What Makes Harvest Street Early Learning Different

Harvest Street Early Learning offers a gentler preschool experience that combines the comfort of a home environment with the intentional educational experiences of preschool.

Small group size is central to the program's philosophy. With just 6–8 children, Rachel is able to develop meaningful relationships, recognize individual needs, and provide personalized attention throughout the day.

Rather than expecting every day to follow a rigid schedule, Rachel observes what children are bringing into the classroom, including their energy, emotions, interests, and physical needs. Some days allow for more structured learning, while others call for additional time for connection, rest, emotional support, or practical life experiences.

Family partnerships are equally important. Rachel values getting to know each child and family personally and schedules monthly meetups outside school hours to help build a genuine community around the children.

Children also enjoy the presence of Scooter and Sam, the program's two friendly cats. Their calm presence adds warmth to the environment and creates opportunities for children to practice gentleness, empathy, and respect for animals.

Philosophy, Curriculum & Daily Rhythm

Harvest Street Early Learning follows a blended, whole-child educational philosophy that draws inspiration from Montessori principles, the Reggio Emilia approach, and developmentally appropriate play-based instruction.

The curriculum combines brief, intentional academic lessons with child-directed exploration, imaginative play, hands-on learning, music, movement, and outdoor experiences. Foundational skills in early literacy, language, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development are introduced through meaningful, age-appropriate activities aligned with Colorado's early learning guidelines.

The daily rhythm includes two group learning opportunities: an Academic Gathering focused on early literacy, language, math, science, and thematic learning, and a Life Skills + Social-Emotional Gathering centered on independence, emotional regulation, friendship skills, conflict resolution, and practical life.

Children are encouraged to make choices, explore their interests, and practice new skills at their own pace. Adults provide demonstrations, guidance, and encouragement while gradually supporting greater independence.

Above all, the program recognizes that children's basic needs come first. Nourishing food, adequate rest, physical comfort, emotional security, and responsive relationships provide the foundation for meaningful learning. Daily routines, self-care, and social interactions are valued as learning experiences alongside more structured instruction.

Environment & Learning Materials

Harvest Street Early Learning is designed to feel cozy, welcoming, beautiful, and safe, like a second home. The thoughtfully prepared environment combines organized, accessible materials with open-ended play opportunities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and independence.

The program includes a main playroom for learning and exploration, a backyard for outdoor movement and nature-based experiences, and a separate nap/rest space supported by baby monitors.

Children have access to a variety of hands-on learning materials, including the complete Lovevery learning collection, reading resources, art materials, building toys, puzzles, sensory experiences, and imaginative play materials.

Practical life experiences are incorporated throughout the day through activities such as pretend cooking, serving, cleaning, dressing, caring for belongings, and helping maintain the classroom environment.

Outdoor play is an important part of the daily rhythm, providing opportunities for physical development, sensory exploration, nature observation, and meaningful experiences in every season.

Relationships & Social-Emotional Development

At Harvest Street Early Learning, relationships are considered essential to healthy development. Children are supported in building trust, forming friendships, expressing feelings, and learning to participate respectfully in a classroom community.

Behavior guidance is calm, consistent, and developmentally appropriate. Rather than labeling challenging behavior, Rachel considers the child's underlying needs, emotions, and developmental abilities while maintaining clear expectations and boundaries.

Children are encouraged to develop communication skills, empathy, emotional regulation, and problem-solving abilities through modeling, practice, and supportive interactions.

The goal is to help children feel secure and understood while gradually developing the skills needed to navigate relationships and everyday challenges with increasing independence.

Meals & Nutrition

Breakfast, lunch, and one snack are included daily. Meals are planned with attention to balanced nutrition and children's developmental needs.

Meals are served family-style when possible, and children are encouraged to build independence through everyday routines such as serving, using utensils, cleaning up, and helping care for the classroom.

Mealtimes are also opportunities to practice conversation, social skills, patience, and respect for others.

Tuition, Fees & Closures

Full-time tuition is $300 per week, billed biweekly. A $50 annual enrollment fee applies.

Beginning with the 2027–28 school year, Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) may cover a portion of tuition for eligible children. Colorado UPK generally provides up to 15 hours of preschool per week in the year before kindergarten, with some younger children qualifying for limited support.

More information about eligibility and enrollment is available at https://upk.colorado.gov/.

Harvest Street Early Learning observes federal holidays and scheduled seasonal breaks, including one week of fall break in October and one week of spring break in April. A complete calendar is provided to enrolled families.

Licensing & Safety

Harvest Street Early Learning is a licensed Colorado Family Child Care Home, originally licensed in January 2025.

Licensing includes requirements for health and safety, safe sleep, emergency preparedness, supervision, illness prevention, and other essential care practices.

Rachel maintains ongoing professional development and holds a Colorado Level 4 Early Childhood Professional Credential, reflecting her continued commitment to high-quality early childhood education.

Schedule a Tour

Families looking for a preschool that feels calm, personal, nurturing, and educationally intentional are invited to connect with Harvest Street Early Learning.

The best way to discover whether the program is the right fit is to schedule a tour, meet Rachel, and experience the environment in person.