Welcome to
Michelle's Backyard Hawthorne

Welcome!  Are you looking for a preschool in Hawthorne or infant and toddler care in the South Bay?

We are a Center-Based childcare & Preschool in Hawthorne California. Inspired by the programs such as Reggio Emilia and Maria Montessori, We offer a nature inspired, outdoor, program focusing on learning through Play and tailored to the specific interests and developmental levels of our children.  Our Hawthorne location offers infant care, Toddler care and a Preschool for South Bay Families. We provide a rich and natural environment for children to develop social and emotional skills. We interact and observe children and plan activities that will expand their thinking, encouraging language, literacy, pre-mathematical concepts, and other pre-academic skills to develop.

Michelle's Backyard Hawthorne,  is committed to preserving the experiences of childhood. We spend hours outdoors exploring, giggling, laughing and discovering the world around us.  You will find us regularly covered in mud, chalk, paint or water and laughing as we splash through warm days in water tables, and sandbox. Our atmosphere is relaxed and child-centered. ​ Childhood is a precious time of discovery and development. Children today face an increasing pressure to grow up too fast, depriving them of fundamental early childhood experiences that help them to become successful adults.

At Michelle's Backyard, we take extra care to make children feel safe, comfortable, and loved. The transition from home to school is a huge change for most children and we do our best to make it as fun and easy as possible while learning the necessary skills through play. The goal for Michelle's Backyard graduates is to enter school as self-confident, effective problem solvers. Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) influences our philosophy and play-based curriculum. We give the children time to ask questions, test theories, and explore topics that interest them. Reading, writing, math, science, and social development are taught through play and project-based work. Teachers take care in planning a curriculum inspired by the children’s interests.

We also believe that emotional development is the core of proper whole-brain development. We have embraced the philosophy of nonviolent parenting which stresses the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence through empathy and connection. We work to provide children with effective tools to work together in a group. We are here to help children understand the meaning behind their actions and teach them positive ways to get their needs met.

We gently hold your child's hand as they navigate the transition from home to Kindergarten.

Creating a Community is a key component of our Program. We work hard to create friends & social relationships for both parents and children. We partner with parents to navigate the path of parenthood and host parent nights to solidify those bonds.

Come Join our Backyard Family at its Newest Location in Hawthorne.