Two kids playing and stacking toys

REGGIO-INSPIRED
PLAY-BASED CHILD-LED

YOUR MISSION HILLS SAN DIEGO PRESCHOOL

Education begins the moment we see children as innately wise and capable beings. Only then can we play along in their world.
— Vince Gowman

Missions Hills Community Preschool is a play-based preschool located in San Diego. Established in 1971 as a play-based, community preschool, our approach is to support and nurture children as they construct their own learning, knowledge, and beliefs about the world. We draw inspiration from the Reggio approach, and incorporate our favorite aspects of other favorite pedagogies such as Waldorf and Montessori, as well.

“Spoon feeding in the long-run only teaches us the shape of the spoon." E.M. Forster

At MHCP, we value and foster critical thinking and process-oriented exploration. This expands a child’s capability to problem-solve and enhances the child’s creativity. Perhaps most importantly, we guide and support children as they learn to develop peaceful conflict-resolution skills.

MHCP BELIEFS

We believe that children are naturally curious, creative, and capable. As educators, our role is to provide support as children explore and learn. We encourage inquiry-based/child-led learning. MHCP offers programs for children ages 2-5 years old.

Girl playing with blocks

Child-Led
Learning

At MHCP, our focus is on inquiry-based, child-led learning. The teachers support and guide the children as they construct their own learning/knowledge about the world. We nurture the children’s sense of wonder and appreciation for nature and all living creatures.

Kids riding a tricycle.

Social Emotional Emphasis

Social emotional learning is at the center of our work with young children. We strive to foster a sense of compassion, empathy, and belonging. We impart conflict resolutions skills that will serve the children throughout their lives.

Boy playing with toy weight measures.

Creative
Problem Solving

At MHCP, we help children to develop their critical thinking skills. We encourage the children to find creative ways to solve problems. Our goal is to help children learn how to think outside the box.

A PEEK INTO OUR SCHOOL

Girl holding up drawing while smiling
Group of children playing in Mission Hill Community Preschool outdoor play area.
Child working on fall art project with paint and leaves.
Mission Hills Community Preschool teacher telling children story.
Child drawing on the color wall outside the Mission Hills preschool
Two children working at a crafts table.

Great teachers empathize with kids, respect them, and believe that each one has something special that can be built upon.

— Ann Lieberman