A play-based Preschool in Arroyo Grande for the curious souls who believe the greatest learning takes place when we’re empowered to be ourselves and inspired to try new things.
After 15+ years working in childcare, McKyla couldn’t help but feel that most preschools were designed around outcomes rather than experiences. Between the rigid schedules, forced nap times and interrupted art projects, there wasn’t much time left for kids to be, well, kids!
Then one sunny afternoon in Topanga Canyon, McKyla walked into the big green yard at Oak Grove Preschool and had her “aha” moment.
The woman running the program, Ms. Aleza (who would later become McKyla’s mentor), brought an incredible mix of creativity, kindness and patience to everything she did. Kids were outside moving freely, elbow-deep in dirt, chasing bugs with paint on their faces. Not a single child was waiting for permission to be curious.
“This is exactly what I want to bring to the Central Coast.”
For years, McKyla saved money, hunted down classroom treasures and smiled warmly at everyone who raised an eyebrow at her growing collection of trinkets—
“Just wait!” She’d say…
And sure enough, in 2021, McKyla opened Rooted Preschool alongside her husband, Gabriel Johnson, with just six children and one big idea: take the best parts of early childhood education, leave the rest behind, and create a place where kids can just be kids.
Giving children the freedom to be exactly who they are while nurturing the curious, confident humans they’re becoming.
The best childhood stories start with messy hands, dirt under the nails and sunshine on the face. Days filled with exploration, imagination and outdoor adventure give kids (and parents) the kind of memories they’ll talk about for years to come.
There’s preschools where you pick your kids up on Friday and go your separate ways, and then there’s Rooted, where families grow friendships alongside their kids. Kick off the school year with a beachside bonfire, takeover Klondikes pizza on a Friday night, and celebrate the end of the year with a Lopez camping trip. (Love grows!)
Adults don’t learn in a “one size fits all” fashion, so why should children? Flexibility, curiosity and meeting kids where they are allows them to grow and flourish in their own unique, age-appropriate way.
A childhood close to nature helps children grow into thoughtful caretakers of the world around them. Gardening, reusing materials, and everyday earth-friendly habits nurture a lasting respect for the planet they’ll live on for much longer than we will!
Bright energy, a big heart and a deep love for all things living are just a few of the things that make McKyla so special. With more than 15 years of experience and a degree in childhood education, McKyla brings an infectious sense of creativity and warmth that children absolutely adore.
McKyla is the kind of person who doesn’t do anything halfway. If there’s a way to celebrate something bigger or brighter…McKyla will find it. From colorful Holi celebrations to Rooted camping trips and imaginative classroom adventures, her big ideas and love for planning are woven into everything Rooted has become.
Rooted is, in many ways, McKyla in preschool form!
When she’s not busy making magic on the playground, you can find McKyla hiding out in nature with Gabe, snuggling her rescue pups (Nellie, Gigi and Bobbie), planning her next trip abroad, or chasing new experiences that test her comfort zone so she can say, “I did it!”
You know the people who are just “meant to be parents?” That’s Gabe. A loving father of two, filled with lighthearted energy and contagious laughter, he has a natural ability to connect with children, making him an instant favorite in the classroom.
Before joining Rooted, Gabe explored a variety of paths, including hospitality, construction, animal medicine, and a brief stint as an EMT. But it wasn’t until Gabe stepped into his role as a “Teacher Gave” that his career path finally felt fulfilled.
When he’s not in the classroom, Gabe can usually be found spending time off the grid with his wife (McKyla), bonding with his boys, binging Korean films or enthusiastically hyperfixating on new topics. Seriously, just ask him for a fun fact!
Honestly, what can’t Shelley do?! A lifelong educator with a heart for children, Shelley brings decades of experience and warmth to the classroom. She’s taught preschool, led elementary music programs, offered private harp lessons and even homeschooled her own four children. With three grandchildren (and two more on the way!), spending time with kids is truly second nature to her.
Shelley is a proud third-generation educator, following in the footsteps of her grandmother, who taught in a one-room schoolhouse and her mother, who was an elementary art teacher. Shelley loves connecting with children through conversation and is always eager to learn what they have to teach her.
When she’s not helping out at Rooted, Shelley can usually be found tending her garden, raising chickens, playing the harp, or crafting one-of-a-kind jewelry and stop-motion animation.
Born and raised on the central coast, Macie grew up with a little sister who sparked her love for working with children. Her natural patience, kindness and gentle energy make her someone the kids instantly gravitate toward. Word on the street is the kids even let her do their hair! (And if you know toddlers, you know that takes a special bond!)
Creativity is Macie's superpower. Whether she’s helping with art projects in the classroom or exploring different creative hobbies in her free time, she brings a playful imagination that kids love. Macie plans to major in child development after graduation and values every opportunity to learn more about how children grow and thrive.
When she’s not lending a helping hand at Rooted, you can find Macie at the beach, dabbling in various art mediums, or dreaming about her next travel adventure.
We are forever grateful to our community for voting us Best Preschool in San Luis Obispo County. You’re all proof that love grows!
If it feels like you’re in the right place, we’d love to welcome you into our community. You can start by clicking the link below and we’ll send you our enrollment packet and set up a walkthrough.