Our campus

Our preschool campus at Lopez Children’s Center embodies the core values that shape our program. We have created child-centered, home-like environments that encourage exploration, foster flexible thinking, and promote meaningful connections. With abundant access to natural elements that engage the senses, we aim to cultivate an appreciation for aesthetics and the beauty of thoughtfully presented materials. Through these practices, we demonstrate our belief in children’s abilities to be active participants in their own learning.

our classrooms

our Play yards

Our main play yard is a dynamic outdoor space that inspires imagination and active play for children of all ages. With play structures, open areas for running, and sensory-rich environments, it supports physical development, social interaction, and exploration. Fruit trees add seasonal opportunities for children to connect with nature and observe growth cycles.

The mud kitchen is a favorite feature, offering hands-on, nature-based play with soil, water, and leaves. This fosters sensory development, fine motor skills, and cooperation while deepening children’s connection to the natural world.

Our toddler yard is a safe, engaging space with age-appropriate equipment that encourages movement, sensory exploration, and social interaction. Designed for little explorers, it fosters gross motor skills, balance, and curiosity.

We also feature a curated Community Playthings collection of high-quality, open-ended toys that inspire creativity, problem-solving, and cooperative play. These versatile materials support imaginative learning and developmental growth for all children in our care.

discover our classrooms

In our 12-36 month classroom, nurturing relationships are at the heart of our approach. Our teachers focus on creating safe and secure attachments, allowing young toddlers to explore their world with confidence. We support each child’s developmental milestones through individualized care routines, and rich opportunities for environmental exploration.
Toddlers engage their senses as they investigate their surroundings, so we offer a sensory-rich environment filled with captivating materials for hands-on exploration. Our classroom features engaging artistic and scientific experiences that spark curiosity and wonder. We also incorporate songs, music, fingerplays, and movement throughout the day to promote language development and mobility. By fostering these early experiences, we support toddlers in their journey of growth and discovery.
In our 3-6 year classroom, we embrace the inquisitive nature of this age group, fostering their natural curiosity and encouraging them to explore big questions and seek out their own answers. As children become more social, they delight in playing with peers, sharing stories, and engaging in games. These interactions help them build meaningful friendships and understand the essence of being a friend.
Our focus is on equipping children with the skills they need to thrive in their next educational chapter. We leverage their love for storytelling by incorporating dramatic play, story creation, and repeated readings into our curriculum. This approach supports early literacy development, including understanding story structures, print awareness, and emergent writing skills. Through these engaging activities, we help children develop the foundational skills necessary for continued success in their educational journey.
Our Prekindergarten class, provides a thoughtful transition to mainstream education. In a supportive and intimate classroom setting, children engage in hands-on learning experiences and group research investigations. They explore topics that spark their interest, allowing them to discover the joy of learning through meaningful, interactive activities.
The class immerses children in foundational literacy and math concepts, fostering their curiosity and enthusiasm for knowledge. By offering a range of engaging experiences, we help prepare them for a successful transition to kindergarten and beyond, ensuring they build a solid foundation for their future educational journey.

our sensory space

Our sensory room is thoughtfully designed to support diverse sensory needs, providing a range of materials that offer both heightened sensory experiences and sensory deprivation. This space is especially beneficial for neurodivergent students, offering them a tailored environment where they can explore and regulate their sensory inputs according to their individual preferences.

In the sensory room, children can engage with specialized materials that stimulate their senses or create a calming, low-stimulation environment to help manage sensory overload. This approach ensures that every child, regardless of their sensory processing needs, has the opportunity to thrive and find comfort. By integrating these sensory experiences, we support all students in developing their self-regulation skills and fostering a positive learning experience.

Lopez Children’s Center has a rich and evolving history on Lopez Island, beginning with the establishment of Lopez Childcare in 1964, the first official childcare service in San Juan County. In 1978, this service evolved into a formal preschool, laying the groundwork for what would become the Lopez Children’s Center. Recognizing the growing need for expanded childcare, in 1999, the preschool joined forces with the Lopez Island Family Resource Center (LIFRC) to address the demand and envision a new facility.

After significant effort, including securing a federal grant, construction on our current campus began in 2002, providing a dedicated space for our expanding programs. The center continued to thrive until the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed a serious threat to it’s operation. In response, the community came together, and the center transitioned to a co-op model led by parents to ensure its survival.

As the pandemic receded, we moved beyond the co-op model and focused on enhancing our facility. We’ve made significant improvements, including upgrading our building, expanding our materials, increasing our capacity and age range, and employing quality educational professionals. We are also actively applying for additional grants to support further expansion and continue our mission of providing exceptional childcare to the Lopez Island community.

Our History

Our community

Lopez Island is a tight-knit, vibrant community known for its stunning natural beauty and strong local connections. Located in San Juan County, Washington, Lopez Island is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, including serene waters, ideal biking environment, and lush forests. The island's residents are deeply committed to preserving its unique charm and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment.

Community life on Lopez Island is marked by a spirit of collaboration and mutual support. Local events, farmer’s markets, and cultural festivals bring residents together, celebrating the island’s rich heritage and diverse interests. The island is also home to a variety of small businesses, and organizations that contribute to its thriving community fabric.

The people of Lopez Island are known for their generosity and dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all residents. This strong sense of community is evident in the way neighbors come together to address challenges, support local initiatives, and create a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. Lopez Island's close-knit community plays a crucial role in maintaining the island's unique character and ensuring a high quality of life for its residents.