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"The true strength in our classroom lies in the collaboration of learners, not in the knowledge of one expert."
OUR STORY
Foothill Preschool was founded in 2018 by Tamila Sayar, an experienced school owner and educator who also operates programs in California. Tamila’s vision for Foothill was to create a preschool that not only embraced the Reggio Emilia philosophy but also offered onsite therapy services — something rarely available and often difficult for families to access. By bringing education and therapeutic support together under one roof, Foothill was designed to be a truly inclusive place where every child can thrive.
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Our school is located in a beloved building in downtown Lafayette that was originally built in 1954 and served for decades as a well-known local church. While we’ve thoughtfully updated the space to meet the needs of today’s learners, we have intentionally preserved much of its original charm and history, creating an environment that feels both welcoming and unique.
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Since opening our doors, we’ve been proud to serve families with children ages 2.5–6, offering small class sizes, low ratios, and professional educators dedicated to honoring each child’s individuality. At Foothill, children are seen as capable, curious members of the community, and we are grateful to partner with families in supporting their growth, discovery, and joy during these early years.
"Teachers trust themselves to respond appropriately to children's ideas and interests, they trust children to be interested in things worth knowing about, and they trust parents to be informed and productive members of a cooperative educational team. The result is an atmosphere of community and collaboration that is developmentally appropriate for adults and children alike."
Rebecca New
OUR APPROACH
At Foothill, we believe early education should balance joyful exploration with meaningful growth. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we see children as capable, curious, and full of potential — each with “a hundred languages” to express their ideas and understand the world. We value these early years as a time for discovery: digging in the soil, marveling at insects, painting with friends, asking endless questions, and learning through play. These experiences foster independence, collaboration, self-confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
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Our philosophy also emphasizes social-emotional growth. Children learn to advocate for themselves, regulate emotions, build friendships, set and respect boundaries, and collaborate with peers — all while being celebrated for who they are. Teachers form trusting, respectful relationships with each child, creating a safe space where they can express themselves authentically and feel seen, heard, and valued.
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At Foothill, we view children as active participants in their learning and as co-constructors of knowledge alongside teachers, peers, and families. Following the Reggio Emilia view that parents are a child’s first teacher, educators the second, and the classroom environment the third, we strive to build strong, collaborative partnerships with families. When parents, teachers, and specialists work together with a child’s best interest at heart, meaningful relationships filled with trust and compassion are formed.
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As an inclusive preschool, we welcome and support children of all abilities and developmental profiles, meeting each child exactly where they are. To ensure we can meet diverse needs, we partner with an onsite Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Mental Health Specialist each week. Our educators also work closely with these specialists and participate in ongoing professional development to continually grow their skills and strengthen the support we provide.
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Ultimately, our goal is to guide children toward becoming confident, secure, and well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of self. We prioritize independence, collaboration, and social-emotional learning, while naturally weaving academic concepts into play-based exploration. Teachers observe and document children’s interests and conversations, then use these insights to design meaningful projects and investigations.
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At Foothill, learning is a shared journey. Teachers and students work side by side in partnership — not hierarchy — creating a strong foundation of lifelong skills that prepare children for Kindergarten and beyond.
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