Desert Shadows Early Learning Center
- 6709 E University Dr, Mesa, Arizona, 85205
- Call Us: +1 (480) 830-5887
- dsm@smallmiraclesedu.com
- 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
Welcome to Our School
Desert Shadows Early Learning Center participates in Quality First, Arizona’s Quality Improvement and Rating. We offer an exceptionally high standard of child care in Mesa and education for children aged 1 to 5 years. We believe in nurturing the whole child, from their social and emotional growth to their academic success. We understand that every child is unique, with different needs and abilities. For this reason, we create a personalized program of learning for each student. Our teachers use developmentally-appropriate activities to help children grow in a safe and positive environment, inspiring creativity and engagement with their studies. Along with our comprehensive curriculum, we also have excellent resources outside the classroom – our classrooms open onto an outdoor playground area where kids can enjoy fresh air and sunlight with teacher supervision. If you are looking for a small program in Mesa, AZ with terrific indoor and outdoor learning environments, Desert Shadows is for you! Arrange a tour today by clicking below.
What People Say About Us
Katelynn Billiard
Center Director
Meet Our Director
My name is Ms. Katelynn, and I am one of the directors at Desert Shadows. I have been a part of the Desert Shadows family since 2015, and a part of the Small Miracles family since 2021. Working with children and families has always been something I enjoyed and wanted to explore. When I first began my Early Childhood career, I wanted to eventually become a Kindergarten Teacher. Soon after starting at DSM, I fell in love with the toddler program and knew that Early Childhood was my path I would be on. Since Small Miracles has become our support system, I was placed in a director position, and I fell in love even more. Not only did I get to still visit the classrooms and engage with the kids I got to be a support to the staff as well as the families. Being a mom myself I knew things I would love, and I do my best to support those values alongside the Small Miracles values as well. For my educational background I have my Associates in Early Learning and Development, a bachelor’s in public administration, and in the Spring of 2023, I will continue my education to receive a master’s in early childhood education with an Emphasis in Leadership. Stumbling across Desert Shadows has really shown me a passion in life I was unaware of.
“I fell in love with the toddler program and knew that Early Childhood was the path I would be on.”
Programs
We want children as early as possible to appreciate the importance of reaching out beyond themselves and into the community. Small Miracles schools offer a range of programs for children aged 1 to 5 years.
Toddler Program
We understand that the transition to toddlerhood can be a tumultuous one. Every child is unique and has their own needs and wants that must be respected during this challenging time. With our experienced teachers, we strive to craft an environment where children can explore, learn, and make progress with self-reliance. As with all of our classrooms, we attempt to control the environment, not the little people in it. When our teachers fill the classroom with wonder and awe, children focus on reading, dancing, singing, painting, playing and so much more!
Preschool Program
This is another step on the journey of life. While want to prepare children to be successful in school, we know they will be if we take great advantage of the time we have together. Instead of pushing developmentally inappropriate lessons and activities on our children, our teachers work to plan for each child’s needs - whether they are learning to hold a pencil, write their name, learn conflict resolution skills and so much more. We know that children who experience child centered environments perform better in elementary school and in life. This confidence pushed us to offer the very best.
We Offer Quality First Scholarships
All Small Miracles locations participate in First Things First’s signature program, Quality First. Quality First works with child care and preschool providers across Arizona to improve the quality of their early learning settings for children from 1 to age 5. We also offer Quality First Scholarships that cover most or all of the cost of child care for children 1 – 5. Please contact a location near you to find out about scholarship availability.
We are committed to quality improvement and going beyond regulatory requirements to help the infants, toddlers and preschoolers be ready for success in kindergarten and beyond. Our strong belief is that continuous quality improvement not only benefits our children but out teachers and community equally. For more information, visit QualityFirstAZ.com.
How to Enroll
At Small Miracles, we understand that finding quality child care can be a difficult task. That’s why we’ve made it easy to get started at one of our locations. Simply follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to providing your child with the care they need and deserve.
We will be happy to see you!
The process of registering your child is easy and straightforward. First, schedule a tour of one of our facilities by clicking the button below, or just drop in. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you have and show you around. 
Once you've decided that Small Miracles Education is the right fit for your family, the next step is to fill out a registration form. This can be done online or in person at our office. After we receive your registration form, we will follow up with you to confirm enrollment and provide you with all the information you need to get started.
Registering your child for school is an exciting milestone! Once you're registered, your child will have access to our innovative curriculum, experienced teachers, and state-of-the-art facilities. And you can look forward to your child’s first day of school! 
Of the 2,000+ early childhood centers in Arizona only 10% are nationally accredited. Most Small Miracles schools are nationally accredited.
Being accredited is a rigorous process that includes the evaluation of your schools overall educational program and its adherence to the best early learning practices. In the United States only 5% of all early learning centers are accredited.
Care & Security for Your Child
We welcome you to experience our top rated childcare facilities in person. Visit us to learn more about our quality preschool programs to see if Small Miracles is the best fit for your family.
