Sylvie Belmond 
Got kids? This is where their first school memories begin.
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — For many families, preschool is where it begins — the first backpack, the first circle time, the first friendships made without a parent nearby.
It’s the moment you watch your child walk toward a classroom door, trying to be brave. Those first steps into independence don’t just prepare them for kindergarten. They help children see themselves as capable and ready to grow.
The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District has announced enrollment dates for its S.E.E. Me Preschool Program, a long-running, affordable option designed to introduce 3- and 4-year-olds to their first structured school experience.
Online priority enrollment opens Tues., Feb. 17 through Frid., March 6. Current students and siblings of past or current students may register first for the 2026-27 school year.
Open enrollment begins Tues., March 17 and remains available until classes are full. After that, children may be added to a waitlist and placed as space becomes available through Dec. 31.
Families may choose from three locations: Houghton, Lemon or Rancho Santa Susana.
According to RSRPD’s website, the S.E.E. Me program emphasizes developmentally appropriate activities that support social, emotional and cognitive growth.
In the classroom, learning looks a lot like play. Children paint and create art projects that build fine motor skills. They practice recognizing colors and shapes. There’s time for free play, where they learn to share and solve small disagreements.
Teachers read stories aloud and introduce early writing and reading. Simple math and science concepts are woven into hands-on activities. Field trips bring lessons to life. All of it happens in small classes, with teachers able to give each child close attention.
Why early education matters
Research consistently shows that high-quality early childhood education strengthens school readiness and long-term outcomes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that quality preschool programs help children build language, early literacy and social-emotional skills that serve as the foundation for later academic success.
Similarly, the U.S. Department of Education reports that children who attend strong early learning programs are more likely to enter kindergarten prepared, demonstrate improved reading and math skills in elementary school and develop stronger self-regulation and problem-solving abilities.
Beyond academics, early group settings help children practice sharing, following directions, managing emotions and working independently — skills that ease the transition into kindergarten.
For many families, preschool also offers something less measurable but just as important: confidence. Children learn they can separate, explore and succeed in a supportive environment.
Enrollment details
To qualify for the S.E.E. Me Preschool Program, children must meet the age requirement by Oct. 1, 2026 and be fully potty trained by the first day of school.
Families seeking additional information may call (805) 584-4453, email [email protected] or visit the S.E.E. Me page at rsrpd.org.
For parents weighing their options, early enrollment often provides peace of mind — and for children, it may be the first step into a world that feels both new and exciting.
