Nature & Play-Based Preschool Enrichment in Orange, CA

Fall 2026 Cohort

Welcome to class, Little Lights!

A Little Light Place is a small, gentle, thoughtfully curated outdoor preschool enrichment program. Our program nurtures The Whole Child—spirit, body, heart, and mind. We teach important life skills such as social-emotional wellbeing, empathy and compassion, as well as confident leadership and resilience— all through the child’s language of play.

Led by Sophie Smith, MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling, A Little Light Place is built of hands-on experiences with gentle ponies and visiting farm animals, nature-based art, gardening, seasonal organic cooking, story time, music, family gatherings, and imaginative play.

Your little one will also participate in our unique community field trips— walking distance from our home base. Field trips will include activities such as goat milking, honey bee tours, and clay classes.

We are located in beautiful Orange Park Acres, CA— an Equestrian Community. We are surrounded by micro-farms, horse trails, and peace and quiet.

Each day your child will be encouraged to explore with curiosity and make meaningful social connection in a calm, screen-free environment. Here, learning happens organically through play and the magic of horses.

Important Information

    • Welcome Circle

    • Nature Play

    • Pony Time

    • Creative Project

    • Story and Music Time

    • Closing Circle

  • Welcome. My name is Sophie and this program comes from the heart and a desire to serve the children and families in our community.

    I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy. While these classes are not therapy, my background in mental health means that your child’s wellbeing, social and emotional skills, and emotional development are always at the heart of my teaching style.

    Working with littles truly brings me so much joy, and it is an honor for me to come alongside each child to nurture the bright little soul in front of me.

    I believe in pouring into and supporting families to create a strong, healthy community. I can’t wait to connect with you soon.

    Love,

    Sophie

  • Age: 3-4.5 years old (must be potty trained)

    Class Size: Class sizes are intentionally small, with a maximum of 7 children.

    Schedule— Fall Cohort: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00am-11:00am

    Length: 2 hours

    Location: Orange, CA 92869

    Parent Participation: Optional parent participation days will be scheduled into the semester.

    Cohort Model: Community is at the heart of our program. Our classes run in a series of 8-week semesters so that littles can bond and grow together. Our deepest hope is that families will stay for years to come. (There will be one class/semester for drop-ins/make-ups.)

    Founding Families Tuition: $950 per child per 8-week semester

    (A $75 sibling discount can be applied.)

    Enrollment is by semester to foster a consistent learning community, meaningful friendships, and a sense of belonging. Tuition may be paid in full at enrollment or in two monthly installments.

    Enrollment: By application, to ensure a wonderful fit for each cohort. See our “Apply to Enroll” page.

    1. We will be opening enrollment applications to the public in in the next two weeks. To secure a place in our priority enrollment before we open to the public, please enter your email above and you’ll be the first to know when you can apply!

    2. Apply

      1. Fill out our application linked above or click the “Apply to Enroll” button.

    3. Family Open House

      1. You’ll be invited to come and join us for a meet and greet, ask questions, and meet Ms. Sophie.

    4. Enrollment Invitation

      1. If we feel we are a good fit for your family, you will receive an enrollment invitation.

    5. Welcome!

      1. Forms and planning for first session.