The Wonder School House: A unique approach to early childhood education

The Wonder School House is setting a new standard in early childhood education. With its innovative methods and expanding facilities, this school is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where young children can thrive. The Wonder School House offers exclusive learning spaces, including toddler care, preschool, and kindergarten-prep programs, for ages 1-6.

The Wonder School House’s unique approach to education, inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy which focuses on child-led learning, and its commitment to small ratios of staff to students and parent involvement make it an ideal choice for parents seeking quality childcare.

(Anthony L. Solis for Wonder School House) | Selva Strickland, the founder of The Wonder School House, has a unique and inspiring journey that led her to establish this exceptional school. (Anthony L. Solis/)

A Passion for Teaching and Creating the Ideal Childcare Environment

Selva Strickland, the founder of The Wonder School House, has a unique and inspiring journey that led her to establish this exceptional school. Originally trained in law, Selva’s career path took a meaningful turn as she followed her true passion for early childhood education. She initially pursued law due to family expectations, but her heart was always drawn to teaching.

Selva’s journey from law to early childhood education began with her realization that law, while intellectually stimulating, was emotionally draining. “I enjoyed studying law; it helps make sense of the world. But practicing it was different. I’m naturally jovial and childlike, and dealing with negativity pulled my mood down. I wasn’t happy,” Selva explains. She eventually quit her legal career and began teaching.

The catalyst for founding The Wonder School House came when Selva struggled to find suitable childcare for her child. Faced with long waitlists and unimpressive facilities, she decided to create the ideal environment herself. “They were either too clinical like a hospital or [poorly maintained]. The teachers looked miserable,” she recounts. She decided to pivot in her career and start The Wonder School House, offering the nurturing, holistic, and child-centered learning environment she had envisioned for her own child.

(Anthony L. Solis for Wonder School House) |The Wonder Childcare Programs are exclusive learning spaces intentionally designed for limited lucky littles ages 1-6. (Anthony L. Solis/)

Customized Learning Experiences

At the heart of The Wonder School House is a commitment to fostering curiosity and lifelong learning. The school’s philosophy, rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, views children as capable and resilient, driven by natural curiosity. This child-centered philosophy emphasizes a supportive and stimulating environment. Selva explains that each teacher must know everything about the child and adapt their approach based on the family’s and child’s needs.

The Wonder School House differentiates itself by offering tailored educational experiences that cater to each child’s unique interests and developmental needs. The community is close-knit, with regular playdates and extensive communication between families and staff. Selva is deeply involved, working with the children daily and ensuring she knows each one personally, fostering a strong sense of community and support.

Emphasis on STEAM and Nature-Based Learning

The school integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education into its curriculum, preparing children through hands-on learning opportunities. Each month, the curriculum includes science activities, literacy, math, art, and engineering tasks. Recently the students created an art exhibit of an ocean complete with paper mache octopi.

The Wonder School House places a strong emphasis on outdoor and nature-based learning. “Every May, we have our adventure in nature schools. We spend the whole month outside before it gets super hot. We do a lot of natural learning. They even rest outside, and then for the rest of the year, they go outside twice a day” Selva says.

(Anthony L. Solis for Wonder School House) | At The Wonder Childcare Programs, we believe in the children’s ability to learn freely — driven by curiosity. (Anthony L. Solis/)

New Location

Responding to growing demand, The Wonder School House is expanding to a new location, still in Sandy, Utah. “The expansion was motivated by our program growing very fast. It got to a point where keeping it in the house was becoming a bit more difficult because we ended up getting such a long waitlist,” Selva explains.

The new location maintains the school’s commitment to small class sizes and personalized attention. According to Selva, “Ratios are one to three for one-year-olds, one to six for two-year-olds, and one to eight for preschool. We’re going to continue those ratios…it’s just a lot smaller than what is required.”

Parental Involvement and Communication

The Wonder School House values strong partnerships with parents, recognizing that collaboration between home and school is crucial for a child’s development. The school keeps parents actively involved through regular updates on their child’s progress, “We have built a community. Parents are very involved, and there’s constant communication,” Selva stated.

One unique feature that underscores this commitment is the school’s picture wall, where photos of children and their relatives are displayed. This wall not only fosters a sense of community but also serves as a visual testament to the connections between the children and their families. It’s a cherished space that reflects the everyday joy and familial bonds that are an integral part of the Wonder School House experience.

(Tony Solis for Wonder School House) | This school is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where young children can thrive. (Anthony L. Solis/)

Dedication to Children

The Wonder School House prides itself on its dedicated and experienced staff. The school ensures low teacher turnover by providing competitive salaries and benefits, creating a stable and nurturing environment for children. “We pay our teachers well, and they get benefits. They are very well treated and respected,” Selva says.

As The Wonder School House continues to grow, Selva remains dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible childcare. She acknowledges the significant need for excellent childcare and the financial burden it places on parents. “There is such a need for very high-quality childcare…I really want to be able to find a way to make it accessible,” she explains. Her goal is to create nurturing environments where children can learn and to find solutions to the childcare crisis. “My goal is to keep trying to create these sanctuaries for children to learn,” Selva concludes.

The Wonder School House in Sandy, Utah, is more than just a childcare facility; it’s a community dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering a lifelong love for learning. With its innovative educational approach, personalized attention, and commitment to parent involvement, The Wonder School House is an excellent choice for parents seeking quality childcare. Prospective parents can schedule a tour and learn more.

The Wonder School House: A unique approach to early childhood education

The Wonder School House: A unique approach to early childhood education

The Wonder School House: A unique approach to early childhood education

The Wonder School House: A unique approach to early childhood education

The Wonder School House: A unique approach to early childhood education