Business Details
Trusted Play-Based Preschool in Jacksonville
At Melrose Preschool, we believe every child possesses innate curiosity that drives their understanding of the world. Our child-centered, play-based approach fosters creativity, confidence, and social-emotional growth through Reggio Emilia and Conscious Discipline philosophies. With decades of combined experience, our co-founders Amanda Mattsson and Patti Moody have cultivated a nurturing environment where imagination thrives. Our curriculum integrates art, science, literacy, and nature exploration, supported by dedicated educators trained in innovative early childhood methods.We prioritize family engagement and community-building, offering programs for toddlers through pre-kindergarten and summer camps. Testimonials highlight our warm staff, unique studio space, and holistic focus on developing curious, capable individuals ready for lifelong learning.
Services
Toddlers Program
Preschool (2-3)
Preschool (4-5)
Creative Studio
Summer Camp
Art Classes
Gardening Activities
Animal Interaction
Yoga Sessions
Drama & Dance
Highlights and features
- We implement Reggio Emilia-inspired and Conscious Discipline methodologies
- Our staff includes experienced early childhood education specialists
- We provide a dedicated creative studio for art and science exploration
- Our curriculum integrates nature, gardening, and animal care activities
- We offer summer camps with unique thematic learning experiences
What people say
Wonderful experience
Creative and confident
BEST preschool
Loving staff
Amazing teachers
Services
Toddlers Program
Our toddler program (ages 1-2) focuses on sensory exploration and foundational skills through play. Children engage in literacy activities, basic math concepts, and social-emotional development while learning sign language and self-regulation techniques in a safe, stimulating environment.
Preschool (2-3)
Designed for 2-3 year olds, this program builds independence through structured play and discovery. Activities include nature exploration, creative arts, and social skill development while emphasizing respect, responsibility, and environmental awareness in a supportive classroom community.
Creative Studio
Our Reggio Emilia-inspired studio combines art, science, and literacy exploration. Children use diverse materials for creative projects while developing fine motor skills, color theory understanding, and collaborative problem-solving through open-ended artistic expression and hands-on experimentation.
Summer Camp
Our summer camp offers themed learning adventures with art projects, science experiments, and outdoor play. Weekly activities include cooking, nature exploration, and special guest visitors while maintaining our educational philosophy through engaging, child-led experiences.
Reggio Emilia Approach
This child-led educational method emphasizes curiosity-driven learning through project-based exploration. Our teachers facilitate discovery using natural materials, collaborative art, and environmental interactions while documenting children's progress through observation rather than standardized testing.
People
Amanda Mattsson
Co-Founder and Director
With 15+ years in early childhood education, Amanda combines her degree in Early Childhood Management with Reggio Emilia and Conscious Discipline expertise to create nurturing learning environments that prioritize creativity and child development.
Patti Moody
Co-Founder and Director of Education
A dedicated early childhood educator with four decades of experience, Patti advocates for child-led learning through Reggio Emilia principles and Conscious Discipline, focusing on social-emotional development and community engagement in early education.
Kimby Yarborough
Director of Operations
Kimby ensures smooth daily operations while maintaining our educational standards, supporting staff development, and facilitating family communication to uphold Melrose's mission of innovative, compassionate early childhood education.
Michelle Dailey
Atelierista
As our studio specialist, Michelle designs creative art-science projects that align with Reggio Emilia principles, guiding children through open-ended exploration of materials, colors, and artistic expression in our dedicated studio space.
Adam Jessee
Facilities Manager
Adam maintains our safe, inspiring learning environments through garden care, classroom upkeep, and outdoor space management, ensuring our facilities reflect the natural beauty and organization central to our educational philosophy.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 1-5 with programs for toddlers (1-2), preschool (2-3), and pre-kindergarten (4-5) including summer camp options.
What educational approach do you use?
We combine Reggio Emilia-inspired methods with Conscious Discipline, emphasizing play-based learning, creativity, and social-emotional development through child-led exploration and teacher-guided activities.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, our summer camps feature weekly themes with art projects, science experiments, outdoor play, and special guests while maintaining our educational philosophy through engaging activities.
Is the school peanut-free?
Yes, we maintain a peanut-free environment to ensure safety for children with allergies, requesting families avoid sending peanut-based products.
How do you involve families?
We cultivate community through regular communication, family events, and opportunities for parent participation in classroom activities and special projects throughout the school year.
