Meadowlark Blog

In the world of early childhood education, different philosophies and approaches offer unique perspectives on how children learn best. While Montessori education has gained widespread recognition, other methodologies like Waldorf and play-based learning provide equally valuable insights into childhood development. At Meadowlark Schools, we believe that no single educational philosophy holds all the answers—instead, we've crafted an approach that thoughtfully blends the most effective elements from multiple traditions.

Starting preschool is a significant milestone in your child's life—and yours. Whether your little one is entering our new Stockton campus or any early childhood program, this transition represents an exciting step toward independence and growth. At the same time, it can bring a mix of emotions for both children and parents: excitement, curiosity, and perhaps a touch of anxiety about the unknown.

At Meadowlark Schools, we've guided countless families through this important transition. We understand that each child approaches new experiences differently, and we're committed to partnering with you to make this journey as smooth and positive as possible.

In today's increasingly digital world, children are spending less time outdoors than any previous generation. At Meadowlark Schools, we believe this disconnect from nature has profound implications for how children develop, learn, and thrive. Our nature-based approach isn't just a philosophical preference—it's grounded in compelling research about early brain development and how outdoor environments provide the optimal conditions for children to grow cognitively, physically, emotionally, and socially.

Risky play, when appropriately supervised, provides numerous benefits for children's development, including improved cognitive, physical, emotional, and social skills.