13501 Community Road, Poway, CA 92064
Elm Park Preschool Academy
We provide a safe and nurturing environment that instills a love for learning and prepares your child for TK and Kindergarten
About Us
Our Mission
Elm Park Preschool Academy provides childcare for children 2-6 years of age in a smaller setting. Our classrooms enroll a maximum of 12 children per classroom, so they receive the attention they need in a safer environment. Our goal is to provide a loving and nurturing environment where your child can enjoy learning through positive experiences and lots of hands-on exploration. We offer various fun and enjoyable opportunities for your child to learn and grow. We encourage children to make friends, take turns and learn to problem-solve. We believe encouragement and positive guidance builds a strong foundation for confidence and is vital to your child’s growth upon entering grade school. For children preparing to enter kindergarten, we implement a curriculum (Mother Goose Time, Zoo Phonics and a touch of STEAM) to teach core content standard that is aligned with the state and PUSD standard requirement.
At Elm Park, we believe instilling a love for learning provides a head start in your child’s lifelong learning career.
Our teachers are dedicated to Elm Park's mission to prepare children academically, socially, and emotionally to enter the Poway Unified School district.
First-Rate Curriculum
Elm Park Preschool uses Zoo-phonics for phonemic awareness, pre-writing, pre-reading, and spelling skills. Zoo-phonics is aligned with the California state standards and the Poway Unified School District and uses a playful format to teach sequential, developmental, and age-appropriate content. Elm Park also uses Experience Early Learning Curriculum to teach core content standards, and it also aligned with state and PUSD standards. It is an awesome curriculum that makes meaningful connections through studies. A touch of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, ARTs and Math) is also incorporated in the studies throughout the entire school year.
Students are observed and/or informally assessed, and progress is monitored throughout the year. Elm Park strives to prepare students for the Poway Unified School District while also encouraging the child's natural love of learning in a warm, nurturing environment. Children thrive in our small classes geared for kindergarten readiness.
Dedicated Staff
Elm Park teachers are required to have an educational background in early childhood education and first aid/CPR certification. They pass background checks and are encouraged to continue training in the field. Our teachers are trained to use positive reinforcement and redirection in the classroom for behavior modification.
Our teachers are dedicated to Elm Park's mission to prepare children academically, socially, and emotionally to enter the Poway Unified School district.
Meet the Team
Mrs. Denise, Director
Hi. I’m Mrs. Denise. I have been working with children and families since 2001. I received my Associate’s Degree in Child Development at Southwestern College and my Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Development at San Diego State University. I began my career working and volunteering at various preschools. While at school, I worked for YMCA Community Resource Services and also substituted for San Diego City Schools. Thereafter, I started my own family daycare. Eventually, I decided to work for Neighborhood House Association’s Head Start Program where I continued on for 11 years. After my ventures, I learned that I genuinely enjoy working with preschoolers and I am overjoyed to be back where I belong. Preschoolers’ sense of wonder brings me so much joy and motivation. I love to watch them develop, progress, and succeed. I believe the preschool years are precious and set the foundation for a child’s love of learning throughout his/her entire learning career. During these years, learning should be fun, creative, and full of explorations that build a love and desire for learning.
Ms. Elli, Teacher
Hi, I'm Mrs. Elli. I relocated to San Diego from Germany in 2010 and I received my early childhood education at Miramar College. I am a certified Master Preschool Teacher. Through play, I believe children can develop better social and cognitive skills, mature emotionally, and gain self-confidence which helps them engage in new experiences and different environments. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time gardening, exploring new places & hiking. I also enjoy arts and crafts.
ms. samantha, teacher
Hi. I'm Mrs. Samantha. I am a dedicated teacher with 8 years of teaching experience. My journey began at Palomar College where I pursued my passion for early childhood education. Teaching preschool is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding for me. I strive to positively impact children's lives by helping them develop essential skills such as problem-solving, independence, and self-esteem. My goal is to inspire a love of learning and set them up for future academic success.
