STEAM Fair & Open House at Westcliff Early Learning Academy: Inspiring Curiosity Through Hands-On Learning

Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA) recently welcomed families, children, and the Orange County community to its first STEAM Fair at the brand new Irvine preschool. Partnering with Westcliff University the event beautifully captured what early learning looks like when curiosity, community, and hands-on exploration come together. Here, families were able to experience WELA’s unique approach to early education: a thoughtful blend of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and nature-based learning, enriched with intentional STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) experiences.

 

Play-Based STEAM Learning

Throughout the morning, children moved freely between interactive STEAM stations that encouraged experimentation, problem-solving, and joyful learning. Young learners tested which objects floated and sank, explored magnetism by making objects move and connect, mixed ingredients to create homemade play dough, and engaged their senses through hands-on investigation.

One of the most popular stations was the nursing exploration area, led by faculty and leaders from Westcliff University’s College of Nursing. Children listened to heartbeats using stethoscopes, cared for simulation lab baby dolls, and were introduced, in an age-appropriate way.

“It was truly special to see our new and current WELA family community come together in such an intentional way. Moments like this reflect the heart of our work, creating spaces where children, families, and educators feel connected, and inspired.” shared Jasmine Boller, Director of Westcliff Early Learning Academy.

A Unique Advantage: Learning With the Support of Westcliff University

One of the defining strengths of Westcliff Early Learning Academy is its close connection to Westcliff University. As part of the broader Westcliff education ecosystem, WELA benefits from meaningful partnerships with university faculty and colleges, bringing real-world expertise into early childhood spaces in developmentally appropriate ways.

During the STEAM Fair, faculty from both the College of Nursing and the College of Engineering & Technology joined the event, helping introduce young children to scientific thinking, engineering concepts, and health sciences through hands-on, playful experiences.

“Having partners from Westcliff University’s College of Nursing and the College of Engineering & Technology join us made the STEAM experience incredibly rich and meaningful for our children. These connections allow learning to feel real, relevant, and exciting, and we’re so grateful to be part of a larger university community that values education across every stage of life,” said Boller. 

This collaboration reflects WELA’s belief that early learning thrives when children are exposed to a wide range of ideas, role models, and possibilities, without pressure, but with intention.

Why STEAM Learning Matters in Early Childhood

At Westcliff Early Learning Academy, STEAM is not merely about early academics or memorization. Instead, it’s about nurturing the foundational skills children need for lifelong learning, curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and confidence. Building this foundation is critical for the rapidly changing landscape of jobs, technology, and the world at large, setting up young learners for a lifetime of adaptability and success.

Through open-ended materials and child-led exploration, young children naturally develop:

• Problem-solving and logical thinking
• Spatial reasoning and early engineering skills
• Fine motor coordination and sensory awareness
• Persistence, collaboration, and self-confidence

“Seeing the children so deeply engaged, testing ideas, asking questions, and trying things again and again, was incredibly rewarding. Their curiosity and excitement remind us that when learning is hands-on and joyful, children naturally lean in and take ownership of their discoveries,” Boller added. 

The Vision Behind Westcliff Early Learning Academy

For Dr. Linda Lee Tran, Co-founder of Westcliff Early Learning Academy, the event was especially meaningful, not only as an educator and leader, but also as a parent.

“As a mother with two children learning at WELA, it’s incredibly special to see this vision come to life,” Dr. Tran shared. “Watching my own daughters, and all of our students, explore, ask questions, and feel confident trying new things reminds me why early childhood education matters so deeply.”

Dr. Tran emphasized that WELA was created to be more than a preschool. “Our goal has always been to build a place where children feel safe to wonder, families feel supported, and learning feels purposeful and joyful,” she said. “Events like the STEAM Fair show how powerful it is when community, education, and curiosity come together.”

Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Nature—Working Together

WELA’s blended pedagogy allows children to experience structure and freedom in balance:

• Montessori supports independence, concentration, and hands-on mastery
• Reggio Emilia–inspired learning values creativity, collaboration, and children’s ideas
• Nature-based education encourages exploration, resilience, and connection to the world

Together, these approaches create an environment where STEAM learning happens organically, through play, movement, inquiry, and meaningful relationships.

“At this age, STEAM isn’t about teaching facts, it’s about nurturing how children think. When we give them space to explore, experiment, and problem-solve, we’re building confidence, resilience, and a genuine love of learning that will serve them for years to come,” Boller reflected.

Building a Connected Early Learning Community

Beyond the activities themselves, the STEAM Fair & Open House provided space for families to connect with educators, ask questions, and experience WELA’s warm, welcoming culture firsthand.

“Connecting with families face-to-face and sharing our programs in action is always a highlight. It’s inspiring to see families feel excited, ask thoughtful questions, and begin to envision their child’s learning journey with us,” said Boller.

As WELA continues its first years in Irvine, events like this reinforce a shared commitment to thoughtful, high-quality early education, one that prepares children not just for school, but for life.

Now Enrolling in Irvine

Westcliff Early Learning Academy is currently enrolling children ages 18 months to 6 years. Families interested in Montessori preschool, Reggio Emilia–inspired learning, STEAM-focused early education, or a nurturing daycare alternative in Irvine are invited to schedule a tour and learn more.

At WELA, we believe the future belongs to children who love learning, and it starts right here.