HISTORY
We were once in a similar situation, we needed a safe, clean, fun place for our children to be cared for and nurtured while we were at work. We looked at a lot of daycares but the right one eluded us. It was hard to imagine our daughter staying at a place that didn't meet our expectations for eight hours a day/five days a week.
So...Based by my own teaching experiences, we decided to create our own daycare. I turned down a great job and after careful preparation and state licensing -- we were open for business.
What a great journey it has been and still is! We have helped hundreds of families and I've gained invaluable hands on knowledge of early childhood development and my mission continues to be: making La la Land Daycare the finest and most dynamic experience possible for children in our age range.
La la Land Daycare was established in 1994.
PHILOSOPHY
Here at La la Land, children are in an environment where learning and play become one. We believe in educating the whole child. Our philosophy is a unique mix of RIE, Montessori, Mindful Thinking, and teaching beginning phonics. To allow the child to grow and develop in an atmosphere that nurtures the child, to provide encouragement to creativity, social skills, self-assurance and kindness to all others. This is an essential part of the RIE philosophy developed by Magda Gerber, which prevails through our school on a daily basis.
It is our belief that children learn best when they are provided with an opportunity to freely explore their environment. We encourage them to explore, experiment, and enjoy their surroundings; as well as gently guide their behavior as they learn, grow and develop through their interactions and play activities. We feel it is important to create a nurturing and safe environment engendering trust and compassion with each child. We allow children to express their emotions in a save manner. Here at La La we introduce mindfulness thinking activities throughout the day. (See link on contact tab)
Social and parallel play among their peers is essential to growth, both emotionally and physically, in their individual needs. We as caregivers give children the opportunity to grow at their own pace, so that each child develops a strong self-esteem and recognizes the feelings of the people around them. It is important for children to learn with laughter. We encourage children to find his/her inner Picasso – have fun, be silly, and create in their individual ways!
When children graduate from La la Land they leave with a sense of kindness, manners, an understanding of a healthy green environment and a love for all mankind and “friends”. La la Land’s atmosphere instills a love for learning and is a place where children can safely play and have fun.
CURRICULUM
Our daily structure includes circle times, snack times, lunch and naptime on a regular schedule encompassing the following:
Indoors - The curriculum includes language experiences of English/Japanese/Spanish, Mantras, imaginative artwork, structured and unstructured play, counting numbers, weather, days of the week, greetings, manners, cooking projects, phonics, singing, dancing, and reading. Enjoyable experiences are provided for children to learn more about themselves, feelings, and their families. La la Land uses a variety of art and learning tools including: books, paint, wooden blocks, dress-up clothing, musical instruments and CD’s, toys, cooking, and spatial relations.
Outdoor – Toddlers engage in ball play (throwing, kicking, and rolling), imaginative play, gardening, outdoor art, climbing, yoga, sliding, riding bikes, participating in obstacle courses, and spatial relations. This is an opportunity for children to socially interact and engage in play with one another. Exploration of all the equipment available for the children promotes a healthy well-mannered mind and physical body by developing flexibility, endurance, and strength. Children are free to participate in the garden, pick weeds, rake leaves, and observe bugs. Sensory tables are available throughout the year. The outdoor curriculum offers a natural environment with many ribbons hung from trees, lots of greenery, a sandbox, mud kitchen and a vast selection to explore outdoors. We have a bunny and a tortoise, which gives children an exposure to animals and teaches respect, nurturing and love. This is something our graduates remember and still talk about.
DIRECTOR
The director/teacher Lisa started working with children 30 years ago. She began working with children when she was offered a position as a gymnastics assistant for children. Shortly after, she helped to initiate the Junior Lifeguard program in Northern California.
After having children of her own, in 1994 she decided she really wanted to work with children. She went back to school at Santa Monica College and earned her AA degree in early child development. After working at a private pre-school, she decided that opening her own family daycare was the way to go. This would allow her to use the philosophies she studied in college and believes in to this day.
Lisa
Director of Lala Land
La la land Team
The school has four amazing assistants who make the days magical and exciting for our tiny tots. Come meet them and see for yourself!
Assistant Teacher CC, Director Assistant Livy, Lead Teacher Jules.
Jules, Olivia, Reyna & CC
Olivia
Directors Assistant, Lead Teacher, & Social Media Director.
Teaches Japanese Immersion Counting Numbers, Greetings, songs, planets, and Manners
Studied at SMC and UCLA Theatre, Philosophy, and Early Childcare Development
Gabi
Lead Teacher
Teaches Spanish Immersion Counting Numbers, Greetings, and Manners