Bienvenido a De Colores Academy

A Spanish immersion, Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool for children aged 2.5 to 5.

We aim to instill a love of learning through exploration, discovery, and inquiry, promoting Spanish language acquisition and holistic development.

The Immersion Model & Bilingualism

We help children naturally develop their Spanish language skills through engaging and interactive experiences. Our immersive environment, where Spanish is spoken 95% of the day, fosters cognitive, linguistic, and socio-cultural growth. Bilingualism enhances problem-solving skills, memory, attention span, empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and academic performance.

Core Philosophies

Individualized Learning

We tailor our approach to each child's unique strengths, interests, and learning styles.

Holistic Approach

We address children's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs, promoting overall well-being.

Culturally Responsive

We celebrate diverse backgrounds and promote inclusivity and respect.

Play Based Learning

Our play-based environment encourages imaginative play, exploration, and discovery.

Child Led Learning

We follow children's interests to create meaningful educational experiences.

Multisensory Learning

We provide a multimodal learning environment with music, art, movement, and hands-on activities.

Maestra Yadi

Founder and Lead Teacher

Yadira Velasco is the lead teacher and founder of De Colores Academy. Yadira is a first-generation Mexican-American who was born and raised in Los Angeles. She has been teaching for over 20 years, and her approach is rooted in the belief that all children learn best through hands-on experiences and child-led exploration.

Throughout her career, Yadira has taught at the preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade levels, and has seen firsthand the magic that happens when children take part in their own development and learning.

Yadira's credentials include a B.A in Psychology, Minor in Child Development & a Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential. However, what really sets her apart is her commitment to cultivating a space where children can thrive. She believes that every child who walks through the doors of De Colores Academy should feel like they belong and that they're part of a loving community.

Aside from her work at De Colores Academy, Yadira is a proud mother of two daughters and is married to a fellow teacher at S.A.U.S.D. Her family shares her dedication to making a positive impact in their community through education.

Our Staff

Teacher's Assistant

Maestra Annie

Maestra Annie is our teacher’s aide, and Yadira's eldest daughter. Ms. Annie has been formally contributing to the day to day operations here at De Colores for three years now, and is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Substitute Teacher

Maestra Janet

Janet Martin is a dedicated Spanish educator, and has been part of the De Colores family since 2016. She holds a Spanish Single Subject Credential and has taught high school Spanish for 10 years before shifting her focus to preschool education.

Our
Classroom

Enjoy a peek into our daily activities, special events, and classroom setups.

Our Indoor Space

Step inside our vibrant indoor space, where creativity and curiosity come to life. At De Colores Academy, our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to inspire young minds with various hands-on activities. Our indoor environment fosters exploration, imagination, and learning, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere for your child's growth.

Our Outdoor Space

Discover the joy of outdoor play in our expansive and safe outdoor space. At De Colores Academy, we believe that nature is a wonderful teacher. Our outdoor area is equipped with age-appropriate play structures, sensory gardens, and open spaces for running, jumping, and exploring. Here, children can connect with the natural world, engage in physical activities, and develop their gross motor skills while having fun.

A Pivotal Foundation

De Colores was a truly wonderful experience for our son Clay. Not only did he get the education in Spanish, but he also received the most loving and compassionate care possible from the teachers in his 2.5 years at the school. Clay started school with some social anxiety, and it improved so much through his schooling. He felt comfortable with his teachers and peers, and he would come home excited to recount his day and show us his art. The graduation ceremony put on at De Colores was also the most personal and beautiful tribute to his growth. Clay looked forward to attending school every day, and we are so thankful for this pivotal foundation. I don’t know how anything could compare to his time at De Colores!

-Andrea Barclay

Now Enrolling

Enroll For The 24-25 School Year

To enroll, children must be two and a half years old by September 2024. Applications are reviewed upon availability of spots, followed by private visits before enrollment offers are made.

Enroll Now