Welcome
Warm greetings from Westcliff Early Learning Academy. We are a new Montessori and Reggio preschool nestled in the heart of Irvine!
Have you ever wondered how your child learns best?
At Westcliff Early Learning Academy, we understand that every child’s approach to learning is different. That’s why we’ve woven together the very best of the Montessori and Reggio Emilia Curricula so that your child’s unique learning style will not only be respected, but cultivated, celebrated, and affirmed.
Picture a place where each day is an adventure, where your child’s natural curiosity is sparked and refined, and their individuality respected.
As proud partners of Westcliff University, a revered institution with three decades of academic excellence, our teachers bring a professional understanding of child development and learning dynamics into their preschool classrooms–ensuring that your child receives a comprehensive, holistic, and elevated education during their formative years.
We understand that choosing the right preschool is a profound decision, one filled with questions, concerns, and personal aspirations. So we extend our heartfelt invitation to you to visit our campus and let us introduce you to home-like learning spaces and discuss with you our distinctive blended pedagogy.
With anticipation and warmth,
Monica Heredia
Monica Heredia
Director, Westcliff Early Learning Academy
Moved by the uninhibited curiosity and enthusiasm that young children express for learning, Monica Heredia has dedicated her life to early childhood education.
Since 2009, she has worked as an early education administrator, curriculum developer and supervisor. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, Monica worked in children’s television, then returned to college to get her early childhood director certificate. She has developed preschools in Malibu, Huntington Beach and Newport Coast and strongly believes that the genuine lessons of preschool go far beyond learning numbers and letters to include social and emotional development. These are the years children learn compassion, self-efficacy, empathy, independence, and confidence.
Monica is filled with gratitude when surrounded by the joy and wonder expressed by children discovering themselves and the world around them.
- Earned an Early Childhood Director Certificate endorsed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
- Member of the National Association for the education of Young children NAEYC
- Held leadership roles in both public and private educational institutions.
- Possess extensive expertise in implementing the Reggio Emilia approach.
- Skillfully assists families in navigating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Spearheaded the creation of an educational cohort to support families during the pandemic.
- Graduate of Loyola Marymount University
- Worked in Education since 2009
- Developed several preschools in Southern California
- The most unusual item within an arm’s reach of me is a pile of overdue library books that I’m not ready to let go of yet.
- Someone asks me to give a sudden and abrupt speech about any topic for at least 15 minutes straight. I’d like to talk about Early Childhood Development.
- The first record/tape/CD I ever owned was Nirvana Unplugged.
My most useless special talent is the ability to skateboard and roller skate. - The bravest thing I’ve ever done was a bungy in New Zealand.
- The most famous celebrity I’ve ever met is Jennifer Lopez and Johnny Depp, but not at the same time.
- My craziest injury happened when I broke my leg at Disneyland when I was 12 years old.
- My go-to font is Times New Roman.
- My greatest (non-serious) irrational fear is opossums.
Sign-Up For Our Priority List
Learn more about our unique programs, enrollment spots, and tuition. Fill out the interest form, call or text (949) 867-7985, or email us. We will be opening soon.
Terms and Conditions: By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent without obligation for Westcliff Early Learning Academy to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using e-mail or phone, including automated technology for calls to the phone number(s) provided.
Sign-Up For Our Priority List
Learn more about our unique programs, enrollment spots, and tuition. Fill out the interest form, call or text (949) 867-7985, or email us. We will be opening soon.
Terms and Conditions: By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent without obligation for Westcliff Early Learning Academy to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using e-mail or phone, including automated technology for calls to the phone number(s) provided.
