An Outdoor Christian TK and Preschool Provider for Santa Barbara and Goleta
Celebrating the essence of childhood through wonder, curiosity, and faith.
Nurturing the whole child:
body, soul, and spirit.
Miss Kari’s Playschool exists to provide a small family-style neighborhood preschool with the purpose of nurturing the whole-child: body, soul, and spirit, and to celebrate the essence of early childhood through wonder, curiosity and faith.
Large Outdoor Space
Small Group Size
Bible-Based Values
Hi, I’m Miss Kari!
Any day that I get to spend with children is a great day for me! I have a deep passion for teaching and guiding children to know the love of God. I’m a sucker for great children’s literature and music, and can happily spend all day reading, singing, and playing with kids. I’m passionate about allowing children to fully experience the magic of childhood by giving them ample time to play and discover the world in a rush-free environment.
I moved to the Santa Barbara/Goleta area thirty years ago when I met my husband. We’ve loved raising our children here, and now that they’re all grown, I’m happy to be nurturing the next generation of children in our community.
In college, I studied Children's Ministry, and I have worked with children ever since. I homeschooled our four kids ran a children's ministry, and taught at a local preschool. Through all of my experiences working with children, I’ve formed a philosophy that embodies a deep respect for childhood—believing that children thrive when they are allowed to simply be children. I believe that childhood is a gift to be savored, not a job to be hurried through, and that children learn best when they feel safe and loved.
In my personal time, I enjoy photography and gardening, which are great outlets for my creative side. Recently, much of my heart and energy have been devoted to dreaming up and building this little backyard school—a place where I can share my love of children, nurture the simple joys of childhood.
What can you expect from Miss Kari’s Playschool?
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Our days are spent in a spacious yard which provides sunshine, fresh air, and plenty of opportunity for large and fine motor development.
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We maintain a small group of children in order to give patient, individual attention and instruction to each child. Additionally we will create an environment that fosters curiosity and wonder through art, play, music, and literature.
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We nurture the spirit by providing Bible-based values and education, teaching children that they are deeply loved by God, that they can depend on Him to be their constant help, and that they were thoughtfully created with a purpose.
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School is held outside every day, rain or shine, with the option to come inside on severe weather days.
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The majority of our learning time consists of hands-on play and exploration. Children explore math, science, and language arts concepts through play throughout the day.
Focused community learning times include: alphabet, writing, counting, group cooperation, Bible lessons, Scripture memory, music, literature, art, and more.
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Our preschool is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood just off the Patterson exit, conveniently located between Santa Barbara and Goleta. Our “classroom” is Miss Kari’s spacious backyard, where children have plenty of room to explore, and grow.
The yard is thoughtfully designed with a large mud kitchen, a climbing area for developing gross motor skills, two big sliding and climbing tubes, a weaving wall, a children’s garden, a dramatic play area, and several tables for art and hands-on activities.
Tall sunflowers line the fence, and in the fall, the children get to harvest from their very own pumpkin patch! Miss Kari’s cat can often be seen lounging in the sun as she watches the children play.
Come see it for yourself! Contact us to schedule a visit today.
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Our preschool is intentionally kept very small, with just six children. Miss Kari values the ability to give each child the time and attention to learn and grow at their own pace. A small group allows us to slow down, nurture little hearts, tend to big feelings, and linger during teachable moments that happen throughout the day.
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At Miss Kari’s Playschool, our Christian faith is woven naturally into the preschool day. Miss Kari knows that children’s spirits need to be nurtured just as much as their minds and bodies. She looks to the Bible as her foundation for nurturing little hearts and laying the foundations of faith—teaching children that they are deeply loved by God, that they can depend on Him as their constant help, and that they were thoughtfully created with a purpose.
In our daily interactions, children are encouraged to use wholesome words, treat others with kindness and respect, celebrate God’s incredible creation, and show gratitude for His goodness to us.
Each day includes a time of Bible teaching, where children hear the truths and stories of Scripture, learn new and traditional songs of the Christian faith, talk to God through prayer, and discover how they can bless and encourage those around them with their words.
Children at Miss Kari’s Playschool also memorize Bible verses, storing God’s Word in their hearts to carry with them throughout their lives. Older children will even memorize a verse to go with each letter of the alphabet! If they spend two years with Miss Kari, they graduate preschool knowing more than 52 Bible verses! This not only feeds their sweet spirits, but their incredible minds as well!
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We’re fortunate to enjoy a wonderfully temperate climate here in the Santa Barbara and Goleta area, which means we can spend most of our days outside!
On the rare occasions when we have heavy rain or strong winds, we have a cozy indoor space where children can play comfortably. We also have two large, covered play areas where children can continue to enjoy being outside while staying protected from the rain.
We believe there’s something special about experiencing the outdoors in all kinds of weather, so whenever conditions allow, we embrace the opportunity to get outside and play!
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Our preschool follows a play-based curriculum, with the majority of learning happening through hands-on play, exploration, and discovery. Throughout the day, children naturally explore early math, science, language, and social skills as they play, create, ask questions, and interact with the world around them.
We also have focused community learning times where we intentionally practice important skills that they will use in kindergarten, such as the alphabet, writing, math, cooperation, music, literature, art, and more! Bible lessons, Scripture memory, and prayer, are also an important part of our curriculum.
Our goal is to give children a strong foundation for future learning while allowing them plenty of time to learn in the way young children learn best—through play, relationship, and hands-on experiences.
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Miss Kari’s Playschool is conveniently located between Santa Barbara and Goleta, making it an easy-to-reach preschool for families in both communities. We’re tucked away in a quiet neighborhood just off the Patterson Avenue exit, on the ocean side of the freeway, near Cottage Hospital and More Mesa Open Space.
Our natural backyard setting feels a world away from the busyness of the city, while still being conveniently located for Santa Barbara and Goleta families.



