A grounded start to early learning in our community
Welcome to a caring, steady place for early learning and connection. In Flagstaff, we follow the seasons and the pace of mountain mornings. Our days begin with calm hellos and unhurried starts. Children settle at their own pace. We greet each child by name and listen.
Learning grows from play, conversation, and time outdoors. We spend moments under the pines, in garden beds, and by puddles after summer rains. Inside, open materials invite children to build, paint, sort, and pretend. Teachers model kindness and curiosity, and set clear boundaries with warmth. We share what we notice, honor home languages and family traditions, and plan next steps with parents. If a day feels wobbly, we offer steady support, not pressure.
You can expect open communication, clean and safe spaces, and a rhythm that fits young children. We pause for snacks, songs, and rest, and make room for questions that spark learning. We celebrate small moments and the quiet progress that builds confidence. Here, children see they belong, and that learning is part of everyday life.
Our approach to play, curiosity, and steady growth
At Rockhouse, play is purposeful and joyful. Children dig, stack, stir, and pretend. Through hands-on exploration, they test ideas, practice problem solving, and strengthen fine and large motor skills. With a friend nearby, they learn to share space, take turns, and care for one another.
Conversation runs through our day. At the easel, at the sensory table, and during snack, teachers ask open questions, name feelings, and add rich words to children’s thoughts. Children learn to listen, speak up, and try out new language. These simple talks build social confidence and early literacy in natural ways.
A steady routine gives children a safe rhythm for growth. Warm arrivals, calm transitions, unhurried meals, and consistent rest times help them feel secure. In that comfort, they practice independence, focus, and self-control. Early academic ideas live inside this rhythm too. We count cups at snack, sort leaves by shape, and notice letters in our names.
Our teachers observe closely and guide without pressure. We watch for what lights a child up, offer materials that invite the next step, and model when needed. We step back so children can try, and we step in to support when frustration rises. Not every day is smooth, yet each day holds progress. With families as partners, we celebrate each child’s steady path.
Programs for infants, toddlers, preschool only, and mixed-age groups
Each age brings its own rhythm. We group children by developmental stage and make room for individual pace, so skills can unfold with care and confidence.
Infants, roughly 6 weeks to about 15 months, are in a calm, cozy room with consistent teachers who learn each baby’s cues. Feeding and sleep follow the plan you share with us. Gentle floor time, songs, soft conversation, and unhurried outdoor walks support early movement, bonding, and language. We keep close notes and share the small moments that matter.
Toddlers, about 15 months to 2.9 years, thrive with a steady rhythm. The day flows through open play, sensory exploration, music, snack, outdoor time, lunch, and rest. Teachers name feelings, model simple problem solving, and partner with families on potty learning when a child is ready. The room invites curiosity while offering safe boundaries.
Preschool, ages 3 to 5, brings longer stretches of focused play. Children explore early literacy and math through stories, building, art, and nature. The day includes choice time, small groups, outdoor adventures, meals, and a quiet rest. We support growing independence and cooperation without rushing milestones.
We also offer a mixed-age group, often 2.5 to 5 years. Younger children learn by watching older peers. Older children deepen skills by leading and helping. Teachers plan projects with many entry points so everyone can join meaningfully, and community grows through shared routines.
Placement is thoughtful. We look at readiness, not just birthdays. Transitions are planned with you, with visits and a gentle start. If something is not working, we adjust. The aim is a peaceful day where your child feels known, engaged, and safe.
Cost, scholarships, and truly free options families can explore
Planning for early learning includes understanding cost, and we know that can feel like a lot to navigate. Tuition often shifts with the hours you choose, the number of days per week, and your child’s age, but we are always up front about ours. Ratios, teacher experience, morning and afternoon snacks, supplies, and whether you need extended care also play a part. Summer schedules, enrichment classes, and transportation can add to the total. At Rockhouse, we talk through these pieces in simple terms so you can make a plan that fits your family.
A few steady ways to plan ahead:
- Map your year, not just your month. Note holidays, breaks, and summer needs so the full picture is clear.
- Ask about payment schedules, sliding scales, and sibling credits.
- Consider a mix of full-day and part-time care if your work allows.
- Use a dependent care FSA if your employer offers one to pay with pre-tax dollars.
- Keep the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit in mind when you file taxes.
- Set reminders for forms, renewals, and scholarship deadlines.
