Business Details
Trusted Preschool & Parent Participation Program
At Lagoon Playgroup, we are dedicated to inspiring children to become creative and independent problem solvers through a nurturing environment that respects each child's unique needs. Our program emphasizes self-discovery, inquiry, and hands-on learning in a beautiful outdoor classroom that encourages exploration and play-based education. Under the guidance of experienced educators, we foster a collaborative community where parent participation enriches the learning experience and strengthens family connections. Our curriculum integrates project-based learning, unstructured play, and structured activities to cultivate lifelong skills such as critical thinking, social interaction, and emotional development.With a commitment to celebrating childhood's natural giftscuriosity, creativity, and joywe provide a supportive space where children and families grow together. Our team of dedicated professionals brings expertise in Reggio-Emilia and Montessori methodologies, ensuring a personalized approach that values each child's perspective and developmental journey. Through structured preschool classes, parent-toddler sessions, and community engagement, we create a magical environment where learning thrives alongside fun and meaningful relationships.
Services
Preschool Program
Parent Participation
Outdoor Classroom
Toddler Playgroups
School Tours
Highlights and features
- We offer Reggio-Emilia and Montessori-inspired outdoor learning environments
- Our program emphasizes child-led exploration and parent collaboration
- Experienced educators with specialized training in early childhood development
- Unique outdoor classroom with dedicated construction, art, and nature areas
- Flexible scheduling with preschool and toddler playgroup options
What people say
Magical place
Nurturing environment
Creative problem-solving
Strong community
Child-led learning
Services
Preschool Program
Our preschool classes for ages 3-5 combine structured learning with child-led exploration. Senior students attend Monday/Wednesday/Friday (9am-1pm), while Junior students meet Tuesday/Thursday (9am-1pm). Classes include two teachers and parent volunteers to facilitate hands-on activities, social development, and creative expression in our outdoor classroom environment.
Parent Participation
We actively engage parents through classroom volunteering and school events. This collaborative approach strengthens family connections, enhances learning experiences, and builds a supportive community. Parents contribute to daily activities while observing their child's development in a structured educational setting.
Outdoor Classroom
Our unique outdoor environment features dedicated areas for construction, art, and nature exploration. Children engage with mud kitchens, sandboxes, playhouses, and light/shadow experiments. This natural setting promotes sensory development, physical activity, and creative problem-solving through unstructured play and guided discovery.
Toddler Playgroups
Five-week Saturday sessions for 2-3 year olds include structured playtime and parent-guided exploration. Each 90-minute class features outdoor activities, storytelling, and music while parents remain onsite. Sessions run January-May with weather-dependent scheduling and rescheduling options for missed classes.
School Tours
Scheduled tours occur during school hours to showcase our active learning environment. Adult-only visits include director-led walkthroughs, parent testimonials, and Q&A sessions. Fall enrollment tours begin in February with multiple dates available, offering prospective families direct insight into daily classroom activities and community culture.
People
Adriana Castanon
Executive Director
Child educator with experience in Reggio-Emilia and Montessori preschools. Born in Long Beach, she emphasizes diversity and personalized connections with students. Specializes in creating tailored learning experiences that foster creativity, problem-solving, and social development through trust-based relationships.
Katy Foley
Senior Class Teacher
Experienced educator specializing in developmentally appropriate activities and creative learning environments. Combines expertise in art, gardening, and children's literature with practical parenting experience. Focuses on nurturing safe spaces for children to explore, create, and develop essential social and cognitive skills.
Questions
What age requirements exist for enrollment?
Senior Preschool requires children to be 4 by September. Junior Preschool requires 3 years old and potty-trained. Toddler Playgroups serve 2-3 year olds.
How does parent participation work?
Parents volunteer in classrooms during assigned days and participate in school events. This collaborative approach enhances learning while strengthening family-school connections through direct involvement.
What outdoor learning opportunities are available?
Our outdoor classroom features construction zones, art stations, mud kitchens, sandboxes, playhouses, and light/shadow experiments. Children engage in sensory play and structured activities that promote physical development and creative exploration.
Are tours available outside regular school hours?
Standard tours occur during school hours. Contact the director directly for alternative visitation times if daytime attendance isn't possible for your family.
How does weather affect programming?
Outdoor sessions depend on weather conditions. Postponed classes receive rescheduling options or refunds. Indoor alternatives aren't available as outdoor learning is central to our educational philosophy.
Reviews (6)
Rayne S.
Jun 11, 2017
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If i could do 10 stars my family and I would.... coming from bayshore coop to this place was night and day. From anyone who is a first time mom...
Going into Preschool you want the best, you want what's right, you want to feel safe, you want your kid comfortable, and you want the learning that's needed. Teacher Rachel McBride is amazing she's a teacher you want your kids around.... I'm a little sad about us only getting the changes recently. We have been through a few changes at colorado lagoon playgroup the past couple months but the one that held it together was Mrs Rachel
Going into Preschool you want the best, you want what's right, you want to feel safe, you want your kid comfortable, and you want the learning that's needed. Teacher Rachel McBride is amazing she's a teacher you want your kids around.... I'm a little sad about us only getting the changes recently. We have been through a few changes at colorado lagoon playgroup the past couple months but the one that held it together was Mrs Rachel
Lauren L.
Apr 19, 2016
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I cannot express the amazing experience my family and I have had joining the playgroup family! This has been the first program that my husband and I have enrolled our son into at the age of 3. Being home with me up until then, was all my son knew, coming to the open house was a real test for us. The moment we walked through the gate he took off with such excitement and security! I have loved every moment of being a part in his beginning school years. I feel it has really set the tone of his new love of learning, and his outlook on his future years of schooling! Working in the classroom, and evolving
Alex A.
Feb 17, 2016
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I looked into preschools like we were finding a college...first and only child, it was a scary thought to leave my kid with just anyone!Everything we found up until the playgroup felt impersonal, not nurturing, and strangely dark and dreary. We tried one school and she cried everyday. I wanted a place my kid would LOVE going to in the morning and a place that I could be involved in my child's education and growth. A place that felt bright, joyful, and a place with like minded families. I wanted to have better communication with her teacher, something this previous school lacked! The Lagoon
Paz K.
Feb 17, 2016
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As a mother, the MOST important thing for my daughter is her well development and safety. The Lagoon Playgroup provide those and beyond! We are so in love with this amazing program!! For me, with out a doubt is the missing link in preschool and education! My daughter LOVES attending! Yes, it's a co-op preschool so parents are expected to work, no way around that! But being involve in the program my daughter is participating it's priceless! I am super sad this is our last year attending :( I truly wish there was something like this for kinder-garden!
Nathan M.
Feb 04, 2016
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This co-op preschool has been a wonderful experience for my son. As a new family in town, we stumbled upon it while visiting the great beach and playground next door. We were lucky enough to land a spot in the junior class (3-4 year olds) when someone else dropped out and we loved it so much our son is now a senior (4-5 year olds). We were looking for a preschool that was mostly outdoors, play-based and with parent involvement and that is just what we found! I love being able to volunteer at the school, attend field trips with my younger child, and communicate with the teacher openly about my child
Lindsay H.
Jan 23, 2016
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After researching many preschools all over Long Beach, I found the Lagoon Playgroup to be the best fit for our family by a long shot! From the moment we entered the school, all of the parents and teachers were so incredibly friendly AND you can not beat the location--indoor/outdoor natural play area near the water! The school play based curriculum impressed me as well with everything ranging from arts and crafts to science, beginning reading and writing skills, an organic garden and lots of kinesthetic/fine/gross opportunities for learning. In addition to everything else, the school takes great
