OUR PHILOSOPHY

The Montessori approach gives your student the best opportunity to develop healthy and productive learning habits that will last a lifetime.

Casa dei Bambini Montessori provides a high quality Infant and Toddler experience for children (ages 6 weeks to 30 months) and families in Santa Maria, California. Our Infant/Toddler Program is exceptionally different, providing clean, organized, and safe environments. Treated with respect and love each student is valued for what they uniquely bring to the world. We believe every child is capable and special, with an intrinsic capacity to create.

The Montessori materials naturally bring about the inquisitive nature of the child and allow them to think of new ways to do things. They open up the child to learn for the themselves. Many of the materials are self-correcting, allowing the child room to grow.

OUR FOUNDER

Elizabeth Kale

Casa dei Bambini was founded in 2009 by Elizabeth Kale. Her family had moved up to the Santa Maria Valley from Santa Barbara. In the quest to find excellent preschool care for her two young girls, Elizabeth decided to finish her Montessori certification and open the preschool.

Elizabeth started in the granny unit of her home with her children plus one other child. Within a year, she had hired a native Spanish speaking assistant and grown the preschool to 12 children. By year 5, the school had outgrown the space and Casa moved to Bethel Lutheran Church’s education building. Casa has grown to 18 staff members, and now includes infant through School-age care. Elizabeth is passionate about Montessori education utilizing the outdoor classroom, and the dual immersion approach. She continues to further her education with trainings throughout the year.

OUR STAFF

Exceptional Teachers 

Casa dei Bambini prides itself on hiring only the best staff. Licensing minimally requires that each lead teacher have 12 units of ECS from an accredited college. At Casa all of our lead teachers have their bachelor’s degree. They also have extra training in Montessori/Reggio educational philosophies. Each teacher is at least a level one outdoor classroom certified instructor. Our teachers also have extensive training in socio-emotional communication with the children. The children will never be put in a time out or shamed in any way. They are empowered through emotional scaffolding by their teachers to communicate to their peers what they are feeling.

Casa dei Bambini is dedicated to making sure your child comes to school in a safe environment. We have taken the extra step to hire a dedicated staff person to clean every day. This means every surface, the floors, walls, materials and toys, and restrooms are thoroughly cleaned daily. Casa has also sourced a janitorial company that pressure washes exteriors, and deep cleans interiors with high heat, virus-killing machines twice weekly. 

 

We are so proud of our staff! Their ongoing education and true love for the children shine through their work. We are confident you’ll feel the same.