A Community Built Around Children, Families, and Purposeful Early Learning

Choosing a preschool is about more than schedules or classrooms; it’s about trust. Families want to know who will care for their child, how decisions are made, and whether a school truly understands early childhood. At Kidspace, our story is rooted in relationships, experience, and a deep respect for children and the families who love them.

For 25 years, Kidspace has been a place where children are known, supported, and encouraged to grow at their own pace. Our approach is thoughtful and intentional, shaped by decades of experience in early childhood education and guided by what children genuinely need to thrive.

Who Is Kidspace For?

Kidspace serves families who are looking for more than a one-size-fits-all preschool experience. We welcome families who value:

developmentally appropriate, play-based learning
warm, responsive relationships between teachers and children
environments that feel calm, engaging, and purposeful
educators who understand early childhood deeply
a strong sense of community and belonging

Many families find Kidspace while searching for Montessori-influenced programs, and while we are not a Montessori school, our values often resonate with those seeking independence, hands-on exploration, and respect for the child.

What Guides Our Work Every Day?

Everything we do at Kidspace is guided by a simple belief: children are capable, curious, and worthy of deep respect. Our teachers approach their work with care and intention, observing closely, listening thoughtfully, and responding to children as individuals.

Our educational approach is influenced by respected voices in early childhood education, including Bev Bos, Howard Gardner, Loris Malaguzzi, and Nellie Edge. These influences support our focus on whole-child development (social, emotional, physical, and cognitive) while honoring creativity, exploration, and meaningful relationships.

Learning here is not rushed. Children are given time to investigate ideas, build friendships, revisit experiences, and discover what it means to be part of a caring community.

Who Leads and Cares for the Children at Kidspace?

Kidspace is owner-led, with leadership that is present, engaged, and deeply connected to the daily life of the school. This steady presence helps ensure consistency, strong values, and a culture where children and families feel known.

Our teaching team is made up of skilled, long-term educators who are committed to early childhood education as both a profession and a calling. Teachers build strong relationships with children and families, creating classrooms that feel safe, welcoming, and responsive. Many families share that it’s the people, the warmth, experience, and care that set Kidspace apart.

What Makes the Kidspace Environment Special?

The spaces at Kidspace are designed with intention. Classrooms are bathed in natural light, thoughtfully arranged, and rich with materials that invite curiosity and independence. Children are encouraged to move, explore, create, and collaborate throughout the day.

We believe the environment plays an active role in learning. When children feel comfortable and inspired by their surroundings, they are more likely to engage deeply, take risks, and develop confidence in their abilities.

How Does Kidspace Partner With Families?

Families are an essential part of the Kidspace community. We believe open communication, mutual respect, and shared understanding create the strongest foundation for children’s growth.

From the first conversation through each school year, we aim to support families with clarity, care, and consistency. We value collaboration and see education as a partnership, one where children benefit most when home and school work together.

About the Owner and Staff

Learn about the heart and leadership behind Kidspace. This page introduces our owner (who brings decades of early childhood experience and daily presence) and a team of skilled, long-term educators who build trusting relationships with children and families every day.

Our Facility

Explore the intentional spaces where children experience learning with body and mind. From our gym and outdoor play areas to creative studio spaces that encourage imagination and collaboration, each area of Kidspace supports development, curiosity, and joyful exploration. Schedule a tour.

Early Achievers

See how Kidspace participates in Washington’s Early Achievers program, a voluntary quality rating and improvement system that supports high standards in early learning. This page highlights our commitment to continuous growth and excellence in teaching environments, interactions, and family engagement.

Parent Handbook

Get a clear look at the beliefs, routines, and classroom principles that guide life at Kidspace. This handbook reflects our core values, from children’s play as their work to the way we support independence, movement, social skills, and respectful relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about schedules, enrollment details, classroom structure, safety practices, and what daily life looks like at Kidspace. This page is designed to give you practical clarity as you consider or prepare for enrollment.

Employment Inquiries

Learn how passionate educators can join our team. While not specifically a family resource, this page shares opportunities to work with a community of professionals dedicated to intentional early childhood education.

Explore More About Kidspace

The pages within our About section offer a deeper look at what matters most to us: our philosophy, our educators, our learning environment, and our history. Each page is designed to help families understand not just what we do, but why we do it.

We invite you to explore, reflect, and reach out if you’d like to learn more. We’re always happy to continue the conversation.

Our Mission Statement

KIDSPACE Child Enrichment Center programs are based upon developmentally appropriate practices for young children offered in a warm, stimulating environment. We recognize the importance of kindergarten readiness by supporting the development of the whole child while encouraging academic, physical, emotional, and socialization skills.

