Billygoats
Las Cabritas
The Program
At Billygoats/Las Cabritas we believe that nature offers all we need for learning at this exciting stage of childhood. Children thrive in an environment that nurtures their individuality and sparks their curiosity, creativity, and independence. Our program blends nature-based and play-based learning to make each child’s learning process visible. At Billygoats, children lead their own learning, guided by nature and supported by Maestra Angelica’s deep understanding of child development. With Angelica’s expertise, children at Billygoats go on a beautiful learning journey that not only prepares them for academic learning, but also for life, social, self, and nature-based learning.
Program Overview
Billygoats meets four days a week, Tuesday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Two days are spent exploring nature, usually in the Glen Park Canyon or the McLaren Park Redwoods, while two days are held at our school site in the Excelsior district.
We keep class sizes small with two teachers and six children, which ensures individualized attention, a highly tailored curriculum, a strong sense of community, and an impactful social environment for the children and families.
The Billygoats/Las Cabritas program has been designed around our core foundation areas of nature-based learning, play-based learning, Spanish immersion, and parent learning.
"Billygoats has given our child the confidence to overcome challenges and the joy of learning through play and nature."
Nature-Based Learning
Nature is our ultimate teacher. At Billygoats, children spend two days a week immersed in nature, where they explore the world through all their senses. Even on our school site days, children spend time outdoors and lessons from nature are often brought indoors for further exploration.
Nature provides endless opportunities for learning and discovery. These experiences help children build a deep connection with the environment, fostering respect and curiosity. These experiences not only foster physical development but also enhance confidence and social skills. Nature-based learning also supports emotional and physical development, as children engage in hands-on activities that promote problem-solving, fine and gross motor skills, and social interactions.
"The Billygoats program helped our children establish a sense of identity in the outdoors... they bike, swim, hike, and climb fearlessly."
Play-Based Learning
We believe that play is the most powerful tool for learning. Our program is rooted in play-based learning, where children learn through exploration, experimentation, and creative expression. Play helps children develop essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills, and provides a safe space for them to explore their ideas, thoughts, and feelings. Through structured and unstructured play, children develop problem-solving skills, improve their language abilities, and learn how to collaborate and resolve conflicts with peers. Play is not just fun. It’s the foundation of all learning at Billygoats.
"Play is the foundation of our child's learning—he's grown in his confidence and independence thanks to the hands-on, play-driven experiences at Billygoats."
Language Immersion
Language is a key component of understanding and connecting with the world. At Billygoats, we believe children are the ambassadors of peace in the world and languages are a fundamental part of cultural understanding. We offer a Spanish immersion environment where children learn in both Spanish and English. This bilingual approach enhances children’s cognitive flexibility, cultural awareness, and communication skills. Through songs, stories, games, and everyday conversations, children naturally acquire language skills while engaging in meaningful activities. The immersion experience helps children feel comfortable in a multilingual world, providing them with a unique advantage in today’s global society.
"The depth of language exposure at Billygoats, with a native Spanish speaker, has given our son a strong bilingual foundation, all while learning through play and love."
Parent Learning
At Billygoats, we believe that parents are lifelong learners, just as their children are. Our approach fosters continuous parent learning, ensuring that families are actively engaged in their child's development. Parents receive daily updates, including pictures and reflections, that provide insight into their child’s day and progress. Additionally, throughout the year, parents attend five parenting classes designed to deepen their understanding of child development and strengthen their role as active participants in their child’s learning journey. Some of these classes are held with children present, allowing parents to practice new skills in real-time and reflect on how they can best support their child’s growth both at home and in the classroom.
"Angelica helped us grow closer and stronger as a family, guiding us through both parenting and child development with deep understanding."
Angelica's Expertise
At the heart of Billygoats is Angelica Guerrero, the director and lead educator. With over 30 years of experience in child development, Angelica brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of how children learn and grow. Her expertise is evident in the personalized approach she takes with each child. Through detailed observations, Angelica tailors the curriculum to meet the unique developmental needs and interests of every child, ensuring that their learning journey is both meaningful and engaging. Her commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment is at the core of Billygoats, where every child’s individuality is celebrated.