Desert Sands Unified School District Early Childhood Education Programs

Desert Sands Unified School District Early Childhood Education Programs focuses on school readiness skills that include social-emotional learning and academics. The programs are based on developmentally appropriate practices that foster language and literacy, and they emphasize that children learn best through play. Educators in the program use a research-based curriculum that stimulates learning in an environment that enhances curiosity.

• Ages: 0–4 years old
• Schedule: Office hours Monday–Friday, 7:30am–4:00pm

The mission of Desert Sands Unified School District Early Childhood Education Programs is a whole child and family approach that supports children and families in acquiring skills for their life-long learning process by providing a respectful, secure, and stimulating environment, and by supporting diversity, individual needs, and aspirations. The programs state that all Early Childhood Education offerings support the social, emotional, physical, and educational needs of the child in a safe and healthy environment, with a focus on the whole child, including social-emotional development and health and nutrition well-being. The programs state that school readiness goals are accomplished in a safe and loving environment and that students participate in developmentally appropriate learning experiences that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. The program identifies parents as the first and most important teachers in a child’s life and emphasizes empowering parents to be partners in their child’s educational journey. Enrollment is open and the programs are accepting children 4 years and younger. The Early Childhood Education Programs are led by Principal Gabriela Llamas.

Last updated July 17, 2026.