A parent co-operative, Reggio Emilia-inspired child development program for children ages 2 1/2 to 5. La Casita is a community-oriented non-profit parent co-op preschool where we believe that all children have the potential to learn. La Casita uses a child-directed, play-based approach, modeled after the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
We help each child acquire socialization skills, become independent critical thinkers, and develop respect for themselves and others. La Casita is accredited by NAEYC and presented with the hightest license (Five Star) rating for the State of New Mexico, and incorporated and licensed under the laws of the State of New Mexico.
We help each child acquire socialization skills, become independent critical thinkers, and develop respect for themselves and others. La Casita is accredited by NAEYC and presented with the hightest license (Five Star) rating for the State of New Mexico, and incorporated and licensed under the laws of the State of New Mexico.
Services
At La Casita we strongly believe in PLAY. Play is essential for children to learn. There are many types, all of which are valuable for young children. The best learning experiences for children happen when children choose what they want to do. This is called free or self-directed play. We offer a wide variety of play experiences, expressive materials, and learning experiences not available at home.
Within this, our largest indoor area, we have a house keeping section, a large block area, small block area, a wide range of manipulative toys (lego, puzzles, cuisenaire rods, etc.), a science area (live plants, small animals, rocks, shells, prisms, scales, etc.), a dress up area, mailboxes for the children and a library area.
There are two teachers and one parent in the classroom daily. Parents serve on the board of directors with the teachers. The board of directors is responsible for running the school including budgets and policies. Parents are in charge of bringing snack once a month, driving for field trips, physically maintaining the school and fund-raising (children's art calendar sales, grocery store cards, garage sales, raffles, brick sales, etc.).
Instead of asking "What color is the sky?" (A question which has only one answer), ask "I wonder why the sky is blue?" or "What do you see?" (A question that promotes thinking and reasoning, and has no wrong answers.) Director and Co-Teacher Helen received her B.A. in Studio Art and Psychology, with a concentration in Art Therapy.
During the course of La Casita Preschool's history, we have served over a thousand families. It is these people, our community, who know us best. This is what they have to say. La Casita has been such a great choice for my daughter! The small size of the school really means that the kids get individual time with the teachers and the teachers couldn't be more patient.
Reviews (5)
Morgan Miense
Jan 22, 2019
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This is truly a 5 star program. My son attended preschool at La Casita and you will not find this quality of education elsewhere. Truly a rare gem! We loved the parent co-op aspect of the program and how they are a Reggio Emilia play based program. The teachers are amazing and the hearts this community has for each child is so warming. You can feel at ease when leaving your little one at school. I couldn't recommend them enough.
Lea Perry
Dec 04, 2018
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La Casita has been such a great choice for my daughter! The small size of the school really means that the kids get individual time with the teachers and the teachers couln't be more patient. They really truly care about the kids that go there and really know how to support them as they learn, grow and explore. The parental involvement o the school also goes a very long way to creating an amazing community a the school.
Branwyn Pinkerton
Oct 19, 2018
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This is our second year at La Casita and we couldn’t be happier that this is where our daughter spends her days. The daily incorporation of art and child-led learning creates a wonderful environment for any child. The teachers are all incredible and the aspect of community involvement really makes La Casita Preschool a special place.
Patrick Iverson
Sep 17, 2018
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The whole family loves this school! We really enjoy the sense of community and all of the teachers are amazing. The whole Reggio aspect is surprisingly impressive in practice. This place is something special. The wild thing is that it’s been around for nearly 50 years! I have friends that went there. Gotta love places like this in Santa Fe.
Lonna Vida
Jun 17, 2018
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Wow!! This Preschool is amazing. It takes a special person to be a Preschool teacher and these ones are that-Special! The teachers here truly embrace and encourage every stage of a child’s evolving development. My daughter has thrived from this school. I enjoy the Co-op style, being able to take part in their daily activities and see them in their own environment.