EARLY CHILDHOOD
focus on discovery
Preschool - PreKindergarten (ages 2-5)
Why stop at “why?” Toddlers love to ask questions, and at Gillispie, we celebrate that! Every “why?” is a doorway to a world of wonder, and our teachers nurture curiosity through playful exploration. We empower your child to explore, build confidence, and develop essential skills for a lifelong love of learning.
Let’s turn those questions into a foundation for future discovery!
Gillispie's Early Education Pillars
Relationship-Driven Learning
We have a deep respect for the child and promote independence, kindness, inclusivity, and individuality. We support the child’s social-emotional development by providing a respectful environment for relationships to flourish. We partner with parents on each family’s journey.
Fostering Child-Led Curiosity
We diligently listen to children’s ideas and inspire further investigation to elaborate and test their theories. We encourage experimentation and view mistakes as opportunities. We develop open-ended provocations that appeal to the child’s curiosity, leading to critical thinking and problem-solving.
Curated Learning Environment
We believe the environment is the "third teacher", and we view our indoor and outdoor spaces as integral to inspiring curiosity and wonder. We advocate for children to connect with nature, understanding and caring for the environment through sustainable practices.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Mindy Coates-Smith
Director of Early Childhood
California Childcare License Number: #372000227
OUR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
PARENT TODDLER
Gillispie’s Mini Explorers Club (formerly known as Parent Toddler Exploration Program or PTEP) offers fun-filled mornings for toddler-aged (20-36 months) children and their grownups.
Age Range
20-36 mo.
2025-2026 Sessions
Registration for fall sessions is now open! Sessions being offered:
PLAYFUL ART & DISCOVERY
Wed., Oct. 1 - Wed., Nov. 19
Wednesdays, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Thu., Oct. 2 - Thu., Nov. 20
Thursdays, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
$500 per child
CREATIVE MOVEMENT
Fri., Oct. 10 - Fri., Nov. 21 (No class on Nov. 7)
Fridays, 9:00-9:45 a.m.
$190 per child
EARLY PRESCHOOL
Our Littles Cottage is home to our youngest learners. This charming wonderland features two bright indoor classrooms and two dedicated outdoor play areas - designed specifically for our curious 2-3-year-olds. Our expert teachers and vibrant spaces work together to spark discovery, creation, confidence, and endless play. We call it “edu-caring,” where we nurture emotional well-being while encouraging independent skills. Our Littles will also explore exciting weekly specialties like music, library, and P.E.!
Age Range
2-3 (child must be 2 years old by September 1, 2025, to enroll for the 25-26 school year)
Schedule Options
3 or 5 half or full-days
Extended Care (optional)
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Class Sizes
6:1 or lower ratio
PRESCHOOL
Our Middles program offers a vibrant learning environment for your inquisitive 3-4-year-old. Three bright indoor classrooms and the incredible Outdoor Classroom create a world of exploration, perfectly designed to embrace our unique emergent curriculum. Our dedicated teachers become learning partners, observing your child’s interests and turning them into engaging activities. Through play, your child will develop essential pre-academic skills like problem-solving, while fostering a growth mindset by learning from mistakes. These years are about exploring with confidence and independence, and we will equip your child with the tools to do just that. Our Middles will also take enriching specialty classes weekly in music, library, and P.E.!
Age Range
3-4
Schedule Options
3 or 5 half or full-days
Extended Care (optional)
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Class Sizes
7:1 or lower ratio
PREKINDERGARTEN
Our Pre-K program seamlessly bridges the gap between preschool and elementary school. Building on your child’s preschool foundation, we embrace an emergent curriculum that integrates student-driven projects with essential skills in math, literacy, science, and more for Kindergarten readiness. Three bright indoor classrooms and an amazing Outdoor Classroom transform into a world of discovery and open-ended exploration. We celebrate the “aha” moments that follow mistakes, fostering a growth mindset and problem-solving skills.
Age Range
4-5
Schedule Options
5 full days
Extended Care (optional)
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Class Sizes
7:1 or lower ratio
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Mindy Coates-Smith
Director of Early Childhood