Get 50% OFF Your Registration Fee When You Register Today!
Welcome to
Once Upon A Mind PreK
Vancouver's Premier Private Preschool for Children Ages 3-5
(Strictly a Preschool... NOT a Daycare)
Your child will make friends, have fun, and get ready for kinder!
At Once Upon A Mind PreK...
You're Family!
If you want your child to make friends, be prepared for Kindergarten, and develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime... you’ve come to the right place!
Our warm, home-like environment sets the standard for how you’ll feel.
Our premier private preschool offers exceptional education to children ages 3-5 (and 3-8 at summer camp). We feature small class sizes for maximum 1-on-1 learning, fun hands-on activities to make learning fun, and a “whole child” curriculum that helps develop your child’s social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive skills.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) creates the standards for high-quality preschool programs. We’re proud to say our preschool meets all of NAEYC’s 10 Standards for High-Quality Preschool Programs.
Your Child Will:
Have Fun and Stay Engaged while Learning!
Receive Individualized Curriculum to Be Prepared for Kindergarten!
Be Taught by an Experienced and Loving Teacher!
Develop a Love for Life-Long Learning!
Make Close Friends!
Thrive on a Consistent Schedule!
Wake Up Wanting to Go to Preschool EVERY Day!
Gain Confidence in a Healthy & Safe Environment!
Be Part of a Small Class to Get Lots of 1-on-1 Attention!
Be Assessed 3x/Year with Progress Reports!
Meet Your Teacher:
Ms. Castle!
Hi! I'm Ms. Diane Castle.
I have a Masters in Education Leadership & Administration, along with over 25 years of teaching experience, including 5 years as a Principal and 5 years as a Lecturer and Field Supervisor at WSU-Vancouver. As a teacher, I was a Literacy Intervention Specialist & Instructional Coach.
I'm passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging environment for our young learners. I believe in hands-on, play-based, social emotional learning that fosters individual creativity. Your child will learn reading and math through The Arts: art, photography, drama, creative movement, and music.
My favorite part about teaching is seeing the children’s eyes light up, capitalizing on their natural curiosity, and watching them develop a love for learning.
Outside of the classroom, I love reading a good book, writing, traveling, and my #1 love is spending time with my grandchildren.
Now, I get to teach YOUR child! I can't wait!
Top 10 Reasons You'll Love Us
Check Out Our Premier Program!
#1: We’re a Family!
We want to get to know your family, so please invite your family to attend our free fun family events all year long: Meet ‘n Greet, Photo Booths, Fall Carnival, Trunk or Treat, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Christmas Party, and more. You are always welcome to volunteer in our classroom and/or at any of our events.
#2: Highly Qualified Teachers
The teachers and staff are highly qualified in education. Our lead teachers have their Bachelors and/or Masters in Early Childhood Education PreK-8. Our support staff have the required ECE certification and training and all have experience in private as well as public education. All staff attend weekly professional development and professional learning community planning.
#3: Your Child will Make Close Friends!
Our small classes of just 6-12 children allows your child to be comfortable and grow valuable friendships with the other preschoolers and teacher. Because conflict-resolution skills are super vital to learn at this age, we help your child work through their problems with other children. Pretty soon they’re using the same strategies and words we’ve taught them, all by themselves!
#4: Your child will be more than ready for Kinder!
Your child will receive individualized instruction through our thorough assessments and curriculum. Our teachers will guide your child in the areas they need to improve, and challenge them when they’re ready for more. Our balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated hands-on activities follows the NAEYC guidelines to strengthen your whole child’s development: Social, Emotional, Cognitive, Language, and Physical.
#5: We keep your child healthy & safe!
Teaching children is a huge responsibility, and we take that responsibility seriously! Not only are we state licensed and CPR/1st Aid Certified, but our distinct policies and procedures regarding health and safety help to keep your child in a safe, clean environment. We’re constantly cleaning, washing hands, and monitoring all activities to prevent any accidents.
#6: Your child will love our preschool!
I'll help your child come out of his/her shell, gain self confidence, and grow in all areas of development. I'm excited to help your child grow and learn!
