Where Curiosity Becomes Capability

A Montessori and Reggio STEAM Preschool in Irvine, CA

Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA) is a STEAM-focused preschool in Irvine, serving children ages 18 months to 6 years.

Rooted in Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, our future-ready program blends hands-on STEM learning, creative arts, and nature-based exploration to help young children grow into confident, curious thinkers.

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STEAM Preschool in Irvine

Early childhood is a period of rapid brain development, making these years a critical time to build thinking skills.

At WELA, our STEAM preschool program helps children develop:

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Confidence in experimentation and discovery
Early math, science, and engineering foundations
Creativity, communication, and emotional expression

Our goal isn’t early academics—it’s preparing children to think deeply, adapt confidently, and love learning.

Montessori & Reggio Emilia

Our program combines:

Montessori education, emphasizing independence, focus, and hands-on materials
Reggio Emilia-inspired learning, driven by curiosity, collaboration, and project-based exploration

This blended approach creates a child-centered preschool environment where children are respected as capable learners and supported at every stage of development.

A Nature - Based Preschool Experience

As a nature-based preschool in Irvine, WELA uses the outdoors as a living classroom. Children engage in:

Gardening and plant care
Insect and habitat studies
Weather tracking and observation
Building and art projects with natural materials

These experiences strengthen observation skills, environmental awareness, and early scientific thinking.

Vietnamese Dual - language Immersion

WELA follows a dual-language learning approach, thoughtfully designed to support early brain development during the critical ages of 1–5. Children are immersed in both their native language and Vietnamese through intentional, research-based practices.

In our dual-language program, children engage in:

Daily guided immersion in both languages
Play-based vocabulary development and storytelling
Songs, movement, and interactive language games
Structured one-hour focused language sessions

A Future – Ready Preschool for Families in Orange County

Westcliff Early Learning Academy offers:

A research-informed STEAM preschool curriculum
A balance of structure and creativity
A joyful, pressure-free learning environment
Strong family partnerships and individualized
support

We proudly serve families seeking a high-quality preschool in Irvine that prepares children for kindergarten—and beyond.

Young children engaging in hands-on STEAM learning activities at preschool in Irvine, CA

Our STEAM Preschool Curriculum

Science Preschool Learning

Children explore cause and effect through hands-on science activities like nature observation, sensory experiments, and simple investigations.

Engineering Through Play

Block building, marble runs, and design challenges help children learn how to plan, test, revise, and solve problems.

Technology in Early Childhood

Logic games, sequencing activities, and hands-on tools support early technology skills—without excessive screen time.

Early Math Foundations

Children develop number sense, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness through playful, real-world math experiences.

Our Curriculum

Westcliff University

As part of its commitment to education at every stage of life, Westcliff University extends its mission to early childhood through Westcliff Early Learning Academy, an early learning center in Irvine serving children from infancy through preschool. Building on the university’s more than 30-year legacy, the academy benefits from collaboration with Westcliff faculty and students while providing a thoughtfully designed environment for young learners. Its program blends Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies with hands-on STEAM exploration and nature-based learning to nurture curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.