Little Forest Playschool employees, Lena Sanchez and Crystal Roybal, as well as a parade of little feet, accept a check from the Los Alamos Community Foundation. Courtesy/LACF
LACF News:
Los Alamos Community Foundation LACF) has awarded the July 10-for-10 Grant for community impact to Little Forest Playschool.
“As a parent, Little Forest Playschool has been nothing short of life-changing for our family,” Conner Tharp said. “From the moment we joined, we felt welcomed, supported, and truly part of a community. My daughter has blossomed in their play-based learning environment: gaining confidence, making friends, and learning through creativity and curiosity every day.”
Tharp added, “We’ve seen our child thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. And as a parent, I’ve felt more connected, empowered, and supported. For nearly 75 years, Little Forest has made Los Alamos feel more like home, and I’m so grateful for the impact it’s had on our family’s life.”
LACF Executive Director Liz Martineau said, “Little Forest Playschool has been supporting children and parents, and has been making an impact in our community for 75 years.”
Tharp said that both children and parents set the school apart.
“Through the co-op model, we’ve built lasting friendships with other families and had the chance to be involved in our child’s education in a meaningful way,” he said. “The teachers are nurturing, patient, and deeply committed to each child’s growth.”
Tharp said that beyond the classroom, Little Forest is always reaching out—hosting events like their co-op garden planting day, Family Cultural Night, and their Halloween Carnival. He said they regularly offer parenting workshops and connect families with local resources.
“Little Forest Playschool is more than a school; it has become a community hub,” Tharp said.
Little Forest Playschool Executive Director April Wade said, “I feel extremely honored to be a part of the LFP community for over 15 years. For 75 years, we have never wavered from our philosophy, vision and mission. We protect our PLAY-based, child-led, screen-free, nature-loving, and hands-on learning approach. We value our co-op model, as we know that building relationships with families, the community, and educators strengthens the children’s sense of belonging and the way they view learning.”
The Community is invited to celebrate Little Forest Playschool’s 75th Anniversary at its Fall Fiesta, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20. “Come experience the LFP way to PLAY!”
Tickets are available at littleforestplayschool.org. Use code PLAY2025 for $5 off for a limited time.
LACF has two remaining $1,000, 10th Anniversary grants to award during its 10 months of celebration. Has a nonprofit made an impact on your life? Visit losalamoscf.org to nominate your favorite nonprofit and to learn more about how you can be part of creating enduring philanthropy and support for our community non-profit organizations.
About the Los Alamos Community Foundation:
Established in 2015, the mission of the Los Alamos Community Foundation is to build enduring philanthropy to empower our community’s nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards fifteen permanent endowment funds and supports local nonprofits through training, initiatives, and grantmaking. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation, visit www.losalamoscf.org.