Lil' Explorers is all about nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning from the very start. As part of the Chandler Unified School District's Community Education Department, Lil' Explorers serves children ages 1–5 at three convenient locations: Chandler High School, Navarrete Elementary, and Perry High School. Open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Lil' Explorers blends early learning with caring support. During CUSD intersessions, they also offer camps to provide childcare for students, giving families a consistent, year-round option they can rely on. Beyond the basics, there's even more to love about Lil' Explorers. Here are five things you might not know about the program that set it apart from other childcare centers. 

1. All Three Sites Are Quality First 4-Star Rated 

Quality First is Arizona's quality rating system for early learning programs. Achieving a 4-star rating means a site consistently exceeds quality standards in areas such as teacher qualifications, learning environments, and child development support. All three of our locations have earned this distinction. This recognition reflects a commitment to providing classrooms that are safe, engaging, and full of age-appropriate learning materials. From thoughtfully arranged activity centers to small group interactions, every detail is designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and early academic growth. 

2. Meals and Snacks Planned by a Registered Dietitian 

Healthy eating is a crucial part of every child's growth and development. At Lil' Explorers, every meal and snack is thoughtfully planned by a registered dietitian from CUSD Nutrition. Children are served breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack daily, ensuring their nutritional needs are met. Families can feel confident knowing their child's food supports their health, energy, and learning throughout the day. 

3. Exceptional Staff Retention 

Early childhood education programs often face high staff turnover, with some experiencing annual rates up to 30%. In contrast, Lil' Explorers maintains a dedicated team of educators committed to fostering long-term relationships with the children in the program. Our three sites have an average annual turnover rate of less than 7%, reflecting a supportive work environment and a shared passion for early childhood education. This stability ensures continuity in a child's learning journey and builds lasting bonds that enhance their developmental experience. 

4. Ongoing Professional Training and Clearances 

Teacher qualifications are a contributing factor in Quality First's assessment when determining a site's rating. Lil' Explorers believes in the importance of continuous learning. That's why all staff are committed to participating in a 24-hour annual training program. This program covers a wide range of topics, including child growth and development, developmental psychology, observation and assessment, curriculum planning, developmentally appropriate practices, and health and safety. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures that staff are always up to date with the latest best practices and research, providing the highest quality of care and education. Additionally, every staff member holds dual state-level clearances from both the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and the Department of Child Safety (DCS), ensuring the highest standards of safety and professionalism in our classrooms. Additionally, some employees hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, further enhancing their qualifications. 

5. Journey to Excellence – Community Engagement 

Chandler Unified School District follows a strategic planning process to set district-wide goals and strategies, and Lil' Explorers actively participates in this journey. All three sites focus on community engagement by fostering meaningful family involvement. Last year alone, they hosted over 12 events for families and friends, including curriculum nights, art shows, Friendsgiving celebrations, and graduation ceremonies. These gatherings strengthen the partnership between families and educators, creating a supportive environment where children can thrive. 

Are you ready to enroll your child in Lil' Explorers? 

From their Quality First 4-star ratings to strong family engagement, Lil' Explorers is more than just childcare; it's a safe and nurturing environment where children aged 1-5 can learn, grow, and thrive, preparing them seamlessly for a K-12 education at Chandler Unified School District. All three locations are currently accepting registrations and invite you to tour their site, contact them with questions, and register today! 

💻 More information - Lil' Explorers - Chandler Unified School District 

📞 480-224-3900 

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The first few weeks of school are an exciting time of growth, discovery, and adjustment, especially for our Preschool and Pre-K students and families. While every year brings change, one thing remains constant: children thrive on consistency, connection, and a sense of curiosity.   

We spoke with Carole Brown, a Pre-K teacher at CTA Freedom, who has spent over 20 years in early childhood education, including 15 years right here in the Chandler Unified School District. Her insights are a reminder that supporting your child's development doesn't require perfection, just intention. "Things have changed so much from when I started teaching, but one thing that remains the same is children's thirst for knowledge. Learning never stops."  

At-Home Habits That Make a Big Difference  

Many parents ask how they can support their child at home. Here's what Carloe recommends:  

1. Read Every Day, Talk Constantly  

"Read to your child every day and have books all over your house. Talk to your kids, ask them how their day was, explain what you're doing, and where you're going. The more you talk to them, the more you help build their oral language skills."  

Language development starts at home. Conversations, no matter how simple, build vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence. These are foundational skills that our teachers reinforce in the classroom every day.  

2. Make Time to Play (and Embrace the Mess!)  

"When children are playing, they are learning. For example, playing with blocks helps develop early math skills, such as sorting, counting, and identifying colors. And yes, messy play matters! If no other time works, try it at bath time. Give your child some shaving cream and let them explore."  

Hands-on experiences help children understand the world in a sensory and meaningful way.  

3. Encourage Independence

"Start small, by having your child put on their shoes or jacket. If they don't know how, you can teach them by showing them a fun song or video to help them learn. My entire class last year couldn't put their coats on, so my paraprofessional and I showed them a fun video, and within two days, the entire class could put on their jackets. You can also help them build independence by assigning them a chore, such as pushing in chairs after dinner or bringing their plate to the sink. They may not complete it perfectly, but it builds a sense of self-worth, which is something we nurture in the classroom."  

Empowering children to take charge of their tasks builds resilience and confidence.  

4. Implement Routines 

Young children thrive with predictable structures. Whether it's bedtime, morning prep, or school drop-off, consistent routines help reduce anxiety and increase confidence.  

"Talk and communicate with your child about their routine and what's coming next. My favorite phrase is, 'Quick goodbyes lead to dry eyes."  

Try using language like this in the car on the way to school:  

"Remember, I'm going to drop you off at school. I'll give you two hugs and a kiss, then you'll go with your class. I'll pick you up at the end of the day, and when we get home, we can [insert your child's favorite activity]."   

This helps your child know what to expect and feel more in control.  

The teacher also recommends reading "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn, an age-appropriate story that helps children feel secure and connected during times of separation. You can even kiss your child's hand before drop-off and remind them to look at their hand if they miss you throughout the day.  

5. Start the Day Strong  

Don't underestimate the power of sleep and nutrition.  

"A good night's sleep and a great breakfast are great ways to start the day. If children are hungry, it's hard to focus and learn."  

That’s why our Preschool and Pre-K programs include breakfast, lunch, and a snack daily, provided through the CUSD Food and Nutrition Department. If you or your family need additional support, please reach out to the Chandler CARE Center, a local organization that offers assistance with food, health services, and other essential needs. You can contact them at 480-812-7900. 

There's no perfect way to navigate the school year, but showing up with love, patience, and intention goes a long way. Whether it's reading a book, building a block tower, or sticking to a morning routine, the little things you do every day are shaping the learner your child is becoming.  

Have a wonderful year.