Outside the classroom, I cherish spending time with my husband and our two children--Hayden (3) and Hudson (9). We are an adventurous, outdoorsy family who loves camping, and exploring the desert. We live on a farm in Valley Center, where we share our home with a variety of animals-- two dogs, a cat, a mini pig, a mini horse, a goat, and eight chickens.
mrs. laura, teacher
Hello. I am Ms. Laura. I have been working with children and families since 2011 and I have been teaching in a preschool setting since 2017. I received my early childhood education and certificate from Miramar College. I believe that children learn best through play, where they can strengthen their social emotional skills. I love watching children explore the world around them as they grow up into the people they want to become. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time with my dogs.
ms. ana, teacher
Hello! I am Ms. Ana. I was born in San Diego and continue to reside in Poway for 23 years now. I attended Miramar College before transferring to San Diego State University to obtain my B.A in Child and Family Development in May of 2023. I have worked at a Montessori preschool for a year before continuing my experience at SDSU's Children Center as an associate teacher. I enjoyed learning about the different teaching philosophies and perspectives on children's capabilities. That translates to my excitement in observing children's interests and engagement with their environment. I wish to promote those experiences and further support their educational journey. During my spare time, I like to explore new music, attend concerts, and be with my family.
mrs. rashida, teacher
Hello. I am Mrs. Rashida. I have a Bachelor's of Arts Degree and I have more than 10 years of experience working with children. I am passionate towards learning and in my teaching profession. My goal is to foster a nurturing and stimulating environment where young children can explore, learn, and grow.
My hobbies are traveling, cooking, sewing, and I love spending time with my family and friends.
Ms. Rana, Permanent Substitute teacher
Hi. I am Ms. Rana. I have been working with children since I was a young teenager, but recently decided that working in a preschool is my ultimate passion. I have been working in a preschool setting for 4 years and recently received my Bachelor's Degree in Child Development. I adore young children because they are sweet, innocent and a blast to be around. I love the idea of play-based learning and believe that children learn best through humor, fun and positive reinforcement.
My hobbies include hiking, swimming, going to the beach and reading amazing books.
Mrs. Rosalie, Permanent Substitute teacher
Hi. I am Mrs. Rosalie. I have had a long career in education. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Certificate in Early Childhood Education, then I quickly realized how much I love teaching and making an impact in young students’ lives. I have served students as a guidance counselor, preschool teacher, preschool director and curriculum coordinator. I received Montessori Training at Teacher Montessori Education Center in San Leandro, CA.
I believe that children are a gift and a blessing. I love helping them be the best version of themselves as they learn and grow. Unlocking their potential, encouraging them, and seeing them get something after many attempts is truly my greatest joy!
School Calendar
2024-2025 School Year
August 7, 2024 -First Day of School
September 2, 2024 - Labor Day (Holiday)
November 11, 2024 - Veterans’ Day (Holiday)
November 25-29, 2024 - Thanksgiving Break (Closure)
December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2024- Winter Break (Closure)
January 1, 2025 - New Year’s Day (Holiday)
January 20, 2025 - Martin Luther King Day (Holiday)
February 17, 2025 - Presidents’ Day (Holiday)
April 14-18, 2025 - Spring Break (Closure)
May 26, 2025- Memorial Day (Holiday)
June 12, 2025- Last Day of school Year
June 19, 2025- Juneteenth (Summer)
July 4, 2025- Independence Day (Summer)
Typical Daily Schedule
7:30-8:30 Arrival and Free Choice
9:00 Morning Circle
9:15 Wash Hands/Bathroom
9:30 AM Snack/Reading
9:45 Large Group (Focus Topic, Creative Art, Zoo Phonics)
10:00 Outside Play
10:45 Wash Hands/ Bathroom
11:00 Small Group Table Activities/ Learning Stations
11:45 Music and Movement
12:00 Handwashing/Lunch
12:30 End of Part-Day Program
12:30 (Full-Day Children) Bathroom/Bedding/Nap Time
2:00 Wake Up/Bedding/Bathroom
2:30 PM Snack
3:00 Large Group/Story Time
4:00 Outside Play
5:00-5:30 Books/Puzzles/Departure
Summer Program
Summer Program 2025
Come join our 7-week summer program!
Half day and full day programs available.
While preparing our kindergarteners and Tk students for the fall, we will also squeeze in lots of fun things to do! Arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor activities,
playful interactions, explorations and splash days.
Session Dates Summer 2025
June 23--August 8th, 2025 (7 weeks)
Enrollment
Enrolling in March 2025