#7: All of our events are free!
To extend our learning we will go on field trips each year, and you get to join your child on them. We’ll go to places like: the Zoo, Apple Orchard, Police Station, Fire Station, Grocery Store, Taekwondo, Pizza, Pumpkin Patch, and more! We’ll also celebrate special occasions with parties for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and your child’s birthday!
#7: Your child gets a shirt and portfolio!
Each year, your child will receive a different t-shirt for that school year to wear on Spirit Days. Collect them year after year. We also save some of your child’s artwork for a special portfolio you get at graduation.
#8: We help you preserve memories!
We offer you the opportunity to enrich your preschool experience by enjoying book orders, school pictures, class pictures, graduation pictures, cap ‘n gown pictures, and an end-of-the-year graduation video.
#9: We Care About You!
Our friendly manner of open communication helps you feel wanted, needed, and appreciated. Our warm, home-like atmosphere sets the standard for how you’ll feel treated as we quickly address your questions and concerns. We can't wait to get to know you better at our Meet 'n Greet before school starts!
#10: We celebrate with graduation!
Bring your entire family to our yearly graduation where we celebrate your child's accomplishments in a big way! It'll be a night to remember! Your child will graduate every year, so be sure to bring your entire family for a fun family experience for free!
Choose Your Preschool Class:
You can choose from a variety of our preschool classes to better accommodate your family’s schedule. Whether you want your child to attend 2, 3, or 5 days/week at preschool, (or even AM or PM) we have a class for you!
(2) 1/2 DAYS
PER WEEK:
T & TH
Tuition: $320/month
Reg. Fee: $200
$100 Early Birds Special!
Choose Your Class:
T_TH 8:30-11:30 a.m.
T_TH 12:30-3:30 p.m.
(3) 1/2 DAYS
PER WEEK:
MWF
Tuition: $480/month
Reg. Fee: $200
$100 Early Bird's Special!
Choose Your Class:
MWF 8:30-11:30 a.m.
MWF 12:30-3:30 p.m.
(5) 1/2 DAYS
PER WEEK:
M-F
Tuition: $800/month
Reg. Fee: $200
$100 Early Bird Special!
Choose Your Class:
M-F 8:30-11:30 a.m.
M-F 12:30-3:30 p.m.
2 FULL DAYS
PER WEEK:
T & TH
Tuition: $625/month
Reg. Fee: $200
$100 Early Bird Special!
Choose Your Class:
T & TH 8:30-3:30 a.m.
3 FULL DAYS
PER WEEK:
MWF
Tuition: $925/month
Reg. Fee: $200
$100 Early Bird Special!
Choose Your Class:
MWF 8:30-3:30 a.m.
5 FULL DAYS
PER WEEK:
M-F
Tuition: $1525/month
Reg. Fee: $200
$100 Early Bird Special!
Choose Your Class:
M-F 8:30-3:30 a.m.
When should I call to register my child?
It’s never too early to call, so call as soon as you even think about registering, because our classes fill up ridiculously fast!
When does preschool start? Can I enroll mid-year?
We have a 10-month school year (Aug.-May) and a 2-month summer camp (June-July). If we have spots available, you can enroll mid-year. Please call us to see if we have any spots available.
How old does my child need to be to attend?
Preschool classes are for children who are ages 3-5 by Sep. 1. Summer camp is for children who are ages 3-8 by June 1.
Does my child have to be potty trained?
Yes. If you have any questions about whether or not your child is ready, feel free to give us a call. We even have a “How To Potty Train” your child handout we can give you. It’s helped many preschool moms quickly potty train their kids. We’re here to help!
What is your teaching philosophy?
We follow a “whole child” philosophy where we work with you to improve your child’s Social, Emotional, Cognitive, Language, and Physical skills. Our curriculum is based on the NAEYC guidelines and features a balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated hands-on activities to accomplish these goals. We also incorporate Fundamentals Preschool Curriculum. Your child will learn to socialize, make friends, develop social and emotional skills, and be more than ready for Kindergarten!
Are there additional fees during the year?
