Business Details
45 Years
experience
Nature-Based Preschool Programs in Santa Barbara
Founded in 1981, Cathedral Oaks Nursery School has provided nature-based early childhood education rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy for over four decades. Our program integrates current child development research with hands-on, inquiry-driven learning to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and environmental stewardship. With two campuses in Santa Barbaraour historic 145-year-old schoolhouse location and our More Mesa facilitywe serve children aged 12 months to 5 years through developmentally appropriate practices. Our dedicated team of educators, selected for their expertise and interpersonal skills, creates a nurturing environment where children, families, and staff form a collaborative learning community.We maintain a strong commitment to ecological sustainability, incorporating nature into every aspect of our curriculum while fostering academic, social, and emotional growth. As a NAEYC-aligned program, we prioritize teacher professional development and family engagement to ensure high-quality early education that respects each child's unique potential.
Services
Preschool Programs
Toddler Care
Nature-Based Curriculum
Reggio Emilia Approach
Parent Education Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We implement the Reggio Emilia approach with 40+ years of early childhood education expertise
- Our campuses feature nature-integrated learning environments with outdoor exploration spaces
- Teachers hold specialized training in child development and Reggio-inspired methodologies
- We maintain a 4:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized attention
- Certified 'Green Care Provider' with sustainability embedded in daily curriculum
Associations and certifications
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Services
Reggio Emilia Preschool
Our Reggio Emilia-inspired program emphasizes child-led exploration and project-based learning. Children develop critical thinking skills through hands-on investigations of their interests while teachers facilitate meaningful connections across academic disciplines. This approach nurtures creativity, collaboration, and environmental awareness in a nature-integrated setting.
Nature-Based Curriculum
Daily outdoor learning experiences incorporate ecological principles and environmental stewardship. Children engage with natural materials, observe seasonal changes, and develop respect for living systems through structured and unstructured play in our thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces at both campuses.
Toddler Programs
Specialized toddler environments support sensory development and social-emotional growth for children aged 12-24 months. Our More Mesa campus offers age-appropriate spaces with trained educators who create secure attachments while encouraging exploration and communication development through play-based activities.
Parent Education
We offer regular workshops and resources to help families understand child development principles and Reggio-inspired practices. Parents participate in classroom observations, portfolio reviews, and collaborative planning to strengthen home-school connections and support consistent learning experiences.
Eco-Conscious Education
Environmental responsibility is woven into daily activities through recycling programs, garden projects, and nature-based art. Children learn ecological concepts through direct experience while developing habits that reduce environmental impact, aligning with our Green Care Provider certification standards.
People
Taundra Pitchford
Owner/Director
With over 20 years in early childhood education, Taundra leads our team in implementing Reggio-inspired practices while maintaining NAEYC-aligned standards across both campuses.
Irene
Lead Teacher
Certified in Reggio Emilia methodology, Irene designs inquiry-based learning experiences that integrate nature exploration with foundational academic skills for preschool-age children.
Katherine
Atelierista
As our art studio specialist, Katherine facilitates creative expression through natural materials and recycled media, connecting artistic processes with environmental awareness.
Tshering
Chef
Tshering prepares nutritious meals using locally sourced ingredients, incorporating food education into our curriculum to teach healthy eating habits and cultural awareness.
Ivett
Toddler Teacher
Specializing in infant-toddler development, Ivett creates secure learning environments that support sensory exploration and early social interactions for our youngest students.
Questions
What ages do you serve?
We accept children from 12 months through 5 years old at our More Mesa campus, and 2-5 years at Cathedral Oaks.
What educational philosophy do you follow?
Our program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, emphasizing child-led exploration, nature integration, and project-based learning.
Are you licensed and accredited?
We're licensed for 70 students and follow NAEYC best practices, with certification as a Green Care Provider through Santa Barbara County.
What outdoor learning opportunities exist?
Both campuses feature nature-rich playgrounds with gardens, natural materials, and outdoor classrooms supporting daily environmental education.
How do you involve families?
We offer parent workshops, classroom observations, and portfolio reviews to maintain strong home-school partnerships aligned with Reggio principles.
What sustainability practices do you implement?
Our program includes recycling programs, garden-based learning, and eco-conscious art projects that teach environmental stewardship to young children.
