Empowering Children to Grow and Thrive
At Desert Spring Children's Center, we are a non-profit agency dedicated to providing a high-quality, accessible early education option for middle-income families. Located near the University of Arizona, we have been serving the Tucson community since 1987. Our Reggio-inspired approach to early childhood education means that our curriculum is primarily driven by the interests and questions of the children. Our educators are trained to provide a supportive and engaging environment that fosters exploration, creativity, and learning.
Our Mission
In collaboration with children, parents, and the greater community, Desert Spring Children's Center aims to offer an outstanding and comprehensive early childhood program. We strive to provide opportunities for children to collaborate in an environment that is welcoming, beautiful, engaging, and reflective of our local culture. We believe in providing space, time, and opportunities for meaningful play that is based on children's individual interests and learning questions.
Our Philosophy
At Desert Spring, we believe in the competent child and strive to create an environment that is inclusive of all abilities, cultures, ethnicities, genders, and gender identities. We believe that children learn best when they are given the freedom to explore and learn at their own pace. Our educators are trained to support children's learning by providing thought-provoking and open-ended questions, and by documenting children's learning in a way that values their processes and experiences.
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to be flexible and responsive to the changing interests and needs of the children. We believe that children learn best through play, and we provide a range of activities and materials that allow children to explore and learn through their senses. Our educators are trained to observe and support children's learning, providing guidance and support as needed.
Our Staff
Our educators are dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing high-quality early childhood education. They are trained in the Reggio Emilia approach and are committed to ongoing professional development and education. Our staff are passionate about creating a warm, welcoming, and engaging environment that supports children's learning and growth.
Our Facilities
Our center is designed to be a warm and welcoming environment that is conducive to children's learning and growth. We have four classrooms, each designed to meet the unique needs of children at different ages and stages of development. Our classrooms are equipped with a range of materials and activities that support children's learning and exploration.
Overall Experience
The reviews from Desert Spring Children's Center are overwhelmingly positive, with six out of seven reviewers giving the highest rating of 5 stars. Parents praise the nurturing and inclusive environment, loving and caring staff, and sense of community among families. They also appreciate the outdoor space and opportunities for outdoor play.
Structure and Programs
Desert Spring offers a balance of structure and creativity, with reviewers highlighting the school's unique approach to learning. Parents appreciate the variety of activities and materials provided, which are designed to promote exploration, kindness, and community building.
Communication
However, one reviewer had a negative experience with communication. Shell Bell mentions encountering poor communication with the director, describing it as unpersonable and rude. No other reviewer mentions any issues with communication, suggesting that this may have been an isolated incident.
Notable Mentions
Several reviewers specifically mention the director, Sarah, and her staff, praising their professionalism, warmth, and commitment to their work. The outdoor space is also consistently praised for its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor playtime.
