes are so necessary. And be assured, to love school is the only mastery we seek from them.

Through play children increase their language skills and vocabulary. Through play imagination and creative thinking skills emerge and begin to demonstrate themselves in their art and role play activities. Through play a child manipulates objects and materials to discover their use, function, potential and tap into critical thinking processes. If "it" is in their hands, "it" is in their minds, meaning they see and do and retain knowledge. Through play children learn negotiation skills, and conversely, conflict resolution skills, team building, time management. Sounds like what you need at YOUR job, doesn't it? School IS a child's job.....we are just here to provide them the support to do their job.....towards that goal our philosophy of teaching is simple....why not make it fun and let them play while they do it?????

You are all amazing parents and make such good decisions on behalf of your children. Thanks for trusting us to assure your decision about the choice of a great Scottsdale preschool remains the right one!

Weekly Prayer.....Heavenly Father, we ask for Your loving guidance as we teach the young children we are blessed with.  Help us to find the best ways to show them about the world and of You. In Your son Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.