From the yard
Notes on outdoor learning and raising young children
Practical writing from Heidi's House Childcare in Arroyo Grande — what we see outside every day, and what it means for families choosing a preschool.
Outdoor Learning
Why an outdoor preschool works so well for young children
Fresh air isn't a nice extra. It changes how children move, focus, and get along with each other. Here's what we see every week outside.
August 24, 2026 · 6 min read
For Parents
How to choose a preschool in Arroyo Grande: a parent's checklist
Tours blur together fast. These are the questions and small details that actually tell you what a school is like on a normal Tuesday.
August 17, 2026 · 7 min read
Our Approach
Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf: what actually differs
Three traditions, three different bets about how children learn. Here's what each one gets right, in plain language.
August 10, 2026 · 8 min read
For Parents
Kindergarten readiness: what actually matters (and what doesn't)
Ask a kindergarten teacher what they wish incoming children could do, and almost nothing on the list is academic.
August 3, 2026 · 5 min read
Our Approach
A day at Heidi's House Childcare: our rhythm from drop-off to pickup
Children relax into a day they can predict. Here's ours, hour by hour, from the morning garden check to the closing song.
July 27, 2026 · 5 min read
Curriculum
Gardening with preschoolers: patience, math, and dirt
A child who grew a carrot will taste a carrot. That alone would justify the garden — but it teaches a lot more than that.
July 20, 2026 · 5 min read