About Desert Heights Preschool

My name is Ciara Loadholt and I am the principal for the east and west preschool campuses. I have been part of the Desert Heights family for eight years.

Desert Heights Preschool (DHP) has been in existence for over 10 years. Throughout those 10 years we have continued to grow in numbers and expand in property. Last year we celebrated the grand opening of our newest preschool also located in Glendale, Arizona. We are a partnerships with community preschool; meaning in collaboration with our community and all other stakeholders. DHP encourages the collaboration of administration, staff, and parents in the education of those students attending all our Desert Heights schools. We are always hosting special events to acknowledge our families and we highly encourage parent participation in a variety of ways. We have an incredibly supportive PTSA that seeks out parents to volunteer in whatever capacity possible.

Desert Heights Preschool (2yrs-5yrs) provides a positive learning environment for your children. Our Charter School (Kindergarten-5th grade) and Preparatory Academy (6th grade-High school) will provide a rigorous, standards based academic environment through a balance of intensive, compassionate teaching. We are dedicated to the development of vibrant, socially-responsible individuals, who possess the essential life skills necessary for success. DHP understands the years leading up to Kindergarten are the child’s most important developmental years. We are committed to working alongside our parents to assure their child receives a quality education, healthcare, and have fun in the process.
Preschool Curriculum
Our curriculum begins in our 2 year-old and 3 year-old classrooms with the use of the Sonday program. The Sonday curriculum teaches early essential skills while leaving time in the lesson to practice fluency and comprehension (2010, Winsor Learning, Inc.). Our staff works with your child to prepare them for their big day in Pre-K.
Desert Heights introduced our new reading program SRA” Imagine It”, formally known as SRA Open Court, in the 2009-2010 school year, beginning in pre-kindergarten. Imagine It is a comprehensive, core reading program that addresses the five key elements of literacy: phonemic awareness, explicit and systematic phonics instruction, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Imagine It includes instruction in reading, language arts, spelling, grammar, writing, and penmanship. With SRA Imagine It students not only “acquire the skills, knowledge, and strategies they need to become skilled readers and writers …they understand the meaning and purpose of what they are learning” (What is Imagine It; Benefits, 2007). For additional information, or to view the At Home link, please visit www.imagineitreading.com.
Kindergarten Readiness

DHP teachers take pride in your child’s achievements by offering a high quality based learning environment. We encourage children by making learning fun and exciting on a daily basis. We prepare our students so there is no unnecessary struggling when they reach Kindergarten. In addition, your child will be introduced to a second language, computer instruction, art, music, literature, social interactions, and exploration of concepts in math and science. Combined these attributes make a smooth transition to kindergarten.
I hope you give us the opportunity to meet you and your child(ren). We always welcome new faces as long as we have room.
 
Best Regards,



Ciara Loadholt                                                                                                  
Principal/ Desert Heights Preschool                                                                                                    
602.896.1600