About Us
Philosophy
Welcome to Little Learners Center. This program is operated under the supervision of the Owners/Directors, whom supervise staff including teachers and teaching assistants. Little Learners Center program will provide quality child care throughout the year and encourages parent involvement in the classroom. Working together with families is our goal, and being a partnership between home and childcare center which will enhance the overall program. We provide high quality care, focusing on the environment, the setting, communication between child and teacher, and having qualified educators.
Little Learners Center believes that all children deserve an opportunity to recognize and broaden their strengths in order to achieve their hopes and dreams for the future. We are dedicated to deliver an atmosphere of respect, caring, education and nurturing to all children. We intend to design programs that promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, psychological needs, and social development. Little Learners Center intends to teach children the value of societal diversity and help them develop leadership skills to build bridges of understanding between individuals, groups, and our communities. The overall goals of Little Learners Center are to: provide quality care and education to children, support-working families, and support the growing need for quality childcare in the community.
Mission Statement
Little Learners Centers' goal is to provide enriching opportunities to meet the needs of children in the community. Our mission is to provide children with a learning environment and a wide variety of experiences that help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development. We recognize the uniqueness of the individual child, the family, and the community in which we reside. Little Learners Center is set up to teach in an open classroom style, allowing children choices and structured activities throughout the day. We provide a safe place for children to test boundaries, and children can learn through their experiences to better understand themselves and one another.
Little Learners Center is a family-centered program, a philosophy that is focused on a child-center environment. Little Learners Center is a mixed curriculum, using a variety of ideas and intends to prepare children for future education. Having open communication with families creates strong connections, and this will be accomplished through parent activities, newsletters, written logs, parent gatherings, and other special events throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to become active in the classroom.
Little Learners Team
Shannon Hall
Shannon holds a Bachelor's degree in Child Development from Humboldt State University. Shannon is the founder and owner of Little Learners. She has worked with children ages from birth until school-age. She has been working with children for the past 25 years. Shannon was the former 2008 Economic Fuel competition winner and opened Little Learners Preschool in 2008. Shannon has four children of her own, Brittany age 24, Hailey age 23, Gavin age 11 and Hudson age 8. Shannon understands the needs for high quality childcare programs in Humboldt County and enjoys supporting families and local businesses in our community. Shannon enjoys being a part of the community and is involved in many local organizations. When Shannon isn't at work, she can be found at local children sporting events with her children, or volunteering her time on local boards. Shannon's passion is supporting early childhood teachers and creating a strong team dynamic among Little Learners, with teachers and families. Shannon loves supporting children’s growth and development. Shannon loves spending her time working to make Little Learners the best childcare in Humboldt county!
Paige Xayavong
Hello, my name is Paige Xayavong and I am one of the directors at the Valley East site. I have graduated from Humboldt State University with my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been with Little Learners for almost eight years and I plan for many more.
I have a passion for working with children and love every single minute of it. I strive to continue my education and leadership skills. I love to be able to help guide teachers and children and provide them with new skills and experiences. I also have a love and passion for working in the medical field with children. I have been fortunate to be a part of Operation Rainbow, a nonprofit medical organization that travels to developing countries and performs free orthopedic surgeries to children and young adults. These medical missions have been a huge part of my life and I am beyond thankful and grateful for them. I was born and raised here in Humboldt County with my parents and four siblings. My husband and I have a daughter and our wonderful niece that we care for. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors.
Sara Dahl
Sara has her certificate in Early Childhood Development from College of the Redwoods. Sara has been part of the Little Learner's Team since 2013 when she worked at the Valley East site. Sara then transferred to the 11th Street site in 2014 where she has been ever since. She is now the Director at the 11th Street site. Sara is passionate about working with children and the families in our community. When Sara is in the classroom, she loves to teach while having fun and being silly. Sara has two children of her own, Patton age 3, Lilliana 10 months and a baby on the way. When Sara isn't at Little Learners, she enjoys creating memories with her husband and children.
Krystal Arnot
Hello, my name is Krystal Arnot and I am a wife, mother of two, and have a passion for Early Childhood Education ages 0-5. Originally from Bakersfield, I moved to Humboldt over 15 years ago and have loved becoming part of the community. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Development, and a partial Leadership Studies Degree. I’ve been involved in local advocacy groups for ECE and many other early childhood opportunities. In the classroom, I love playing music, dancing, doing art, singing, and just being silly with kids as they learn and grow. When I am not in the classroom, I love being out in the community with my family at local events, playing in the redwoods, or out for walks in our lovely town. Quality early education is an investment in children and families and I take pride in the work I do for our community through Little Learners. I look forward to meeting your family!
Cila Hall
Cila has her associates degree from College of the Redwoods in Early Childhood Education. Cila began working at Little Learners in November of 2011 in the preschool, toddler, and pre-k rooms. Cila now she works as a head teacher in the preschool room at our Guintoli site. Cila enjoys working, interacting, communicating with the children and their families daily. When Cila is in her classroom, she loves to sing, dance, teach, laugh, and help support growth of each child individually. Cila enjoys learning more to create a learning and interactive classroom by going to ECE trainings, conferences and reading books and articles. When Cila isn't at Little Learners, she likes to craft, read, sing, babysit, and learn new hobbies!
Christina Heathman
My name is Christina Heathman and I am the Director as well as one of the preschool teachers at our 10th street location. I am also often a helping hand in our toddler room!
I graduated in 2013 from College of the Redwoods with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I have also been an active member in the ECE Mentoring Program since 2018 where I get to train and teach college students entering the field of Early Childhood Education.
I have been working at Little Learners since July of 2013! I started Little Learners as an assistant teacher, then teacher, and then moved up to director in 2017. I enjoy being both director and teacher! Working with children has always been a passion of mine, but also leading teachers to develop themselves into intentional teachers is also a passion! In addition to work, I am blessed to also be a mother of two wonderful boys! In my free time away from work I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and my children!