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Who Founded this group?
Who Founded this group?
My name is Samantha Arce, and I've been an Arizona State certified teacher since 2010. I received my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University, and my master's degree in Instructional Leadership with an elementary math specialization from the University of Washington.
After spending 10 years in the classroom, I made the shift to being a stay-at-home parent when my son Leo was born. I have since had another son, Luke. I founded this group to give my kids a chance to connect with other children their age, and for us all to be able to learn and grow with families in our community.
Mission
Mission
Desert Sky Outdoor Co-op is seeking to:
Create a space for young children to experience high quality play and learning with their peers in a stimulating outdoor environment.
Collaborate with families who are choosing to educate their young children at home, but are looking for a supportive network of parent partners for themselves, and playmates for their children.
Philosophy
Children are instinctual, curious, and supremely capable learners. They grow their understanding of the world through play and making connections with those around them in their own unique ways and in their own good time.
Our role as educators and caregivers is to nurture children's instinctual drive to learn by providing the environment, the space, and the pace they require to thrive.
In Desert Sky's preschool playgroup, this looks like:
Environment
Environment
Children construct knowledge by exploring: touching, looking, experimenting, and questioning.
Desert Sky provides children with outdoor play areas that encourage hands-on exploration in a nature-based space. The environment is stocked with a variety of open-ended and natural materials to encourage and enhance collaboration, imaginative play, and problem solving.
Space
Space
Children need space to try new or challenging things; they need room for mistakes and the time to problem-solve. They need chances to be the decision maker, and opportunities to exercise independence.
Desert Sky protects children's autonomy; the ability to direct their play and immerse themselves in activities of their choice with minimal interruptions or distractions from adults.
Pace
Pace
Desert Sky allows children to set their own pace; they are free to explore as much or as little of the environment and available materials as they wish.
We follow an "observe first, intervene when necessary" approach, in order to give children the right amount of support at the right moment to help strengthen their social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Our Journey and Future
As a former elementary school teacher, my plan as the founder of Desert Sky Outdoor was to grow from a play-based group for toddlers and their caregivers to a thriving community of school aged learners committed to exploring, and learning together. The vision and service has changed over the years, always adapting to the needs of the kids and the desires of participating families. What follows is a brief look at years past and a glimpse into the future.
Phase 1: Opened Spring 2023
Accepted children aged 18 months-3 yrs and their caregivers; We had 6 families attending.
Met Thursdays for 2.5 hrs
Extensive free play, a brief circle time with music and movement components, and lots of sensory play invitations.
Phase 2: Fall 2023
Accepted previously enrolled children or those aged 2-3 yrs and their caregivers; We started with 10 families and grew to 15 families by December.
We started to meet 1 or 2 days (Tuesday, Thursday) for 3 hrs
We kept extensive free play, and the other elements from the prior spring. Our circle time expanded to include story time with optional projects/teacher led explorations around high interest themes.
Phase 3: Spring 2024
Accepted previously enrolled children or those 2-5 yrs and their caregivers. We also briefly ran a drop off option for up to 4 potty-trained kids. We had 20 families, and have capped it there ever since.
We continued providing families the choice to meet 1 or 2 days (Tuesday, Thursday) for 3 hrs
We built on the success of the fall, and continued with themed sensory explorations, nature based art, and introduced more intentional opportunities for kids to work together during group activities in circle time.
Phase 4: Fall 2024/Spring 2025
Accepted previously enrolled children or those 2-5 yrs and their caregivers; 20 family cap.
This year I hosted an intentional math focused play group & we hired teachers to run classes in art, music, pe, and engineering.
We kept extensive free play: 2/3 of our day was PLAY! 1/3 was developmentally appropriate class time.
Phase 5: Fall 2025-Spring 2026
We began blending a toddler/preschool focus with an elementary aged focus.
This year, we moved into truly shared-decision making and passionate caregivers planned and led various classes including: math play, Spanish, science, peace club (social skills development for 5+), Littles Lit (themed learning for 2-4 yr olds).
Monthly dues for ages 5+ are covered through Arizona ESA; help will be provided for enrolled families looking to secure this funding.
Phase 6: Fall 2026 and beyond
We currently have a meeting planned for April 2026 to discuss how to weave all of our class offerings along themes that tightly connect learning for our kids.
We're aiming for one-room schoolhouse vibes that are more thoroughly grounded in nature, and collaborative, child-led learning. Stay tuned!
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