What families say about our program.

Loving, Caring, and Attentive to Each Child’s Needs

We love Kidspace so much! The teachers are so caring and dedicated to helping the kids learn and grow. They are so thoughtful about coming up with activities that would interest and challenge each student. The teachers are also very dedicated to helping kids work on their social and emotional skills. They really meet the kids where they are at, instead of trying to make the kids fit into their classroom. It is very clear that they are experienced educators, and not just babysitters trying to get through the day. We had a tough experience at another preschool in Vancouver, so it was such a relief to finally feel at home at Kidspace!

Truly, every single teacher and staff member is lovely and caring. Everyone knows all of our names, even teachers from other classes. And they are very careful and thoughtful about our kid’s allergies. It’s a relief to send him to school feeling like he is in safe hands.

We also love the play-based curriculum — our kid comes home every day with a new project or story about a fun classroom activity. He is excited to go to school and see all his friends and teachers. What a joy! I am so glad we found Kidspace.

Beth Ford

Happy, Engaged, Supported Independent Play

My husband and I found Kidspace while searching for an alternative to the daycare our 3 year old daughter was previously enrolled in. We toured several different locations, but the moment we found Kidspace we stopped our search. As we toured the classes, we saw happy, engaged, supported independent play. It was like night and day from our previous childcare experiences.

We have been there for a year now, and it is not just our favorite childcare facility in Vancouver, it is one of our favorite places in Vancouver, period. Our daughter comes home excited about what she learned and what she explored every day. Her teachers, Miss Shasta and Miss Tracy are kind, attentive, and endlessly positive. The director of the school, Miss Kathy is one of the most thoughtful, reflective, and compassionate people I know. She runs a truly special program.

When my husband and I talk about our experience with KidSpace, the one thing we repeatedly say is, “I can’t believe this place isn’t at the top of the search results when you look for preschools. I can’t believe our good fortune in them having space for our daughter!”

Jennifer McIntyre

Opened Up a World

Kidspace was absolutely instrumental in my daughter’s growth. Her first language was Vietnamese when we enrolled and yesterday when I said it was very windy outside she said, “No, Papa, it’s blustery!”

This staff is all in on student-centered learning and the arts, crafts, and activities are just next level compared to other preschools. They’ve opened up a world in my daughters mind and we are so grateful to have found this place.

If there was a sixth star rating they’d get it. Worth every penny. Thank you

Scott Million

Perfect Fit

A little over three years ago when we first walked through the doors of KIDSPACE, we knew we’d found our fit. We’ve watched our son grow so much through his Chickadee, Bluebird, and Robin years.

KIDSPACE became home. And the amenities aren’t just limited to the high ceilings, fantastic gym, whimsical playground, and classrooms packed full of the best math, science, sensory, music, building blocks, table toy/manipulatives, libraries, and art centers. No, what makes a house a home is love. The teachers and staff have loved us all like family and we feel the same way. We couldn’t have chosen a better place to lay the foundation for our son’s education.

Katie Scot

Awesome Teachers

After visiting 6 different preschools in the area, we chose kidspace. They work with an in depth curriculum which is suited for the age group. They provide essential social skills and most importantly, the awesome teachers provide and loving and safe environment. Kathy, the owner is an experienced educator and runs a superb school. This school is truly the highest quality you will find. My son has grown by leaps and bounds in all areas in the two years he has been here.

Valerie Jones

Getting Out Energy Through Play

“My son, who is an only child and pretty introverted is absolutely LOVING Kidspace. It’s only day 4 as I write this review, and he goes 3x per week and I think he wishes he could go more! He is already learning so much, and thriving. The space truly nurtures his natural athletic ability, so that was a very important factor for us when choosing a preschool. He thinks the gym at Kidspace is his own American Ninja Warrior training space, so that’s pretty funny and awesome for us because he’s actually tired at night. He can really get out all that energy he has through play, but also learn so much about social skills and communicating his emotions, etc. They spend a lot of time outside and that’s so important! I highly recommend Kidspace.”

Meagan Hope

Well-rounded Education

“We have had two kids attend here and both have truly excelled when entering kindergarten thanks to KIDSPACE. They were always excited to go attend, even after 2.5 years! The staff is educated, and they teach in a wonderful, creative environment that is built on an excellent curriculum. They also go beyond that to teach manners, feelings, and basic life and self-managing skills. Most importantly, they do this because they are passionate to teach, and you can tell that. It has been a great experience for us and the kids!”

Kimberly Nelson

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