About Us

About Crane School District Preschool Programs

At Crane School District, our Great Beginnings Preschool and Smart Start Academy programs are designed to provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We proudly serve 3- and 4-year-old children in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where curiosity is encouraged and every child is valued.

Our preschool programs support the whole child by fostering growth socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. We are committed to helping children develop confidence, independence, and a love of learning that prepares them for kindergarten and beyond.

Our Program Philosophy

Crane School District Preschool Programs believe that young children learn best through meaningful experiences, positive relationships, and purposeful play. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where all children feel supported and respected.

Guided by The Experience Curriculum and the Arizona Early Learning Standards, our classrooms promote active learning that encourages exploration, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. We recognize that each child develops at their own pace and brings unique strengths, backgrounds, and abilities to the classroom.

Why Preschool Matters

Did you know that 90% of brain development occurs before the age of five, making the early childhood years a critical period for learning and growth? During this time, children build the foundational neural connections that support language development, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and social skills.

High-quality early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong success. Research shows that children who attend high-quality preschool programs demonstrate stronger language development, social-emotional skills, early math readiness, and self-regulation abilities. These foundational skills support success in kindergarten and beyond.

Preschool is more than preparation for school—it is where children learn how to learn. Through play, collaboration, and guided exploration, children build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills that support both academic growth and positive relationships.

What Makes Our Preschool Programs Unique

• Licensed and regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services
  • Aligned with ADHS Empower and Quality First standards
  • Developmentally appropriate, play-based instruction
  • Strong focus on social-emotional development
  • Ongoing child assessment to guide individualized instruction
  • Family-centered partnerships
  • Access to district support services including Child Find and early intervention resources

Curriculum & Learning Approach

Our classrooms use The Experience Curriculum, a research-based early childhood curriculum aligned with Arizona Early Learning Standards. Children engage in hands-on learning experiences that build skills in:

• Language and Literacy
  • Early Mathematics
  • Science and Inquiry
  • Social-Emotional Development
  • Physical Development
  • Creative Arts

Teachers intentionally design engaging activities that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and independence.

Health, Safety, and Quality

The health and safety of our students is our highest priority. Our programs follow Arizona Child Care Licensing regulations and district safety procedures to ensure a secure and supportive learning environment.

We maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios, ongoing professional development for staff, and strong communication systems with families.

Family Partnerships

We believe families are a child’s first teacher. Strong family-school partnerships are essential to student success. Through conferences, classroom communication, and family engagement events, we work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to support each child’s growth.

Join Our Preschool Community

We invite you to explore our preschool programs and discover how Crane School District is building a strong foundation for lifelong success. For enrollment information, program details, or to schedule a visit, please contact our preschool team.

Great Beginnings Preschool Interest/Tour Form: https://forms.gle/rUuwrqpZP6ctpr9N6

Becky Olaiz
Administrative Assistant – Preschool
[email protected]
928-373-3956

Maria Arias-Santos, MA
Preschool Coordinator
[email protected]
928-373-3948