Welcome to River Roots, an inviting home away from home preschool that focuses on play-based learning, social-emotional development, and a deep connection with nature. We aim to equip children for future stages in life while embracing the beauty and magic of their childhood. 

At River Roots, we provide an integrated approach where children learn with the gentle embrace of Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia philosophies. Our school is dedicated to providing an inclusive and enriching environment, supporting children’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development. 

Children at River Roots experience respect, empathy, and attunement from their teachers, supporting them to develop a strong sense of self and build confidence. We cultivate a secure base culture with the children, ensuring that each child feels safe and supported to explore and learn. 

The language of children is through play. This is how they learn, explore the world around them, and develop essential life long skills. Our play-based curriculum promotes social interaction, emotion regulation, and problem-solving abilities, empowering children to express themselves and engage meaningfully with their peers and surroundings.

Integrating the Montessori method, we emphasize independence, self-directed learning, and uninterrupted time for free choice with the classroom materials. Drawing from Waldorf education, we encourage creativity, imaginative play, storytelling, and a predictable daily rhythm with an emphasis on outdoor play.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, we embrace children’s natural curiosity and interests and weave them into our curriculum. Like the water flowing through a river, we adapt our curriculum to the children’s evolving needs and passions.

River Roots emphasizes nature, sustainability, and health. We cook our own nutritious, organic meals and engage in gardening activities where children are able to harvest and explore fresh foods grown from our school and local markets.

Our program emphasizes the outdoors where children are able to explore the gifts from nature. River Roots supports a deep connection with nature through digging in the dirt, using natural art materials, and watching the hummingbirds, lizards, ladybugs visit our school. 

At River Roots Preschool, every child’s unique  journey is embraced with warmth, nurtured with care and intention, and guided by their strengths to support a whole child learning experience.

Philosophy

Meet our Director and Teachers

Hi, my name is Ella! River Roots has been a dream of mine for many years. When I began working with young children as a preschool teacher and nanny in San Francisco, I knew right away that supporting early childhood development was my passion. I was constantly learning and filled with inspiration by the children and families that I worked with. This calling led me to pursue higher education and I attained my masters in marriage and family therapy at Santa Clara University. 

As a therapist I continued to serve children and families in a one on one setting. I loved working alongside other parents as they navigated the beauties and challenges of parenthood and supporting children as they developed lifelong  skills and learn about the world around them for the first time. 

After moving to Sacramento in 2022, I found myself longing to combine my experiences of working with children and families and bring my dream of opening a preschool to life.

I am so excited to welcome you and your children into our home and to accompany you during this transformative time in your lives.

Qualifications: 

  • Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy 

  • Early Childhood Education Teaching Credentials

  • Bachelors in Psychology  

  • Licensed Preschool Owner  (LIC # 343626043)

  • CPR/First Aid Certified

  • Live Scan Background Clearance

  • Parent of 2

My name is Teacher Rae, and I have the joy of teaching at River Roots Preschool. I have been working in Early Childhood Education for six years, and it continues to be an incredibly rewarding path. Each day I have the opportunity to do what I love—create art, make music, dance, and play alongside the children.

Some of my favorite parts of teaching are music and process art. I love exploring instruments and sharing songs and dances that help children develop coordination, rhythm, and a sense of joy in movement. With process art, the focus is on the experience of creating rather than the finished product, allowing children to explore their imagination freely.

I am also passionate about supporting children through big emotions. Guiding them as they learn to understand and process their feelings helps them build healthy self-regulation and emotional resilience.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time in nature, especially bird watching. I also love painting and writing stories.

Teacher Rae

Hi, I am Teacher Ana! I have been a credentialed preschool teacher for over six years, and I feel grateful to spend my days learning and growing alongside young children.

With my caring and playful nature, I strive to create a warm and welcoming classroom where children feel safe, seen, and free to explore. I believe that kindness, respect, and sincerity help shape young hearts, and I work to model these qualities in my relationships with the children each day.

I am passionate about nurturing strong connections and supporting children as they grow socially and emotionally. By creating a calm and understanding environment, I hope to help children feel secure enough to express themselves, build confidence, and experience the joy of learning through play, creativity, and imagination. I also believe that laughter and silliness are an important part of childhood and a wonderful way to build connection in the classroom.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, thrifting, journaling, and making art.

Teacher Ana