Business Details
Trusted Play-Based Preschool in Soquel, CA
Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool has been nurturing young minds through play-based learning for over three decades. Our approach centers on developmental psychology, recognizing that children thrive when they engage in self-directed play across fine motor, gross motor, and creative domains. Located on two scenic acres in Soquel, our facility features gardens, outdoor stages, and nature exploration spaces that encourage holistic growth. Our team of experienced educators prioritizes individualized development, ensuring children build confidence through hands-on experiences rather than rigid academic structures. We maintain a 6:1 child-to-teacher ratio, exceeding state requirements, and foster mixed-age social dynamics that naturally support developmental milestones.With decades of collective experience, our staff creates an environment where children learn foundational academic concepts organically while developing emotional intelligence and social skills. Our program emphasizes outdoor exploration, artistic expression, and nature discovery as core components of early childhood education. We respect each child's unique developmental pace, providing a supportive atmosphere that celebrates incremental achievements. This philosophy has sustained our reputation as a trusted preschool since our founding. Our commitment to quality early education remains unwavering, blending structured guidance with the freedom of play.
Services
Play-Based Curriculum
Outdoor Exploration
Age-Appropriate Learning
Fine Motor Play
Discovery of Nature
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in play-based early childhood education for 35 years
- Our 6:1 child-to-teacher ratio exceeds state requirements for personalized attention
- Mixed-age group dynamics naturally support developmental milestones through peer interaction
- Outdoor-focused curriculum includes gardens, nature trails, and active play spaces
- Experienced educators hold degrees in child development and early childhood education
Services
Play-Based Curriculum
Our play-based curriculum fosters natural learning through hands-on activities. Children develop academic foundations through thematic exploration while building social-emotional skills. This approach supports individual developmental pacing in a stimulating outdoor environment.
Outdoor Exploration
Two-acre campus features gardens, fruit trees, and active play spaces. Children engage with nature through structured and free play, developing physical coordination and environmental awareness. Outdoor activities include gardening, hiking trails, and weather observation.
Mixed-Age Grouping
Mixed-age classrooms promote peer mentoring and social development. Younger children learn from older peers while developing empathy. This dynamic mirrors real-world social structures and supports natural developmental progression through observational learning.
Creative Expression
Unstructured art activities encourage creative confidence without restrictive materials. Children explore painting, music, and dramatic play freely. Our approach prioritizes process over product to maintain artistic enthusiasm and self-expression.
Developmental Support
Educators observe and support each child's unique developmental journey. We emphasize self-sufficiency in personal care while respecting individual timelines. Our staff guides children through emotional regulation and social problem-solving naturally during daily activities.
People
Nancy
Founder
Nancy established Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool in 1988 after moving to Santa Cruz. With 35 years of experience in early childhood education, she combines gardening expertise with child development knowledge. Her passion for outdoor learning shapes the school's philosophy.
Megan
Lead Teacher
Megan holds an ECE degree from Cabrillo College and has taught at Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool since 2006. She specializes in nature-based learning and brings expertise in child-led curriculum development to her classroom instruction.
Breanna
Child Development Specialist
Breanna earned her Child Development degree from San Jose State University. She focuses on social-emotional learning through play, creating engaging outdoor activities that support developmental milestones in a natural setting.
Maegan
Senior Educator
Maegan has 28 years of experience at Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool. Her credentials include a Child Development BA and teaching credential. She combines classroom expertise with practical knowledge from operating a family daycare.
Susanna
Assistant Teacher
Susanna is pursuing a career in family counseling while applying her UC Davis education background. She brings fresh perspectives on child development to the team, focusing on nature-based learning and creative expression.
Questions
Is toilet training required for enrollment?
No, we don't require toilet training. Our mixed-age environment naturally supports children's individual potty learning timelines through peer modeling and gentle guidance.
What should children wear to school?
Children should wear comfortable play clothes they can move freely in. We recommend durable fabrics for outdoor play and art activities without restrictive smocks.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:30 PM with half-day (8:00-1:00 or 1:30-5:30) and full-day options available for flexible scheduling.
What food should we pack?
Pack one snack and water bottle for half-days, two snacks and lunch for full days. Include balanced items like grains, proteins, and fruits/vegetables without sweet treats.
What is your class size?
We maintain a 6:1 child-to-teacher ratio with maximum 30 licensed spots. This ensures personalized attention while supporting social group dynamics.
How do you support developmental milestones?
We observe each child's natural progression, providing appropriate materials and encouragement. Our educators guide social interactions and emotional regulation while respecting individual developmental pacing.
