About Us
Our Approach
We believe every child has a story worth knowing, a purpose worth nurturing, and a light worth shining.
At Little Light Academy, we promise to see the child in front of us. To celebrate their strengths. To encourage their growth. To nurture their curiosity. To teach with compassion. To help them discover the unique light they were created to share.
A warm, nurturing environment with purposeful play and hands-on learning; strong academic foundations, intentional character development, meaningful relationships.
We believe academics and character development work together. Children do not learn best when they are only taught information; they learn best when they are engaged, confident, connected, and curious. Our curriculum intentionally builds strong foundations in literacy, math, science, and kindergarten readiness while nurturing the heart, character, and unique strengths of every child.
What Makes Little Light
Academy Different?
Early education is about more than preparing children academically. It’s about nurturing the whole child and building a strong foundation for the years ahead.
Small & Intentional
Our intentionally small learning environment allows every child to be known, valued, and encouraged for who they are.
Whole-Child Development
We thoughtfully support each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, recognizing that every area plays an important role in how children learn, grow, and thrive.
Learning Through Play
Our play-based, developmentally appropriate approach gives children meaningful opportunities to explore, imagine, create, problem-solve, and discover.
Character & Leadership
We recognize and develop each child’s unique strengths while cultivating character, confidence, responsibility, and early leadership skills.
Partnership With Parents
Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. Rather than simply providing childcare, we seek to partner with families as their children learn and grow.
A Foundation for What’s Next
Everything we do is designed to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond—academically prepared, socially confident, secure in who they are, and excited to keep learning.
Little hearts. Bright minds. Strong foundations. Let your light SHINE.
Meet the Director
Hello! I am Breanna Simkins! I’m an early childhood educator, trainer, and passionate advocate for children and families with over 15 years of experience in early childhood education.
As the director of Little Light Academy, I believe preschool should be a place where children feel safe, known, confident, and excited to learn. My approach combines play-based learning with intentional development of early literacy, math, social-emotional skills, creativity, and independence.
I am passionate about creating classrooms where teachers are equipped to lead with excellence, and children are given the freedom to explore, ask questions, build relationships, and discover how capable they are.
Little Light Academy was created to give families a preschool experience that is intentional, nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and full of joy.
When I’m not building Little Light, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters, baking, and creating music. My favorite children’s book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear. I’m so excited to welcome your family and meet your little light!
Breanna Simkins
Meet our Lead Teacher
Cindy Varieur
Cindy Varieur brings a deep love for children, a passion for nurturing their creativity, and a desire to help each child feel known and valued.
She holds a master’s degree in Education and Christian Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from Corban University. Her experience includes homeschooling her two daughters, more than 20 years of volunteer service in children’s ministry and private school classrooms, serving as a Girl Scout leader, and providing private tutoring. She has received training in supporting students with diverse learning needs and has applied that experience both with her own daughter and as a substitute special-education paraeducator.
As lead teacher at Little Light Preschool, Cindy looks forward to providing a safe, joyful, grace-filled classroom where young children can learn, create, and feel loved, known, and valued.
When I am not building at Little Light I enjoy painting, and one of my favorite children’s books is "Are You My Mother" ... and so many more... I really can't say which one is my favorite!
Our Location
Little Light Academy Tacoma
Located inside SOZO Church Tacoma
Your Questions, Answered
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We offer admission for children ages 3-5.
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Yes. Children enrolled at Little Light Preschool should be independently potty trained before starting the program.
We understand that occasional accidents can happen, and our teachers will respond with kindness and discretion. Parents should provide a change of clothes to keep at school in case of an accident.
Because Little Light is a preschool program, children are expected to be able to independently use the restroom, manage clothing, and complete basic toileting routines with minimal assistance.
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We are a half-day school starting at 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Our day is structured but flexible, giving children a predictable routine while allowing plenty of time for purposeful play, exploration, and connection.
A typical morning may include:
8:30–9:00 — Arrival, greetings & free play
9:00–9:20 — Morning meeting & calendar
9:20–10:00 — Literacy & learning centers
10:00–10:20 — Snack & social time
10:20–11:00 — Math, science & hands-on exploration
11:00–11:30 — Outdoor/gross-motor play
11:30–12:00 — Creative arts, music & social-emotional learning
12:00–12:20 — Storytime & closing activities
12:20–12:30 — Pack-up & dismissal
Every day is designed to balance learning + play + movement + relationships so children can grow academically while developing confidence, independence, and social-emotional skills.
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Tuition is based on the number of days your child attends each week:
3 Days/Week — $360/month
4 Days/Week — $480/month
5 Days/Week — $600/month
Families can choose the schedule that best fits their needs and availability.
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3. How do you handle discipline?
At Little Light, we believe discipline is about teaching, not punishing.
Children are still learning how to communicate, manage big emotions, solve problems, and interact with others. Our teachers respond with calm, consistent, age-appropriate guidance.
We use:
Redirection and positive guidance
Clear, simple expectations
Choices and natural consequences
Calm-down and regulation strategies
Modeling appropriate behavior
Helping children name and express their emotions
Problem-solving and repairing relationships
We do not use shame, humiliation, yelling, or physical punishment.
Our goal is not just to stop a behavior, it is to help children learn what to do instead and build skills they can carry with them beyond the classroom.
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At Little Light, the health and safety of our children, families, and teachers comes first.
If your child is sick or showing symptoms that may prevent them from comfortably participating in the school day, please keep them home and notify the school
Children should remain home when they have symptoms such as:
Fever
Vomiting or diarrhea
Significant or worsening illness symptoms
Difficulty participating in normal classroom activities
A contagious illness requiring exclusion
If a child becomes ill while at Little Light, we will contact the parent/guardian for prompt pick-up and provide a comfortable space for the child while they wait.
Children may return when they are well enough to participate in the normal preschool day and meet Little Light’s applicable health and illness requirements.
When in doubt, please contact us. We would always rather partner with a family early than have illness spread through our classroom.
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Little Light follows Washington State immunization requirements for early learning programs.
Before your child begins, families will need to provide the required immunization documentation or any legally permitted exemption documentation.
We will review each child’s records during enrollment and let families know if anything is missing or needs to be updated.
Our goal is to protect the health of every child and staff member while helping families understand the requirements clearly.