Business Details
Trusted Play-Based Childcare & Learning Center in Mesa, AZ
Children's Safari Learning Center is a state-licensed, DES-approved childcare facility dedicated to providing a structured, play-based educational environment for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Founded on principles of quality care and early childhood development, our center emphasizes individualized attention, safety, and fostering independence through age-appropriate curricula. Our team of experienced educators creates a nurturing atmosphere where infants, toddlers, and preschoolers develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills.Accredited standards guide our programs, ensuring alignment with best practices in early education. We serve families seeking a close-knit childcare setting with two convenient Mesa, AZ locations, offering full-time and part-time enrollment options. Our commitment to transparency includes daily communication tools like parent apps and open-door policies for family engagement.
Services
Infant Care
Toddler Programs
Preschool Prep
Virtual Tours
Parent Communication Tools
Highlights and features
- State-licensed facility with DES-approved programs for early childhood education
- Dedicated classrooms for each developmental stage from infancy to pre-kindergarten
- Low child-to-teacher ratios ensuring personalized attention and safety
- Structured play-based curriculum promoting cognitive and social-emotional development
- Comprehensive health and safety protocols including secure entry systems
Associations and certifications
- DES Approved
What people say
Loving staff
Clean facilities
Thorough communication
Developmental progress
Secure environment
Services
Infant Care
Our Joeys program serves infants 6 weeks to 12 months in two dedicated classrooms with 4:1 child-to-teacher ratios. Certified caregivers provide individualized attention through tummy time, sensory activities, and feeding routines. Separate spaces for crawlers and mobile infants ensure safety while promoting developmental milestones through structured play and nurturing interactions.
Toddler Programs
Koalas (12-24 months) and Monkeys (2-3 years) classrooms combine play-based learning with structured schedules. Our 5:1 ratio supports social skill development, potty training, and early literacy through themed activities. Age-appropriate curriculum includes fine motor exercises, group play, and daily communication updates for parents about meals, naps, and developmental progress.
Preschool Prep
Jaguars (3-4 years) and Giraffes (4-5 years) programs focus on kindergarten readiness with 8:1 and 9:1 ratios. Curriculum emphasizes letter recognition, counting to 50, and writing skills. Structured activities develop independence while playground time enhances gross motor abilities. Pre-K students participate in group projects and leadership opportunities preparing for elementary school transitions.
Virtual Tours
Interactive virtual tours showcase our two Mesa locations, including classroom layouts and safety features. Detailed descriptions explain infant care spaces with labeled storage systems, toddler play areas with age-appropriate equipment, and preschool classrooms with learning centers. Visitors can explore playground designs separated by age group and view security measures like fingerprint entry systems during these comprehensive digital walkthroughs.
Parent Communication Tools
Daily reporting apps provide real-time updates on meals, naps, and activities. Temperature checks and health screenings ensure safety compliance. Parents receive regular developmental progress reports and can schedule in-person visits through our open-door policy. Online portals offer enrollment assistance, tuition information, and direct contact options for teachers and administrative staff at both locations.
People
Kathy Balderrama
Owner & Creator
Early childhood education advocate with over 20 years of experience. Developed the center's accreditation-based philosophy emphasizing play-based learning and brain development research. Focuses on staff mentorship and maintaining high standards for child safety and educational quality.
Eldonna
Director Greenfield Location
36-year childcare veteran with expertise in early education. Specializes in staff and parent support, child growth monitoring, and creating engaging daily experiences. Believes in the importance of personal connections during drop-off and pickup times for child emotional well-being.
Jessica
Office Manager
Longtime childcare professional focused on administrative operations at both locations. Passionate about early childhood development and maintaining communication between families and educators. Committed to creating positive learning environments that foster creativity and imagination.
Ariya
Assistant Director Greenfield Location
Experienced early childhood educator with focus on curriculum implementation and staff development. Skilled in creating structured learning environments that balance educational goals with play-based activities for optimal child engagement and development.
Chris
Guide
Early Childhood Education student at GCU with hands-on experience in creative play activities. Specializes in art projects that encourage self-expression and fine motor skill development. Committed to making learning fun through interactive, child-led experiences.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children from 6 weeks old through 5 years old, with specialized programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Are you currently enrolling new students?
Yes, we are currently enrolling at both locations with openings available for full-time and part-time schedules.
What safety measures are in place?
We use fingerprint entry systems, secure playgrounds, daily health screenings, and temperature checks for all children and staff.
Do you offer parent communication tools?
Yes, we provide daily updates through our parent app including meal times, nap schedules, and developmental milestones.
What educational approach do you use?
Our play-based curriculum focuses on early childhood development through structured activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
Are meals provided?
Parents provide all meals and snacks, which are stored in refrigerated lunch boxes with individual labeling systems.
