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Rooted in Community. Guided by Vision.
For over thirty years, our leadership team has cultivated a learning community where children, families, and educators grow together through the transformative power of the Reggio Emilia approach.
Who We Are
We are educational leaders, researchers, and advocates united by a shared belief that every child deserves to be seen as strong, capable, and full of potential. Our diverse team brings decades of expertise in early childhood education, special education, pedagogy, and community building. Together, we've created something remarkable—a learning community where curiosity thrives, relationships flourish, and meaningful work transforms lives.
Our Story
Growing Place was born from vision and built through dedication. In 1985, our founder Ellen Khokha pioneered something revolutionary—a high-quality early childhood program designed for the families of working parents, when such programs were nearly nonexistent. From one classroom, we've grown into three thriving campuses, each a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence.
Our journey deepened in 1990 when Ellen led our study of the Reggio Emilia approach, eventually sending our staff to Italy to experience firsthand what they had only studied in books. This transformative experience reaffirmed our commitment to seeing children as protagonists in their own learning journeys.
Under Pauline McPeake's leadership from 2010 onward, we expanded our impact, becoming recognized leaders in early childhood education. This recognition led to our selection to operate the Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School—a honor that speaks to our reputation for nurturing emerging educators.
Today, we stand proud as continuous learners ourselves, constantly reading, studying, reflecting, and researching to deepen our practice and strengthen our community.
Our Core Belief:
We believe in the social construction of knowledge, inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia and grounded in relationships and respect.
Our Mission & Values
Our Commitment:
Every child deserves to succeed. Each family deserves to make decisions about their child. Teachers have the ethical responsibility to work with every child in the group while supporting agreed-upon goals. Our administration balances the rights of each child within the context of the group's needs and our program's mission.
Our Approach:
We practice meaningful work through:
Intentional Teaching - Listening, observing, asking genuine questions, and documenting children's thinking
Collaborative Learning - Small group investigations that build on children's natural curiosity
Reflective Practice - Weekly team meetings focused on documentation analysis and pedagogical growth
Partnership - Open, honest communication with families as true collaborators in their child's education
Join Our Community
Whether you're ready to enroll your child, interested in joining our team of passionate educators, or looking to support our mission, there's a place for you at Growing Place. Together, we're building something beautiful—a community where children flourish, families connect, and learning never stops.
Ocean Park Campus
Preschool License #191671677
Marine Park Campus
Infant License #197407721
Toddler/PS License #197407720
SM Early Childhood Lab School Campus
Infant/Toddler License #197494871
Preschool License #197494872
Tax ID
95-3984983
Hours
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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