Our History…

It all started when…

Tutor Totter Preschool, Inc. was established in 1969. A small group of families wanted to start a parent cooperative preschool in the Christian Valley Community Building. Much hard work and effort went into creating the school. Those first families were responsible for everything from building the original wood play structure- (since updated by Auburn Recreation District) - to obtaining the proper licensing. The building was owned by Christian Valley Community Club, and was used for many community activities. The initial preschool classes, which were held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, had to put everything away at the end of each week or whenever a community activity was planned.

In 1971, the Christian Valley Community Club deeded the Tutor Totter school site to the ARD. Many improvements have been made since, with each entity sharing financial obligations as well as physical work. It has been a true example of cooperation between a group of parents and government agency.

In 1972, a second class began on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and in 1975, a third class was added on Tuesday and Thursdays afternoons. Tutor Totter was in the forefront of ageappropriate education with an emphasis placed on meeting the needs of the young child as well as preparation for kindergarten. By fall of 1978, there were morning and afternoon classes five days a week.

As Tutor Totter entered the 1980’s, the need for daycare in the community arose. Tutor Totter expanded its services to help community in the area and Joanne Englund became the first Tutor Totter daycare director.