Healdsburg, CA

Healdsburg Community Nursery School is a highly-regarded parent participation preschool that emphasizes play-based learning and social-emotional development. The school follows a developmental approach where children learn through hands-on exploration and creative play. Their experienced teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features both indoor and outdoor learning environments with natural play spaces, art studios, and age-appropriate learning materials. What makes this school stand out is its strong community involvement, parent education programs, and focus on developing the whole child through a balanced curriculum that includes music, movement, art, and literacy development.

The Goddard School of Healdsburg is part of the nationally recognized Goddard Systems network, offering a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive safety protocols. All teachers are early childhood education certified and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-specific classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and indoor gym spaces. What distinguishes this center is their focus on play-based learning within a structured environment, regular parent communication through daily reports, and their commitment to preparing children for elementary school success.

While located in nearby Santa Rosa, Bright Horizons at Fountaingrove serves families throughout Sonoma County including Healdsburg, and is recognized for its exceptional educational programs and highly qualified staff. The center follows the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. Their teachers hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education or related fields and maintain low child-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate learning environments, and outdoor discovery playgrounds. What makes this center exceptional is their emphasis on emergent curriculum that follows children's interests, comprehensive health and safety protocols including enhanced cleaning procedures, and their strong partnerships with families through regular communication and family engagement events.