Our approach

Intentional by design. Grounded in development.

The early years build lifelong brain architecture. We combine three proven educational traditions each for what it does best, tracking every milestone so your child’s development is never treated as a holding pattern.

Three traditions

Each one does something the others can’t.

Reggio gives children a voice, Montessori gives them independence, and strong foundations make sure they arrive at kindergarten ready.

Reggio Emilia–inspired

Child-Led Inquiry

The classroom acts as the “third teacher.” Investigations emerge from children’s genuine questions, turning curiosity into deep exploration and documented discovery.

In the classroom

Natural, open-ended materials & sensory discovery

Expressive art, dramatic play, and collaborative projects

Active exploration inside our classrooms and on-site discovery studio

Montessori-inspired

Daily Independence

Real tasks, child-sized tools, and ordered spaces empower children to take ownership of themselves, their classroom, and their community.

In the classroom

Practical life: pouring, table-setting, dressing, and self-care

Grace & courtesy: respectful communication, active listening, and sharing

Tactile materials that teach self-correction, spatial awareness, and quantity

Academic foundations

School Readiness

Purposeful, research-backed instruction aligned with Arizona Early Learning Standards—so stepping into kindergarten is a natural progression, not a stressful jump.

In the classroom

Science-of-reading early literacy (UFLI-inspired)

Tactile mathematics, patterns, and number sense

Problem-solving logic and screen-free foundational coding

All of it comes together in one year-long journey.

The Discovery Journey · 2026–27

A year-long curriculum that expands from self-awareness to community and the wider world.

Quarter 1

I Discover

Self & Belonging

Foundation: We build the base everything rests on: a child who feels safe, emotionally secure, and socially anchored.

All About Me · My Classroom · My Family · My Five Senses · Body in Motion · Healthy Habits · Seasons & Weather · Animal Friends · Autumn

Quarter 2

I Investigate

Curiosity & STEM

Inquiry: With a secure sense of self, children test hypotheses, build structures, and explore the mechanics of how the physical world operates.

Motion & Air · Light & Shadow · Tubes & Tunnels · Wheels & Vehicles · Construction & Architecture · Thanksgiving · Winter Science

Quarter 3

I Belong

Community & Collaboration

Empathy & Teamwork: Expanding outward from classroom to neighborhood—learning citizenship, mutual care, and community roles.

Our Neighborhood · Recycling & Sustainability · Gardening & Nutrition · Farm to Table · Community Art · Friendship & Empathy · Public Helpers · Spring

Quarter 4

I Care

Stewardship & Scientific Wonder

Readiness: Closing the year with ecological stewardship and hands-on scientific observation that carry directly into kindergarten.

Water Cycles · Soil & Plants · Earth Systems · Living Habitats · Insects & Pollinators · Birds & Flight · Summer Transitions

Each quarter concludes with a Flex & Reflection Week to consolidate learning

What your child is learning

Eight domains, woven through every day.

Language & Early Literacy

Letter-sound connections, phonological awareness, rich conversation, and a love of stories.

Mathematical Thinking

Real-world counting, geometric shapes, patterns, and spatial reasoning with concrete materials.

Scientific Inquiry

Formulating questions, testing predictions, and hands-on sensory experimentation.

Social-Emotional Intelligence

Self-regulation, identity, resilience, and collaborative peer problem-solving.

Creative Arts & Expression

Process-based art, musical rhythm, and dramatic play building symbolic thinking

Physical & Motor Development

Gross-motor balance across our outdoor play yards and fine-motor coordination in daily tasks.

Practical Life & Autonomy

Food preparation, self-dressing, and environmental care building sustained focus and order.

Grace, Courtesy & Leadership

Respectful greetings, conflict mediation, and empathy in a mixed-peer community.

How we track growth

Transparent progress. Never a guessing game.

Continuous Portfolio

Real-time observations, photos, and developmental milestones logged and documented

Standardized Developmental Screening

Periodic Ages & Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ) to identify unique strengths early and support specific learning curves.

Verified Kindergarten Benchmarks

Rigorous assessment of multi-step directions, phonological readiness, number sense, and executive function.

Dedicated Family Conferences

1-on-1 collaborative conferences with your child’s lead educator to review growth and set individualized goals.

Why do we care this much? It started with one parent.

Our mission

Why We Care This Much - Founded by a parent who refused to settle for basic babysitting.

When searching for early care for our son, Abhi, we encountered centers that offered only passive supervision with zero academic intent and opaque communication. We knew early childhood deserved better: an environment combining emotional security with high developmental standards. ElevateChild is the school we wished existed.

“Our mission is to ensure no family has to compromise—creating a place where children reach their full potential through joyful inquiry, balanced academics, and holistic vitality.”

Lakshmi J · Center Director & Owner

The Leadership Team Bios

Lakshmi J

Center Director & Owner

Founded ElevateChild to bring transparency, academic rigor, and joyful discovery to early childhood. Holding an MBA from the University of Chicago and specialized NAC early learning leadership credentials, she oversees campus operations daily to ensure exceptional care.

Aletha Rose

Assistant Director

Built on a Bachelor of Education (summa cum laude) from Arizona State University, Aletha translates developmental theory into rich classroom curriculum. With extensive background across middle school instruction and accredited early childhood leadership, she mentors our educators and ensures high-quality student outcomes across every age group.