No. Your yearly registration fee covers all your child’s supplies and reserves a spot in our program. Your child won't have to pay anything to attend our field trips and activities. Your child will also receive a preschool shirt to wear on Spirit Day!
What if my child has food restrictions?
No worries. Several of our students have food intolerances or severe allergies. We ask these families to bring in their own snacks, and we create nut-free classrooms any time a child’s allergy is severe enough to require an epi pen.
Is the yearly registration fee refundable?
No. It pays for your child's school supplies, snacks, t-shirt, and many additional expenses.
How many students do you have per class?
We have some of the smallest class sizes in town so your child gets lots of 1-on-1 time. We only have 6-12 students per class, and a 1:6 teacher to student ratio.
How do I register my child?
Follow our simple 3-step process below to register your child into our preschool!
A Day in the Life at Our Preschool
Your child will develop ALL the skills needed for success and will be more than ready for kindergarten!
Check Out Everything We Do Each Preschool Class!
Circle Time
We practice our communication skills and make friends.
Snack Time
We practice our manners and social skills.
Recess Time
We practice our gross motor skills indoors and outdoors.
Story Time
We practice our literacy and rhyming skills.
And Each Day We Play In Our Learning Centers Too!
Writing Skills
We practice our letter and number writing skills.
Reading Center
We practice our pre-reading skills and read lots of stories.
Music Center
We practice our rhythm and repetition skills.
Sensory Center
We practice our fine motor skills with our hands.
Math Center
We practice our sorting, shapes, and colors.
Science Center
We practice our problem solving skills using science.
Art Center
We practice our creativity and fine motor skills.
Building Center
We practice our construction and math skills.
PLUS A SPECIAL BONUS JUST FOR YOU:
In addition to our amazing in-person preschool classes... During the school year, you'll also get access to Preschool Club for FREE! It's our safe, online library of 300+ engaging preschool classes with our certified, worldwide preschool teachers! Simply click play... and your child will have fun learning at home or on the go!
Click play below to learn about our Preschool Club!
Testimonials
The greatest compliment we can receive is your referral. Thank you!
We have 5-star reviews on Facebook and Google. Thank you for your support!
Pamela T.
"She (Diane) has a positive leadership style, she deeply cares for students and staff, and maintains positive interactions with students and parents."
Ron H.
"Diane considers the whole child
(social, emotional, intellectual, and behavioral). Her goal is for the success
of the child
and improvement of student achievement."
Brian H.
"Diane is a trustworthy
advocate and mentor for staff and students alike, and her wonderful sense of
humor helps people feel listened to and at ease when talking and working with her."
Jesse D.
"She (Diane) understands people and is highly professional in all her dealings with students, parents, staff and community members!"
MaryBeth L.
"I found her instructional skills to be excellent. She had an enthusiasm for the content and the teaching practice. She would engage her students by integrating the arts in their writing and reading; visual, poetry, drama, music, and movement. I was impressed with her ability to keep students engaged and interested."
Tamara G.
"Diane is a kind, strong and insightful leader who possesses outstanding communication and collaboration skills with an innovative vision for what is possible in exemplary learning environments."
HOW TO REGISTER IN OUR PRESCHOOL:
Due to high demand, our classes fill up ridiculously fast. Follow our simple 3-step process below to register your child into our preschool.
STEP 1:
Call to Reserve Your Spot and Take a Tour
Call us today at (360) 772-7200 to reserve your spot and take a tour. Let us know you saw our website promo to save 50% on your registration fee!
STEP 2:
Schedule Your Tour to Register Your Child
At the end of our call, we'll ask you to schedule a tour so we can tell you all about us and ensure we're a good fit.
STEP 3:
Register Your Child During Your Tour
At the end of our tour, we'll ask if you'd like your child to attend our preschool. If so, you'll fill out the registration form and pay the registration fee.
CONTACT US
We would love to answer all your questions and tell you more about us.
You may reach us by calling or texting:
1-360-772-7200
You can also email us at:
[email protected]
We are conveniently located at:
5700 NE Issler Street
Vancouver, WA 98661