Little Trails Early Childhood

Explore Play-Based Learning

at Little Trails Preschool

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Nurturing Environment

A safe and welcoming environment for all children to explore and learn.

Hands-on lessons that foster creativity and curiosity.

Engaging Curriculum

Little Trails is a home-based preschool in Falcon, Colorado, serving children ages 2.5 to 5. Founded in 2022 by Shayna and Travis VanKooten, the program is led by Shayna, who brings over 15 years of experience in education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance and a Master’s Degree in  Education, and currently serves as the Center Director.

Our goal is to provide children with a well-rounded education that will lay the foundation for kindergarten and beyond. Early childhood is a crucial stage in every child’s life in terms of intellectual, physical, social and emotional development. We are proud to offer a high quality, play-based preschool experience in a nurturing home setting.

Our program uses play-based learning to teach social emotional skills, pre-reading, early math, and pre-writing skills. Through our weekly themes and hands-on experiences, we explore the world around us. Our philosophy is that learning should be an active (and sometimes messy) endeavor! 

About Us

We are Colorado Shines Rated!

Colorado Shines is the state's quality rating and improvement system. Colorado Shines rates Colorado's early learning programs, connects families with quality programs, and helps programs improve their quality level. It's free for programs, professionals and families to use. ﻿
We are a Colorado Shines Level 5 rated program, the highest rating for child care programs, showing our commitment to supporting children's health and safety, ensuring our staff are well-trained and effective, providing a supportive learning environment, and helping families be active in their children's learning.

Hours and School Year Calendar

Universal Preschool Provider

School Hours: 
Mon–Thurs 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Class options: 
Full-time (Mon–Thurs)
Part-time (Mon/Wed or Tue/Thurs)

Little Trails is a proud Universal Preschool (UPK) provider. Through Colorado’s UPK program, eligible children can receive up to 15 hours of tuition-free preschool in the year before they enter kindergarten.

2026-2027 Calendar

Visit our upk site

Experienced Teachers

Our dedicated teachers bring a combined 25 years of experience. With diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for teaching, they create an engaging and effective learning environment.

Low Ratios

We maintain a low 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and tailored instruction. This ensures each student receives the support they need to thrive.

Hands-On Learning

We aren't afraid to get a little messy for the sake of learning! Children are encouraged to explore, discover, and engage their senses and imaginations every step of the way.

Regular Updates

Parents never need to wonder what's going on throughout the day at school. Daily photos, meals, and skills progress are uploaded to a convenient app.

Why Choose Us

Check Out All the Fun We Have at Little Trails!

I highly recommend Little Trails Preschool! My daughter has learned so much and I know she is ready for kindergarten. Aside from an excellent learning environment, I have peace of mind dropping my daughter off at Little Trails, knowing she is loved and safe. She has thrived at this preschool!"

Little Trails is the BEST!!!! My daughter loved her time there and we will miss them. All the teachers are so sweet and caring. My daughter learned so much and is definitely ready for Kindergarten."

Testimonials

Amanda L.

Amy T.

This may be the most effective preschool set up we've experienced amongst my 4 kids. The student to teacher ratio added to the frequent change in lessons and activities have involved learning in the BEST possible way. Sometimes "play based" can be a cop-out with preschool programs and it's just daycare. The thoughtful lesson plans and activities have been wonderful."

Hannah K.

Contact Us

We are currently full for the upcoming school year. Please complete the form below to join our waitlist. 
Tours are conducted in an "open house" format. By joining this waitlist, you will be contacted to attend an upcoming open house tour, once a date is scheduled.