In collaboration with children, parents, and the greater community, Desert Spring Children's Center will offer an outstanding and comprehensive early childhood program. Offer opportunities for children to collaborate in an environment that is welcoming, beautiful, engaging, reflective of our geography and local culture, and is conductive to the creation of wholesome, democratic, social relationships.
Provide space, time, and opportunities for meaningful play that is based on children's individual interests and learning questions; and that will build important foundations for future academic and community engagement. Provide experiences for children that are inclusive of all abilities, cultures, ethnicities, genders and gender identities, which are reflective of our belief in the competent child.
Provide space, time, and opportunities for meaningful play that is based on children's individual interests and learning questions; and that will build important foundations for future academic and community engagement. Provide experiences for children that are inclusive of all abilities, cultures, ethnicities, genders and gender identities, which are reflective of our belief in the competent child.
Services
Planning for Possibilities: themes children have a right to explore A Locally Designed, Reggio inspired Curriculum. One year into our study of the Reggio Emilia philosophy we wanted to explore a new structure for the way we taught with children.
We hoped for a curriculum that expresses our emerging values, reflects a regional identity, meets Arizona Early Learning Standards and NAEYC1 criteria; and is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of education2.We began with the question, "what do children have a right to explore?" As our list of themes grew we discovered that many are significantly present in our teaching and in children's exploration.
We hoped for a curriculum that expresses our emerging values, reflects a regional identity, meets Arizona Early Learning Standards and NAEYC1 criteria; and is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of education2.We began with the question, "what do children have a right to explore?" As our list of themes grew we discovered that many are significantly present in our teaching and in children's exploration.
Desert Spring Children's Center is now hiring a Lead Teacher for our 2 year old classroom for the 2016-2017 school year. Desert Spring Children's Center is a small, Reggio inspired school made up of a community of children, families, and educators who develop caring relationships.
Our beautiful environment has natural, outdoor spaces and engaging classrooms that provide the space and time for meaningful play, creative self-expression, and hands-on exploration.We have low staff to child ratios and offer competitive wages. Send your cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Sara Van Slyke, School Director, at sara@desertspringschool.org.
Our beautiful environment has natural, outdoor spaces and engaging classrooms that provide the space and time for meaningful play, creative self-expression, and hands-on exploration.We have low staff to child ratios and offer competitive wages. Send your cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Sara Van Slyke, School Director, at sara@desertspringschool.org.
Once a family decides to bring their child back to school, tuition will be prorated and the holding fee will be applied. The holding fee is non-refundable. If after paying the holding fee, the family decides to withdraw their child from enrollment, the holding fee will not be refunded, but can be converted to a tax deductible donation.
Reviews (6)
Mihai Surdeanu
Jul 10, 2020
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Rachelle Murray
Jun 10, 2019
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Emily Mattimoe
Dec 08, 2018
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We have 2 children at Desert Spring and we love it! The sense of community with other families is incredible! And the compassion and love that the teachers show is unmatched. Not to mention their outdoor space and the amount of outdoor time the children have everyday is valued greatly by the school. The director Sara is always available and active in all aspects of the school. I can’t say enough good things!!
Jennifer Floyd
Sep 27, 2018
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Susan B.
Jun 07, 2017
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After moving to Tucson, I visited almost every daycare/preschool location within a mile of the University of Arizona. Desert Spring was, by far, the best school. Sarah, the director, and the teachers are some of the most lovely people you’ll ever meet. The learning materials the children get to play with are amazing, in terms of development and FUN! I love that the school is tucked away, if you didn’t know what it was you might not even notice it’s there. Highly recommended.
Heather Hiscox
Jun 24, 2015
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Both of my children have loved their experience at Desert Spring Children's Center. We have been a part of this lovely school community for six years and it has been tremendous. I highly recommend Desert Spring to all families with preschool age children. The educators are loving, creative, supportive, and passionate. It is a school where your child can explore, experience, and form strong bonds with adults and other children. Check it out!
