PARENT TODDLER Program

Gillispie School’s Mini Explorers Club in La Jolla offers fun, play-based learning experiences for children ages 20–36 months and their caregivers. Guided by Dr. Mindy Coates-Smith, our Director of Early Childhood with over 20 years of experience in child development, caregivers learn alongside their children in a supportive environment. Whether it’s your child’s first school experience or an opportunity to build on an existing foundation, Mini Explorers Club helps families grow, connect, and thrive—together.

Our program offers two fun classes:

Playful Art & Discovery
Through sensory-rich activities, including clay, paint, water, light, and shadow—toddlers develop key motor, social, and emotional skills while forming early friendships in a nurturing environment. This hands-on approach encourages curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving, helping young learners explore the world around them in a joyful and meaningful way.

Creative Movement
Through music, rhythm, dancing, and imaginative play, little ones are introduced to basic movement concepts with activities like stretching, jumping, spinning, and using playful props. Children build coordination, balance, and confidence. Focused on exploration and self-expression, Creative Movement gives toddlers a joyful way to move, play, and bond with their grown-up!

Mini Explorers Club was formerly known as Parent Toddler Exploration Program.