State or county child care assistance programs often support part of the monthly cost based on income and work or school status. Some school districts offer free or low-cost preschool for 3 and 4 year olds. Local nonprofits, community foundations, and faith-based groups sometimes sponsor scholarships. Employers may also offer child care benefits or back-up care.
There are also truly free ways to enrich your child’s days:
- Library story times, early literacy programs, and book giveaways
- Museum free days and cultural center family hours
- Parks and recreation nature walks, tot time, and open gyms
- Family resource center playgroups and parent education classes
- Toy and book lending libraries, community art and music events
If you are sorting through what applies to your family, we will sit with you, look at deadlines and documents, and point you toward programs in our area. We cannot promise every cost will be covered, but we will help you find support and build a plan that honors your child’s growth and your family’s budget.
How we partner with families on daily care and communication
Caring for children is a partnership. You know your child best, and we start by listening. Each day begins with a simple check-in at drop-off, where you can share how the night went, what your child is excited about, or anything new we should know. At pick-up, we offer a brief recap of the day, including moments of play, rest, and connection. During the day, teachers send short updates and photos so you can see what learning looks like in real time. We keep messages clear and timely, and we always welcome your questions.
For deeper conversations, we meet for regular family conferences, and we are available anytime something needs extra attention. We bring observations and stories, not just numbers. Together we set small goals that make sense for your child. If a challenge comes up, such as big feelings, toileting, naps, or peer conflicts, we problem-solve as a team. We plan, try strategies at school and at home, then check back and adjust.
We also make space for what matters to your family, from routines to cultural traditions. We are human, and we may not get everything perfect on the first try. What we can promise is steady communication, open hearts, and a shared commitment to your child’s growth.
Preparing your child for the next step with confidence
Children step into new places with more ease when they feel capable and known. Each day, we invite that feeling to grow. Independence shows up in small, steady moments. Hanging a backpack, washing hands, zipping a coat, helping set the table, choosing a center, cleaning up after play. We model first, stand close as children try, then step back and cheer them on. When a task is tricky, we return with calm guidance and try again together.
Kindness is woven into our routines. We learn names, greet one another, practice taking turns, and listen when a friend has something to say. We talk about feelings and what our choices mean for others. When conflicts happen, we slow down, use simple words, and make a plan to repair. We notice and name caring acts so children begin to see themselves as helpers in their community.
Early skills grow through playful work. Stories, songs, and rhymes feed language. Counting snack pieces, sorting blocks, building patterns, and talking about shapes build number sense. Drawing, snipping, molding clay, and beading strengthen little hands for writing later. We follow children’s questions into projects that spark curiosity.
We know not every day feels smooth. That is normal. We keep the pace steady, share observations with families, and celebrate progress. Confidence comes from practice, patience, and the warm assurance that each child is ready for their next step when it is their time.
What our parents say: reviews and reflections from parents
Parents often tell us their children feel known here. They notice the way teachers greet each child by name, how routines are steady and gentle, and how care shows up in the small moments, like tying a shoe or spotting a new interest at the art table. Parents share that their child settles in with ease, finds real joy in play, and carries that sense of belonging home.
Families also speak about communication. They appreciate simple, honest updates, whether it is a quick conversation at pick up or a note about a new skill. When questions or worries come up, we sit together, make a plan, and follow through. We are not perfect, and we keep learning alongside you.
About learning, parents see growth that feels natural and meaningful. Children practice language, problem solving, and kindness through play. They plant seeds in the garden, build tall towers, sing, and tell stories. Progress shows up in confidence and curiosity, not just on paper.
If you would like to see it for yourself, we welcome visits. Come watch a morning unfold, ask your honest questions, and meet the people who care for your child.
Nearby options and how Rockhouse compares with other preschools
Families in our area have many good preschool choices. Each program has its own rhythm, and the right fit often comes down to your values, your child’s temperament, and the shape of your daily schedule. Touring more than one program can bring helpful clarity. Stand in the space, listen to the tone of the room, and notice how your child seems to settle.
As you visit, these questions can guide you:
- How does the school describe learning for young children, and what does that look like in daily play and projects?
- What is the approach to guidance and boundaries, and how are emotions supported?
- How are families included, informed, and invited into the learning?
- What is the balance of indoor and outdoor time, and how are transitions handled?
- Do the hours, rest needs, and routines make sense for your family?
- How are different temperaments, interests, and stages welcomed and supported?
