Our Philosophy
🌿 Play-Based Learning
We are a quality infant care in Santa Barbara. We know that children learn best through play. Through hands-on experiences, imaginative exploration, and guided discovery, children develop essential skills in language, social-emotional growth, problem-solving, and confidence — all while having fun.
🌱 Open-Ended Exploration
Our materials and activities encourage creativity rather than limit it. Instead of toys with one specific purpose, we provide open-ended resources that invite children to build, create, invent, and express themselves in their own unique ways. This fosters independence, critical thinking, and imagination.
🌼 Nature-Based Experiences
Nature is one of our greatest teachers. We spend time outdoors daily, exploring, observing, and connecting with the natural world. Whether it’s digging in the garden, collecting leaves, watching insects, or simply feeling the sun on our faces, children develop curiosity, resilience, and respect for their environment.
A Family-Run Environment
As a quality family childcare, Cocoon Childcare offers a close-knit, home-like setting where children feel comfortable and secure. We value strong partnerships with families and believe communication and trust are key to supporting each child’s growth.
Our smaller group size allows us to provide:
- Individualized attention
- Consistent routines
- Meaningful relationships
- A calm, nurturing atmosphere
Our Daily Routine
Each day at Cocoon Childcare includes a balance of:
- Free play and guided activities
- Outdoor exploration
- Creative arts and sensory experiences
- Storytime and music
- Rest and quiet time
Our rhythm is structured yet flexible, following the needs and interests of the children.
Based on the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky, we believe that every child is
unique and has his or her own temperament and learning style. The child brings this uniqueness into each new experience and takes an active role in the process of learning through their engagement in these experiences. Children interact with peers, teachers, materials and the environment and relate each new piece of information to their already existing view of the world. These relationships are the basis of learning and as children explore and discover more about the world, these relationships become more refined and sophisticated.
Our Commitment
An educated teacher knows that several factors such as genetics, environment,
socio-economic situation, culture, family, and many other elements affect the
characteristics of a child. Each child comes with different needs, feelings, and learning styles. All are accepted which makes them unique individuals. Teachers will create. opportunities for everyone to develop at their own pace with respect to their learning styles.
At Cocoon Childcare, we aim to create a space where children:
- Feel safe and loved
- Build confidence and independence
- Develop a lifelong love of learning
- Grow at their own natural pace
As a quality family childcare, we are honored to be part of your child’s early journey and strive to create a nurturing “cocoon” where they can flourish.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact us — we would love to welcome your family into ours. 🌸
Cocoon Childcare 