Emily Trevino

Program Manager

With a background in Early Childhood Education from Phoenix College and hands-on experience spanning preschool teaching, kindergarten assistance, and private childcare, Emily brings warmth, structure, and dedication to her role as Program Manager. Her passion for early learning first sparked through Sunday school volunteer work, shaping her nurturing and community-centered approach to education.

See it for yourself

Watch intentional learning come alive.

Tour our classrooms, commercial kitchen, and discovery studio—then let your child spend a complimentary Shadow Day with us before you enroll.

Programs

Find your child’s stage.

6 weeks – 12 months

Infants

Secure bonds and sensory exploration

Explore →

12 – 24 months

Toddlers

Movement, discovery, and first words

Explore →

2 – 3 years

Twos

Independence and imagination

Explore →

3 – 5 years

Preschool & Pre-K

Inquiry, collaboration, kindergarten readiness

Explore →

5 – 10 years

After School

A calm, enriching place to land after school

Explore →

Our Journey

My journey into the world of early childhood education is deeply personal, inspired directly by my search for the best care for my son, Abhi. Like many parents, when it came time to explore childcare options for him, I was often disappointed by what I found. The reality of many local institutions was that they offered a setting focused primarily on supervision and basic care, with minimal emphasis on comprehensive child development or truly preparing little ones for a bright future. As a parent, I consistently struggled to gain transparency, I could never truly understand if and when Abhi was reaching critical developmental milestones, nor was there clarity on how a child might be supported if their learning style was unique or different.

Lakshmi J

Owner & Center Director

This experience sparked a conviction: families deserved better. This realization compelled me to create the nurturing and academically rich environment I was searching for. I embarked on the ElevateChild vision: “To create a world where every child elevates to their full potential through joyful inquiry, a strong academic foundation, and holistic health and physical vitality; where parents experience delightful, proactive partnerships, and where teachers evolve into masterful, early childhood educators.” Elevate Child is the realization of that vision—a center built from the ground up to ensure every child is seen, supported, and given the foundation they need to thrive.

A dedicated Owner and Center Director with an MBA from the University of Chicago, committed to providing exceptional early care and education. I leverage strong business acumen with specialized expertise, holding NAC (National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs) certification. My focus is on creating a nurturing, accredited, and fiscally sound learning environment where young minds thrive. I strive for excellence in both educational quality and operational management.

Management Team

Together, we make a Difference

At ElevateChild, the collaboration between our dedicated educators and supportive families fosters a vibrant learning atmosphere where children flourish. Through this united effort, we equip every student with the academic, social, and emotional tools they need to confidently embrace their future.

Aletha Rose

A dynamic Program Manager built on a strong educational foundation, holding a Bachelor of Education, summa cum laude, from Arizona State University. I bring direct experience from diverse educational settings, including teaching at Ingleside Middle School and hands-on experience at Scottsdale Childcare and Learning Center. My expertise lies in translating educational theory and classroom realities into effective program strategy, ensuring high-quality outcomes for students across preschool through middle school and supporting teaching staff.

Patrizia Ruggeri

A strategic Operations and Marketing Director, built on a strong foundation from a BA in Business & Marketing from National University CA. I specialize in providing exceptional educational experiences for children, teachers, and parents, driving growth in accredited environments. I have extensive senior leadership experience in both Guidepost Montessori and Reggio-inspired Preschools, focusing on new campus launches and achieving high standards like the Quality First Star Rating. My expertise lies in high-impact recruitment, staff retention through engaging events, and collaborative marketing to build a thriving, vibrant school community

We elevate every Child to their full potential - by delivering:

Utilizing structured learning to build essential skills for future success.

Honoring the child’s individual voice, curiosity, and expressive spirit.

Fostering well-being as the cornerstone of growth.

Utilizing structured learning to build essential skills for future success. In our commitment, teachers evolve into masterful, early childhood educators, providing the highest caliber of instruction and transparently guiding your family through every developmental milestone.

Our Mission

Our mission is to create delightful experiences for every member of our community: our children, parents, and teachers, building a truly thriving educational environment. For children, our commitment is Safety & Discovery, ensuring emotional and physical security through daily routines, fostering tailored discovery via curriculum, and guaranteeing a safe space for exploration.

For parents and teachers, we apply equally dedicated frameworks. Parents receive Trust & Transparency, maintained through informative interactions, enrollment assurance, daily communication, and live video streaming. Teachers are supported by Safety & Discovery for their professional lives, which includes robust onboarding, daily empowerment, skill advancement through mentorship, and fair compensation for retention.

Our Core Values Define Everything We Do:

Child First

Prioritizing safety, integral learning, and nutritious meals for every child.

Peace of Mind

Providing children and parents with a secure and supportive environment.

Honesty

Upholding transparency and integrity in all our interactions.

Community

Fostering a sense of belonging and connection among children, parents, and staff.

Diversity & Inclusion

Embracing and celebrating differences, ensuring every child feels valued and respected.

Authentic Learning Enhances Development

Discover a high-quality childcare experience that combines logical thinking with real-life applications. Passionate teachers provide individualized attention, introducing children to coding and logical thinking through play. Assessments and reflection help them develop essential life skills, while nutritious meals fuel their discovery and growth.