You will also find different educational approaches nearby. Some are more structured, others lean into open-ended play or nature time. Some offer mixed-age groups, others separate by age. None is perfect for every child, which is why your observations and questions matter.
At Rockhouse, we blend long-held practices with healthy curiosity. Children spend their days in rich play, steady routines, and meaningful conversation. We keep groups small so teachers can know each child well. We set time aside for outdoor exploration, early literacy and math woven into play, and thoughtful projects that grow with children’s interests. We partner with families through regular communication and warm, practical support.
We also know that needs differ. If your family requires very extended hours or a specialized language immersion track, another program might fit better. We encourage you to visit us and our neighbors, compare what you see, and choose the place where your child feels known and your family feels at home.
Local preschool and enrollment windows
Enrollment windows look a little different at each site. Many programs announce fall openings in late winter or early spring, while others accept applications year round as spots open. Some give early consideration to returning families and siblings. A simple calendar can help. Note when each application opens, what it requires, and any fees. Set gentle reminders a week before, on the day of, and a week after to follow up.
For tours and open houses, a small folder keeps things easy. Consider bringing:
- A photo ID for adults attending
- A list of your questions about the daily rhythm, outdoor time, meals, and rest
- Copies of your child’s immunization record and birth certificate if applications can be started on site
- Any health or support information you want the school to understand
- A notebook or phone for quick notes or photos if the school permits
- Socks for indoor play areas if shoes come off
Waitlists are common, and they do move. Ask how the school manages its list, if there is a fee, and when movement typically happens. Check if there are priority groups such as siblings or neighborhood residents. A kind monthly check in keeps your interest clear. Update the school if your start date shifts or if you are open to a mid year placement.
A gentle timeline many families use: start looking 6 to 9 months before your hoped for start, tour 2 to 4 sites, and submit applications during the first week a window opens. Schedule health forms a month or two before the start date. If a spot does not appear right away, late summer and early fall often bring changes as families relocate. Keep your child’s comfort at the center, trust your observations, and take the path that fits your family’s rhythm.
How we differ from a Montessori Preschool
Families often ask how our days compare, and the honest answer is that both programs value children deeply, yet the rhythm and feel are different. At Rockhouse, we blend a clear daily structure with time for open-ended play and teacher-guided small groups. You will see a steady routine that helps children feel secure, then plenty of room for curiosity to unfold. Montessori Preschools leans into longer, uninterrupted work periods where children choose materials and focus for extended stretches. Many children thrive with that independence and the quiet concentration it builds.
Materials carry their own language. Our shelves hold a mix of natural loose parts, art and sensory trays, story baskets, and tools for early math and science. We rotate items with intention so children revisit ideas in fresh ways. Others’ classrooms feature the classic Montessori materials that are precise and self-correcting, designed to isolate a single concept and encourage careful practice. This approach can be powerful for children who love sequence and mastery.
Family involvement also has its own shape. We invite parents into regular conversation, classroom glimpses, outdoor workdays, and gatherings that knit our community together. Montessori programs often prioritize parent education and observation, while protecting the work cycle so children can concentrate.
The best way to know what fits your child is to walk into each space. Listen to the hum of the room, notice how adults and children move together, and trust what you see in your child’s posture and eyes. We welcome you to visit, ask questions, and take your time.
How we differ from other preschools
Both Rockhouse and other local preschools care deeply for young children. Where we differ most is in the feel of the day. Our daily rhythm is gentle and steady, with time for children to settle in, choose meaningful play, and move into small group work. Transitions are unhurried. We make room for long stretches outdoors and quiet moments inside, then gather again for stories, songs, and shared projects.
Our learning focus grows from children’s curiosity. Early literacy, number sense, nature study, and art are woven into hands-on play and project work. Teachers observe closely, follow a child’s question, and introduce new skills when the moment is right. Other preschools may lean more on teacher-led lessons and early readiness practice. Both approaches support growth, just in different ways. The best choice often comes down to your child’s temperament and what helps them feel safe and eager to try.
Schedules matter to families. We offer options that include full-week and part-week enrollment, and some flexibility with pickup when possible. If your home routine needs a little give, ours might fit. If you prefer the same hours every day, theirs could be a match.
We will not get every detail perfect, but we stay responsive. Visit, talk with teachers at both schools, and watch how your child settles. Your instincts, and your child’s comfort, are the best guide.
