About Us
Founded in 1954 by a group of Concord families, Pixie Play School is a play-based parent co-operative preschool based in Concord, California.
Our school is a non-profit organization open to all children of the community regardless of race, religion, national, or ethnic background. We aim to provide a safe and supported first school experience that celebrates the individuality of each child.
We believe that you are the best expert on your child. By participating in our co-operative program, your family learns alongside one another in a classroom supported by a professional. Our teacher plans the curriculum and guides the program.
We are pleased to offer Preschool and an optional Pre-K Enrichment program. Additional education-focused classroom time is also available each week to help better prepare your preschooler for Kindergarten.
Meet Our Teacher Marisa
Marisa has a bachelor's of science degree in child and family development from SDSU. She worked in the field for 15+ years as a preschool teacher and then as a director. She also has experience as a substitute teacher in the MDUSD district. She has five children ages 19, 16(twins), 7, and 4. Her four year old currently attends Pixie. She's been happily married to her husband, Chris for almost ten years. She was born in Walnut Creek and grew up in Concord. She left for San Diego to pursue her degree. After living in San Diego for five years she found her way back to Concord. She is a professional hula and tahitian dancer and has been dancing for over 30 years. When she's not tending to her children, you can find her shopping at Target, sipping on coffee or wine, watching Netflix, or crafting. She enjoys being a part of the Pixie family and looks forward to remaining a part of Pixie for many years.
Meet Our
Board Members
President: Marisa
Marisa is not only our dedicated and caring teacher, but she also holds the esteemed position of President of the Board, where her leadership and expertise greatly benefit our school.
Vice President: Julia
Julia currently holds the Vice President position. She is the mother of one daughter. Julia knew Pixie was the school for her family immediately after attending an open house and experiencing the warm, welcoming, family environment created by all parents and the teacher. Julia has a BA in environmental studies and psychology. She works full time as a social worker in community mental health. Julia's passions are nature and animals. On her days off she can be found at the Oakland Zoo or exploring the beauty of California with her adventurous daughter.
Secretary: Audry
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Publicity: Donna
Donna currently holds the Publicity Chair. She is a stay at home mom of three children, her youngest is currently enrolled at pixie. She loves to cook, build with LEGO, and watch football and Formula 1. She also loves to travel with friends, and her family. Her and her family have been with Pixie Play School since 2016. The Pixie Community has made a huge impact in her life. Donna, along with her husband, have co-op’d at Pixie and they absolutely loved making core memories. She has also made lifelong friendships with other parents there.
Sessions Rep: Jessica
Jessica currently holds the Sessions Rep position. A former restaurant GM and personal trainer, she is now a stay at home mom to one son. She loves being physically and socially active, doing logic puzzles, and trying new foods. She also loves spending time and exploring new sights with her husband and son. Jessica is a huge fan of the play-based curriculum at Pixie and considers her family so lucky to have found such a wonderful community.
Ways and Means: Allison
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As parents, we are all continually searching for the perfect school for our children. We hope that the information you will find here will guide you in your decision.
Our Goals
Stimulate curiosity - in learning through discovery, exploration, and play suitable for each child’s developmental need
Instilling a positive self-image - while creating awareness and respect for the rights and feelings of others in social interactions with elders and peers.
Encourage self-sufficiency & independence - to create confidence in self-management outside the care of family
Create a sense of self control - that can cope with stressful, every day, or bothersome situations in a positive manner, by encouraging creativity, problem solving, and decision making skills, both verbally and mentally.
Create community - that fosters to both the needs of parents and children. We hope to create a positive school experience through the exchange of ideas and relationships that last well beyond your years with us a Pixie.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is based on the knowledge that children learn through play. We respect each child’s uniqueness and allow them to grow at their own pace. We provide a safe and nurturing environment that allows children to develop in all areas: socially, emotionally, cognitively, linguistically, and physically.
The initial years of a child’s life are the time when they develop self-esteem, a sense of belonging, self-worth, respect for themselves and others, and the confidence and security that are the foundation of learning. We believe it is important to teach each child that their ideas and interests, no matter how big or small, are worth pursuing.
We foster creativity, expression, ingenuity, and a love of learning through a curriculum that develops from observing a child’s interest and expands upon his or her exploration.
As they progress through our program it is our goal to provide them with the skills they need to be ready for kindergarten.
Our Curriculum
Pixie offers a home-away-from-home atmosphere that makes children feel comfortable and helps them explore freely. Within this safe environment we provide a developmental curriculum. This means that planning is done through a process of observing the children, evaluating their individual interests and needs, then planning the activities accordingly.
Rather than creating blocks of time for math, language, science, etc. we allow children to learn about themselves and the world around them through investigation and discovery, art, dramatic play, and social interactions.
Children are given individual opportunities as well as group activities. Activities vary day-by-day. Each month a theme is selected for the dramatic play area and related curriculum is applied.
Indoor Activities are hands-on and include:
Science
Block Play
Creative Art
Cooking
Language and Pre-Reading
Pre-Math
Texture
Dramatic Play
Music and Movement
Free exploration during outside play include:
Art
Climbing
Sand Play
Bikes
Water Play
Music and Dance
Building
Pretend Play
Games
Field Trips
As the children become comfortable in the Pixie setting we venture out on field trips in our community. These field trips are an excellent way for the children to experience what they are interested in and learning about in the classroom. Here’s a sample of some of the field trips we have done: Fire department, Post Office, Musical Departments of local schools, Grocery Stores, Farms & Theaters. Some of our field trips are visits to our current parents’ place of employment as well!
