We opened our doors as Santa Fe Centers in 1996
Shortly afterward, we expanded, providing full-day Pre-K to fill a need in the community which is in demand to this day. We are, and will always be independent & family-run. It’s one thing our families say they really love about us–we feel like family. Not only do we focus on providing excellent care, but we emphasize the close connection between the community, our Center, and your home by offering many opportunities for parents to participate in activities and programs.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a high quality, supportive, family-centered program for young children in a warm, safe and responsive environment. Children are actively engaged in a variety of play and daily living experiences, which are designed to:
- Promote their physical, social, emotional and cognitive development;
- Encourage cooperation, responsibility and consideration of others based on age appropriateness and within reasonable expectations.
Our philosophy is based on the principle that children learn most effectively when they can explore and discover using materials that are of interest to them.
Our Philosophy
We meet the developmental needs of our growing children and their families by providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating setting for children from infancy through Pre-K. The specific classroom environment is based on current early childhood research, theory and developmentally appropriate practice noting that children learn best when they can explore and discover using materials that are of interest to them. In practical terms, this allows children to be appreciated as individuals capable of directing their growth through an environment offering daily choices in self-directed play, ample exposure to nature, and opportunities to develop higher level thinking and problem solving with an array of toys, games, equipment and caring teachers guiding their daily experiences.
Through the use of thematic units in each classroom, teachers provide activities supporting development in the following domains: sensory, language and vocabulary, large and small motor, creative expression and music and literature enjoyment. The flexible curriculum meets the needs of children at each stage of development and awakens the child’s innate ability to “bloom” at their own pace. Active learning experiences are available in the following interest areas: sensory (including food experiences), blocks, dramatic play, art, and math and science. By frequent changes to and enrichment of the environment throughout the year coinciding with the growth of the children, teachers support learning and creativity while simultaneously facilitating emerging literacy, math, science, and social studies concepts through developmentally appropriate care. Parent participation is encouraged in all center activities including our parent/staff committee, classroom activities, center wide holiday events, or spur of the moment opportunities to spend time with your child in their classroom. Through open communication and positive parent/teacher partnership, a child’s developing self-esteem, social skills, creativity, independence, self-care and a life-long passion for learning can be fully supported.
Curriculum
At Santa Fe, we use the Creative Curriculum—a proven approach that meets each child where they are and nurtures their growth in every area: physical, intellectual, social, and emotional. This hands-on, inquiry-based program sparks curiosity, encourages exploration, and makes learning meaningful through real-world connections—like finding math in cooking or history in fairy tales.
Our guiding principles include:
With over 100 years of combined teaching experience, our dedicated educators bring these principles to life every day—creating a warm, collaborative environment where children thrive.