We are a community that is passionate about helping you and your children be the most confident, courageous and compassionate people you can be. We know that you and your child have amazing gifts, talents and strengths that can be used to make a positive difference in the world. We want to be part of your team to make this idea a reality.
About Us
Vision
Our vision is to help parents and children be confident, courageous and compassionate people who make a positive difference in the world. We work everyday to make this vision a reality not just some slogan on the wall. We use it to guide our decisions on a daily basis. It drives our passion and hope for a better tomorrow.
Values
Our values guide how we relate to you, students, team members, vendors and anyone else who is connected with our school. Here is a condensed version of our values.
- Respect people
- Positive impact
- Innovation and improvement
- Deliver the wow
- Excellence in who we are and what we do
Philosophy
We believe that every child is a gift and should be treated as such. We will always strive to discover their unique strengths, talents and personalities. We pledge to educate, respect and enrich your child with exciting, education experiences each day they are in our care.
We offer a Reggio Emilia Approach to learning which is student centered and self-guided. Our philosophy is to provide developmentally appropriate and experimental practice learning in a fun, caring, and thematic -environment. Second Step is our social and emotional curriculum we use to help children focus on empathy, emotion management, friendship skills and problem solving. We introduce mindfulness practices to our classroom which provides students with tools for emotion regulation and enhancing friendships.
A child’s education should include all areas of development; physical, mental, emotional and social. Play is the natural way a child learns. Therefore it is through play that children learn to concentrate, exercise their imagination, understand their bodies, try out ideas, and develop a sense of control over their world. In order for a child to have a balanced education, play should be both directed and self directed.
The Director
My name is Lisandra Zaste and I am proud to be the Little Diamonds Preschool Director!!I was born in Puerto Rico and grew up here in Pittsburg, CA. I received my Early Childhood Education credentials at Los Medanos College with a specialization in Administration. I have worked in Early Childhood Education for more than 35 years. I’ve been a Teacher, Assistant Director, Director, Executive Director and Consultant.
I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development-academic, social, language, and motor-is is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.
Personally, I have four fantastic children who are 32, 31, 27, and 26 years old and I am the proud grandmother of four beautiful little girls. I love spending time with my kids and granddaughters. I also enjoy reading, cooking, music, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with friends and family.
I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development!
Our History
In 2009, Little Diamonds Preschool began with 3 students. Since then it has grown and become a licensed day-care, preschool and before/after school program. Little Diamonds is a part of Black Diamond Kids Center. Black Diamond Kids Center has been serving families for over 20 years by offering the highest quality sports, education and entertainment activities for kids and teens. It is such a joy to have been in this community for so many years. An added bonus of our years in service, is to have former students now become fellow team members, who want to give back the love, encouragement and positivity that they received from their teachers.
Tour
We know it can be difficult to decide which preschool will be the best fit for your child that is why we always offer a tour. Please complete the form at the bottom of the page and we would love to help you find the best time for you and your child to come visit.