About
Raven Canyon Academy offers daily activities that include artistic expression, dramatic play, music, movement, stories, and hands-on projects. Children take part in Morning Circle Time, Outdoor Play/Open Play, Learning Activity #1 and #2, Storytime, and a mix of self-directed creativity in open-ended play areas, cooperative play, and group collaboration. The program also includes nature-based experiences using animals and plants, mixed-age group time, age-specific learning sessions, and a scaffolded curriculum adapted for different developmental stages through play and discussion.
• Ages: 0–5 years old
• Schedule: Daily schedule includes check-in at 8:00, breakfast, multiple bathroom breaks and dental hygiene, Morning Circle Time, several Outdoor Play/Open Play blocks, two learning activities, Storytime, nap time, afternoon snack, and Outdoor Play/Pick Up until 5:00.
• Price: $80 to $320 per week or $350 to $1,400 per month
Raven Canyon Academy is a Family Child Care program in an in-home daycare or family child care setting with mixed-age groups of children and class pets, and it uses nature-based learning. Breakfast, lunch, and two snacks per day are provided, potty training is not required, and care can be paid for on monthly or weekly schedules, with subsidized care accepted. The program supports both English and Spanish, has a 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio, and introduces curriculum as soon as children show interest, often between ages 2 and 3, with activities aligned to the California Preschool Learning Foundations for ages 3 to 5. The curriculum uses thematic units around children’s interests such as frogs, butterflies, or ecosystems, incorporates class pets to teach empathy and responsibility, blends multiple early childhood education philosophies including Waldorf-inspired methods, and balances teacher-led activities with child-led exploration, guided by the California Preschool Learning Foundations and influenced by the Teaching Tolerance Social Justice Standards focusing on identity, diversity, justice, and action.
Natalie founded Raven Canyon Academy in 2022 and serves as Program Director and Director & Lead Teacher. She has a B.A. in English from CSUN, a credential in both English and ESL instruction, a decade of classroom experience, and previous teaching experience in Los Angeles Unified School District, with a focus on hands-on, bilingual learning. The team also includes Assistant Teacher Krisian, who has five years of childcare experience and is fluent in English and Spanish; Assistant Teacher Kellyn, who has over a decade of experience as a stay-at-home mom and IHSS caregiver for her son with severe disabilities; and Substitute Assistant Teacher Cassie, who formerly owned an in-home daycare in Acton. Natalie previously created a tutoring and sports program for underserved youth, and Cassie remains connected to the Acton community through family, friends, and local life.
Raven Canyon Academy states that children learn through a balance of play, creativity, and thoughtful instruction, that every child grows at their own pace, and that the program aims to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning while creating a space where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow academically and as compassionate humans. The program holds License Number 197700623 and has a completed background check. Verified parent feedback shows an overall rating of 5.0 (15), with 5.0 ratings in Outdoor Time, Atmosphere, Child Communication, Physical Space, Program Communication, Learning Environment, and Provider Interaction. Parent comments describe Natalie as caring, knowledgeable, communicative about the curriculum and children’s progress, genuine, and friendly, and mention that she sends pictures throughout the day and that their child enjoyed the first day.
Last updated April 1, 2026.
• Ages: 0–5 years old
• Schedule: Daily schedule includes check-in at 8:00, breakfast, multiple bathroom breaks and dental hygiene, Morning Circle Time, several Outdoor Play/Open Play blocks, two learning activities, Storytime, nap time, afternoon snack, and Outdoor Play/Pick Up until 5:00.
• Price: $80 to $320 per week or $350 to $1,400 per month
Raven Canyon Academy is a Family Child Care program in an in-home daycare or family child care setting with mixed-age groups of children and class pets, and it uses nature-based learning. Breakfast, lunch, and two snacks per day are provided, potty training is not required, and care can be paid for on monthly or weekly schedules, with subsidized care accepted. The program supports both English and Spanish, has a 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio, and introduces curriculum as soon as children show interest, often between ages 2 and 3, with activities aligned to the California Preschool Learning Foundations for ages 3 to 5. The curriculum uses thematic units around children’s interests such as frogs, butterflies, or ecosystems, incorporates class pets to teach empathy and responsibility, blends multiple early childhood education philosophies including Waldorf-inspired methods, and balances teacher-led activities with child-led exploration, guided by the California Preschool Learning Foundations and influenced by the Teaching Tolerance Social Justice Standards focusing on identity, diversity, justice, and action.
Natalie founded Raven Canyon Academy in 2022 and serves as Program Director and Director & Lead Teacher. She has a B.A. in English from CSUN, a credential in both English and ESL instruction, a decade of classroom experience, and previous teaching experience in Los Angeles Unified School District, with a focus on hands-on, bilingual learning. The team also includes Assistant Teacher Krisian, who has five years of childcare experience and is fluent in English and Spanish; Assistant Teacher Kellyn, who has over a decade of experience as a stay-at-home mom and IHSS caregiver for her son with severe disabilities; and Substitute Assistant Teacher Cassie, who formerly owned an in-home daycare in Acton. Natalie previously created a tutoring and sports program for underserved youth, and Cassie remains connected to the Acton community through family, friends, and local life.
Raven Canyon Academy states that children learn through a balance of play, creativity, and thoughtful instruction, that every child grows at their own pace, and that the program aims to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning while creating a space where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow academically and as compassionate humans. The program holds License Number 197700623 and has a completed background check. Verified parent feedback shows an overall rating of 5.0 (15), with 5.0 ratings in Outdoor Time, Atmosphere, Child Communication, Physical Space, Program Communication, Learning Environment, and Provider Interaction. Parent comments describe Natalie as caring, knowledgeable, communicative about the curriculum and children’s progress, genuine, and friendly, and mention that she sends pictures throughout the day and that their child enjoyed the first day.
Last updated April 1, 2026.
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