Our Story
Marisa & Daisy are early childhood educators with backgrounds in child development and classroom teaching.
Little Wonder Lab was created as a response to a shared belief: children deserve time, space, and respect as thinkers.
Daisy Valle
Co-founder & TeacherI'm Daisy! I have been an early childhood educator for the past six years, working with preschool-age children, including teaching. I have a BA in Child and Adolescent Development with a minor in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento. I love fostering creativity and imagination by allowing children to explore, experiment, and express themselves freely! I enjoy watching children bring their imaginative and fun ideas to life and seeing them take great pride in their creations. It’s all about the process! In my free time I like to read, bake, travel, spend time with family and friends, and go to baseball games. Go Giants!
Marisa Van Sickle
Co-founder & TeacherHi! I'm Marisa, an early childhood educator with ten years of experience and a BA in Liberal Studies and Child Development from California State University, Chico. I love seeing how art builds children's confidence, supports their problem-solving skills, and provides an opportunity for children to explore their emotions. Messy projects are a highlight of learning, and the focus is always on the process of creating, not the product. Outside of teaching I enjoy spending time with my husband and my corgi, painting, baking cookies, and swimming!
A Reggio-Inspired Studio Practice
At Marisa & Daisy’s Little Wonder Lab we provide experiences for children ages 2-6 that are rooted in play and hands-on learning.
We work alongside children as co-researchers.
Process Over Product
We value creativity, experimentation, and self-expression over perfect results.
Curiosity First
We support inquiry rather than direct instruction, and encourage children to ask questions, explore new ideas, and discover how the world works.
Learning Through Play
We design environments for exploration and hands-on experiences to help children build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a love of learning.
Child-Centered Exploration
We listen closely to children’s ideas, and we create meaningful opportunities for children to follow their interests, investigate, and wonder.
Children learn best when they are given time to think deeply, explore freely, and engage meaningfully with materials and ideas.
