At Mojave Springs School in Las Vegas, students are encouraged to learn with their head, heart and hands. It's a holistic educational philosophy ingrained into this Waldorf-inspired, private early childhood and elementary school.
"It really fills my heart with joy seeing this ‘child first’ approach and the freedom the students here have to just be kids," said Ren D’Anelli. She is the board secretary of the Mojave Educational Foundation, the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that operates Mojave Springs School.
Ren said she was initially drawn to volunteering at the school because of its nontraditional approach to learning. Something she wishes she had when she was growing up in Las Vegas, homeschooled during these years as an undiagnosed neuro-divergent child.
“I wish I had this kind of holistic learning experience, combining social skill development with story-driven lessons, handwork, gardening, and violin," said Ren. "Mojave Springs School is a place where a child can feel safe, where they can really live, learn, and be a kid with other kids."
In recent years, the concept of "holistic development" has become more popular as families are finding ways to give their children a learning environment that focuses on all aspects of their growth, and not just their academic advancements. For these parents, it's about giving their children a place to thrive with their overall wellbeing in mind.
At Mojave Springs, students learn in an intimate, nature-immerse environment with low student-teacher ratios. The early education program spans preschool to kindergarten with nature-based class titles (Tansy, Willow and Honeybee). The elementary classes include 1st through 4th grade with a new class entering the addition of 5th grade this coming fall.
“At our school, we are continuing to add a new grade level each year that we exist, so the kids can grow and learn together with their teachers moving up too. This is called 'looping' classes," said Ren. "Our staff is also evolving with amazing local Waldorf-trained teachers and for the first time, we are cultivating a new leadership structure where three different directors represent the concept of head, heart, and hands in their departments. We want to make sure we have all the right people in place to deliver this holistic and loving experience to all our students and families. The community needs this special little school.”
This kind of dedication to children's overall well-being is also evident for business Jovie Nannies & Sitters. Operating in Nevada, and three other states, Jovie's core mission is to build stronger families through reliable and outstanding childcare.
"We understand the unique needs of families we work with," said Katie Folsom, Owner and Director of Operations for Jovie Nannies and Sitters. "Whether families need an occasional sitter or a long-term nanny, our focus is providing what the parents need but what's best for each child."
Folsom said Jovie has a stellar reputation for connecting parents with professional caregivers from all backgrounds. These nannies and sitters are screened based on rigorous criteria to fit the needs of each family. But Folsom said what it really comes down to is a team that truly cares about children and their overall wellbeing.
"When we interview our potential employees, we really look for people who have genuine enthusiasm for working with children, great attitudes, and creativity," said Folsom. "These are the nannies and the sitters who are comfortable in all kinds of environments from being inside with the kids helping them with homework to going outside and playing and just having fun together."
Over the years, Jovie has expanded their services to meet the changing needs of families. Especially post-pandemic, Folsom said many families now need different kinds of support when it comes to caregivers for their kids. And for places like Southern Nevada, they are also meeting the needs of popular tourist areas by providing childcare for business conferences and hotels on the Strip to special events like weddings and reunions all over the city.
"The demand for childcare will always be there and it's always evolving," said Folsom. "But at the core is the child and the families who care about them. We are committed to continually adapting to the needs of each family who are looking for flexible, professional, and vetted support. They are looking for a team that truly cares for not just the wellbeing of each child, but how they are growing and thriving while under our care."
Whether it be at home or at school, families want the best care for their children. For D'Anelli, she said it all comes down to building a community that seeks to create transformational results through children who are creative, independent and kind.
"People who have bought into what we are doing, they are here to stay," said Ren. "We are growing with the community we serve. That's always been our goal."
"It really fills my heart with joy seeing this ‘child first’ approach." – Ren D'Anelli