Mighty Acorns Preschool

Our Mission

At Mighty Acorns, we deeply believe in nurturing the individual growth and world view of every child entrusted to our care. We strive to foster a nurturing environment where their ideas, needs, and processes are met with respect and understanding. It is our mission to cultivate a sense of community awareness and responsibility within each child, igniting their passion for learning through joyful and enriching experiences. We aim to stretch and strengthen their physical abilities through lively games and movement, all while supporting their open-heartedness with a kindness-based school community, playfulness, positive guidance, and an abundance of loving attention.

Our Space

Our preschool is located in our warm and inviting, child-proofed home, offering a haven for exploration and learning. Children have access to a spacious lawn and deck, an outdoor covered area perfect for shade and shelter, a sandbox brimming with imaginative possibilities, a play fort and playhouse for creating stories and adventures, a slide and swings for capturing the thrill of childhood, a climbing dome for conquering new heights, a water table for sensory exploration, thriving gardens to connect with nature's wonders, a sunlit kitchen perfect for culinary creations, a play room overflowing with toys and

imagination-sparking activities, a dedicated circle room for gatherings and shared experiences, and a quiet room for moments of calm and reflection. Our home seamlessly integrates areas for group circling, quiet reading, restful napping, musical expression, cooking and baking, arts and crafts, building and constructing, dressing up and role-playing, puppet and doll play, playing in forts, running, tumbling, throwing, bouncing, dancing, stretching, and engaging in independent exploration.

Our Teachers

Mighty Acorns is led by a loving husband and wife team, Tyana Maddock and Nathan Walker, who are dedicated to creating a vibrant and enriching learning environment for young minds. They share a profound passion for lifelong learning, active community engagement, and unbridled creativity. Humor and thoughtfulness are at the heart of their teaching philosophy.

Tyana Maddock brings 18 years of experience in diverse educational settings to Mighty Acorns. Her passion lies in creating a positive, experiential, community-based, and service-oriented learning environment where children discover new knowledge and wisdom with delight. Tyana's previous roles include teaching a multi-aged grade 4-6 class at Living Compass, where integrated themes, non-violent communication, and experiential education were fundamental principles. She has also directed various environmental and outdoor education programs, including River Quest, Kids & Creeks, SLEWS, and numerous in-class programs for the City of Chico and Butte Environmental Council. Tyana is a leader and facilitator for Adventure Outings and Chico Bound, wilderness expedition-based programs encompassing skills development, team building, leadership, and self-discovery. Further enriching her teaching repertoire, Tyana created The Lorax Theater Troupe, a touring children's theater, and has actively shared her love of music through her involvement in four dynamic bands, including her current Nevada City percussion troupe SambaDrop.

Nathan Walker, inspired by a childhood immersed in music and art, embraces self-expression and shares his passion for creativity with every child he encounters. His humor and playful spirit naturally draw children in, creating a space where they feel comfortable exploring their unique perspectives. After working in after-school programs in Massachusetts, Nathan developed a deep understanding of the individual needs and gifts of children of all ages. Further honing his creative talents at an art school in New York City, Nathan gained valuable insights into the hearts and minds of people from diverse backgrounds.