WELA’s Largest Event Yet: A Joyful Spring Open House and Egg Hunt

Kids laughing? Check. Parents getting a closer look at a STEAM-focused early learning environment? Check. A campus full of movement, music and hands-on activity? Check. That’s how the morning of Saturday, March 28 unfolded as Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA) hosted its Spring Open House and Easter Egg Hunt in Irvine.

Families arrived at a campus full in motion, where children quickly settled into play and parents began taking in the environment around them. Music carried across the space, and within minutes, it became clear that the morning was designed to be explored rather than followed.

Parents moved through the campus with intention, pausing to observe, ask questions and get a closer look at how the environment supports early learning. The setup felt accessible without being overly structured, giving families space to engage in a way that felt natural.

That sense of engagement showed up quickly in how children interacted with both the space and the people around them. For some parents, the visit offered a clearer picture of how independence and guidance are balanced throughout the day.

“I love it because the kiddos get a chance to be independent,” said parent Shifa Waheed. “They get a chance to be very hands-on with all activities and with the teachers, they’re phenomenal. They really want to just teach little kiddos to be young adults already, and they get to find their voice.”

What Happened at WELA’s Spring Open House and Easter Egg Hunt?

WELA’s Spring Open House and Easter Egg Hunt offered a format that encouraged movement, curiosity and choice.

What stood out was how the experience unfolded without a single focal point. There was no main attraction pulling families in one direction. Instead, attention shifted naturally across the campus, shaped by where children chose to go and what held their interest in the moment.

Families enjoyed:

• Bubble stations set in oversized kiddie pools, where children returned for open-ended play
• Arts and crafts tables that offered space to slow down and focus on bunny-themed creations
• Face painting that became a natural pause between activities
• Egg hunts that introduced short bursts of excitement across the campus
• Live music that carried throughout the morning without overwhelming the space

The layout made it easy for families to stay engaged. Seating and shaded areas offered places to pause, while classroom tours continued in the background, allowing parents to step inside, ask questions and return to the outdoor activities without disruption.

WELA Director Jasmine Boller reflected on the turnout and atmosphere.

“Seeing 30 families, nearly 100 people, come together on a Saturday morning, laughing, exploring and connecting, reminded me exactly why we do this work,” Boller said. “From the live music to the egg hunts to the bubble station, every corner of our campus was filled with joy. This was our largest event yet, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team and community. The energy was truly something special.”

How Does WELA Combine Montessori, Reggio Emilia and STEAM Learning?

While the outdoor activities continued, curious families stepped inside for a closer look at the learning environment.

Tours ran throughout the morning, giving parents time to walk through classrooms and observe how the space is set up for early learners. The materials reflected a focus on independence, encouraging children to move freely while staying supported by teachers.

That approach is rooted in a blend of Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, paired with hands-on STEAM learning and nature-based exploration. At WELA, those elements are not treated as separate frameworks. They come together in a way that encourages children to explore at their own pace while building confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills through everyday interactions.

“We specialize in Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, and we encourage children’s independence and exploration through play,” said Leslie Urbina, Lead Toddler Teacher.

The classrooms themselves reflected that balance. Children are given space to follow their interests, while educators observe, guide and introduce new ideas when the moment calls for it. The environment is designed to support both independence and collaboration, allowing children to work on their own or alongside others as they move through activities.

Parents spent time observing how those interactions play out in real time. Questions came up naturally during these moments, often leading to deeper conversations about daily routines, developmental milestones and how learning is introduced at each stage.

The experience gave families a clearer understanding of how the environment functions during a typical day, not just how it is described.

What Age Groups Does WELA Serve and How Can Families Enroll?

Westcliff Early Learning Academy serves children from 18 months to 6 years old, with an infant program launching soon to expand its early learning offerings.

Families interested in enrolling can schedule a tour to spend time in the classrooms, meet educators and see how the environment supports learning in practice. 

WELA’s approach brings together Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies with hands-on STEAM learning and nature-based exploration and a dual-language program, creating an environment that supports both structure and curiosity as children grow.