Play Matters Preschool

Play Matters Preschool Play Matters: a place where we preserve the magic & wonder of childhood. Our aim is to support the whole family. Child-led, nature based.

Located in citrus heights, we offer a fully outdoor preschool that also offers parent-child stay & play sessions. Here at Play Matters we believe in using a child centered approach where children’s abilities are challenged in a safe and respectful manner in order to develop their own solutions. By doing so we are encouraging co-operation skills, development of life skills, & their overall ability

to analyze and organize themselves. As a result, students will feel safe, encouraged and empowered in school.

09/02/2026

A cozy indoor playroom built by myself and my dear friend a few years ago. This space has since been opened up and altered to suit our needs for a growing group but I do miss the cozy that u see here. Many of these toys got moved to our now indoor play room that we have.

08/22/2026

We have sweet little garden frogs that live near the plants in our front mud kitchen. The kids have really been enjoying them lately.

08/20/2026

Some of our happiest, most relaxed moments happen here in the mud kitchen. It’s part of why I knew we needed two. One for each space, same goes for the sandbox. Sensory play like this is so relaxing to their little bodies. Watching them scoop, transfer, pour, sprinkle just sets my soul on fire. Those little hands mushed in wet sand, the sopping sleeves that they refuse to roll up, the mud smeared on cheeks…it’s all exactly as it should be.

08/18/2026

What cha painting chickadee? “A birthday cake box with sprinkles”. Time to save that bubble wrap, paper towel rolls, and boxes (if u are so kind to cut them into sheets). Let’s make some loose parts recycled art.

08/17/2026

When you get to help host the birthday as the party assistant but also attend because it’s one of your child’s first friends! This was such a special day. So honored we got to help celebrate your little ones.

08/14/2026

Fair to say he understood the assignment. This kid has the right idea!

Disclaimer, your child may come home with painted arms, glitter in her hair or stickers on his cheeks but this is what happens when you give the child the opportunity to create. They may not have this creative freedom forever. Let them enjoy it while they still have it.

08/12/2026

Proof that kids don’t need much to be happy. Pure Childhood magic right here as we make core memories. Summers filled with first friendships, water wars & playing chase. These tiny snapshots of real life remind us to s l o w down.

08/10/2026

Currently smack dab in the middle of the good ol’ days. I just know these are the sounds I’ll go back to in my dreams. Something I never take lightly is what a privilege it is for me to be here to witness it all. These are the days I wished for.

We just got over what felt like an eternity long stomach bug and this mama is ready to return back to routine.

08/04/2026

Oh the beloved mud kitchen. This is where the magick happens. There’s something about running water, transferring potions from tube to tube, adding pinecones to a soup & sprinkling chalk dust on to a mud pie that just screams childhood. They know they have freedom here and autonomy. You want to mix dirt, sand, bark & leaves into a stew… sure go for it! Maybe you can only do this recipe if you first paint your left arm purple with green polka dots.. yeah that sounds good too! 😂🥹🙌🏼

08/02/2026

Sometimes I really just can’t believe this is how my son gets to spend his childhood. That I’ve been able to make a sweet little career out of something that makes me truly happy. Lately I’ve been unable to upkeep the normal amount of magick that I feel is needed for the space because my body is requiring more rest. I wonder, will my stay & play families be turned off by the weeds that are growing, the plants that are dying or the less elaborate invitations to play that are being set. But I have to trust that these families that join us are here for what matters and that they can provide grace where I may forget to give it to myself. This is my happy place even when my body needs a break. These kids are my everything.

Address

6607 Melbourne Way
Citrus Heights, CA
95621

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8am - 12pm
Thursday 8am - 12pm
Friday 8am - 12pm

Website

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