Business Details
18 Years
experience
Trusted Early Childhood Learning in Chico
At Castles Preschool, we have dedicated ourselves to early childhood education since 2008, creating a foundation where children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Our team of experienced educators brings decades of collective expertise in nurturing environments tailored to each developmental stage. We designed our programs to align with educational standards while fostering curiosity and independence through play-based learning. With flexibility at the core of our approach, we accommodate diverse family needs through full-day, part-time, and extended care options. Our staff prioritizes personalized attention, ensuring every child receives the support necessary to thrive.We integrate structured routines with creative exploration, emphasizing communication skills and problem-solving abilities. By maintaining open dialogue with families, we create a partnership that strengthens each child's learning journey. Our commitment to quality extends to transportation services for school-age children and participation in the state food program to ensure nutritional needs are met. Through our vision of empowering young learners, we aim to instill confidence and a lifelong love of learning. As a locally rooted institution, we take pride in being an extension of the community that values growth, creativity, and preparation for future academic success.
Services
Full-Day Care
Part-Time Programs
Infant Center
Preschool & Pre-K
After School Program
Summer School
Transportation Services
Flexible Scheduling
Play-Based Learning
Nurturing Environment
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Experienced educators dedicated to your child's growth since 2008
- Flexible scheduling options tailored to busy families
- Transportation services for school-age children in Chico
- Age-specific programs fostering social, emotional, and academic development
- Open communication ensuring parents stay informed about their child's progress
Services
Full-Day Care
Our full-day programs provide structured routines with age-appropriate activities fostering emotional, social, and cognitive development. Children engage in learning stations, outdoor play, and rest periods while receiving individualized attention from certified educators in a secure environment.
After School Program
Transportation services from local schools followed by homework assistance, outdoor play, and enrichment activities create balanced afternoons for grades K-6. Certified staff supervise structured schedules including snack time, project-based learning, and free play until 6:00 PM.
Preschool & Pre-K
Teacher-guided curricula introduce foundational math, science, and language concepts to 2-5 year-olds through circle time, music, and outdoor activities. Specialized potty training routines and creative play develop academic readiness skills while nurturing social interaction.
Infant Center
For children 0-24 months, our infant program combines sensory exploration with developmental milestones. Certified caregivers provide one-on-one attention through play activities, storytelling, and creative expression in a safe, nurturing environment.
Summer School
Year-round summer programs include educational field trips and structured learning activities for all age groups. Participants benefit from state food program nutrition while engaging in age-appropriate summer enrichment experiences.
People
Chelsey Bleeke
Director
With over 15 years in early childhood education, Chelsey leads our team with a focus on developmental curriculum design and staff mentorship. She ensures program standards align with educational best practices while maintaining family-centered care principles.
Tiffany Eckhardt
Pre-K Teacher
Tiffany brings a decade of preschool teaching experience to her classroom, specializing in preparing children for kindergarten transitions. She implements play-based learning strategies that combine literacy development with social skills training.
Heather Lepe
Infant Teacher
Certified in infant development, Heather provides nurturing care to babies aged 0-24 months. She focuses on sensory exploration and early motor skill development through carefully designed play activities and caregiver interactions.
Madison McNeely
Infant Teacher
Madison creates responsive caregiving routines that support individualized development plans for each infant. Her approach emphasizes relationship-based learning through consistent one-on-one engagement and age-appropriate stimulation activities.
Muyassar Al-Rifai
Preschool Teacher
Specializing in 2-3 year-old development, Muyassar designs thematic learning units that promote language acquisition and social-emotional growth through structured play and creative expression activities.
Questions
What age groups does Castles Preschool serve?
We accommodate children from infancy through 6th grade with specialized programs for each developmental stage.
Do you offer transportation for school-age children?
Yes, we provide coordinated bus service for after-school pick-up and drop-off at local Chico schools.
Are meals included in the program fees?
We participate in the state food program to provide nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks daily.
What educational philosophy guides your preschool programs?
Our approach combines play-based learning with structured activities to develop academic readiness and social skills.
How do you communicate with parents about child progress?
Teachers maintain regular communication through daily updates, developmental assessments, and parent-teacher conferences.
Do you offer summer childcare programs?
Our summer programs include educational field trips and age-appropriate activities for all enrolled children.
