Description: For many years members of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Nogales were concerned many of the children living in Santa Cruz County were entering public school lacking in skills and behaviors needed for success.
In 1996, the St. Andrew’s Church Vestry decided to address this issue by opening a private educational facility which would be based upon the premise that a quality preschool and day care center would enhance the future academic success of children. This premise has been proven during the years the preschool has been in operation. The current program is bi-lingual, English is taught to the children who speak only Spanish and Spanish is taught to those who are English speaking. Recognition of letters, numerals, reading, writing and social skills are fundamental components of the curriculum.
The preschool is incorporated by the State of Arizona, has the IRS designation of a non-profit 501(c)3, and operates with a decision making Board of Directors made up of church, community members and preschool parents.
The preschool is housed in the former church rectory which has been completely renovated to become a child friendly, welcoming facility, meeting the Arizona Child Care License safety requirements.
The initial funding for the operating expense of the preschool came from interested church and community members, the Episcopal Charities Appeal of the Diocese of Arizona and the Southwest Regional Parish, a coalition of Episcopal churches located in the southwest portion of the Diocese. All donated funds and grants received each year from various community and charitable foundations are used for scholarships, equipment and operating expenses.
The preschool, licensed by the State of Arizona for 37children, usually has a “waiting list” illustrating the community’s interest in a quality preschool and day care program. Students who qualify and cannot afford tuition are granted scholarships. The tax deductible Scholarship Fund is supported by individuals, organizations and grants. The Arizona Department of Economic Security gives child care funding for D. E. S. approved families.
Quality education in a nurturing environment is the basic goal of St. Andrew’s Preschool & Day Care Center. This goal is accomplished through the efforts of a trained and caring staff. A teacher/student ratio of 1 teacher for every 10 children enhances success. At the time of the preschool spring “graduation” the children are truly bi-lingual, they recognize and write the alphabet and numerals, and demonstrate the social skills which are needed to help them succeed in public school. Many of the children are also able to read.
A non-denominational chapel is held each week. Taught by an ordained priest, children sing, learn prayers and hear Biblical stories which help to instill positive values for living.
The preschool is a member of NAES (The National Association of Episcopal Schools). The preschool is accredited with the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and is the only nationally certified private preschool in Santa Cruz County. The school is participating in the Arizona Self Study Project with the Arizona Association for Supportive Child Care. The teachers have attended classes given by Central Arizona College and have earned School Age, Provider and Preschool Certificates. Three of the teachers are also nationally certified by NAEYC.
Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns, as the provider may have already addressed some or all issues. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.
| Inspection # | Inspection Date | Inspection Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| INSP-0170907 | 2026-03-26 | Compliance (Annual) | Complete |
| Initial Comments: The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the Annual Compliance Inspection conducted on March 26, 2026, subject to changes pending programmatic review. Three of three fingerprint clearance cards were verified to be valid through the DPS website at the time of the inspection. The Compliance Officers provided the facility with a paper copy of the Notice of Inspection Rights at the start of the inspection. BCCL staff emailed the Empower Self-Evaluation Assessment link to the Provider. The following was discussed, but not limited to: *Rescue medication storage/procedures *Emergency drill procedures and documentation *Sand/resilient material must measure 6 inches in fall zones of swings/equipment *Online licensing portal access and use *Monitor and maintain equipment on playground *Updated DCS/CBC Background Check process *Updated rule set and forms available on website Please complete and submit a Plan of Corrections via the online portal within 10 days of receipt of this Statement of Deficiencies. | |||
| INSP-0119810 | 2025-04-07 | Compliance (Annual) | Complete |
| Initial Comments: The following deficiencies were found at the time of the annual compliance inspection conducted on 04/07/25, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Two of two fingerprint clearance cards were verified to be valid through the DPS website during the time of the inspection. The DES group size was evaluated at the time of the inspection. Inspection Item Expiration Dates: Insurance: 05/17/25 Fire: 09/03/25 (State) Gas: 09/17/25 Items discussed, but not limited to, were as follows: *Updated DCS Background Check process *Add additional staff to Chain of Command posting *Fire Inspections are valid for one year Please complete the Plan of Corrections via the online Portal within 10 days of receipt of this Statement of Deficiencies. | |||
| INSP-0047610 | 2024-08-29 | Modification | Complete |
| Initial Comments: No deficiencies were found at the time of the Modification Inspection (Application #AZFA1720548084729797) conducted on August 29, 2024, subject to changes pending programmatic review. Items discussed, but not limited to: -Put N/A on child emergency card if second parent/guardian is not listed -Possible future expansion of facility/program -Requirements to add Infants and One-Year-Old children -Diapering requirements -Toys and manipulatives containing magnets -Updated Entrance Letter and DCS Direct Service form Classroom 1/Purple was approved as licensed space as a Four/Fives Classroom, with a capacity of 14. A full inspection was not conducted at this time. Compliance Officer: Ryan Mapes | |||
| INSP-0042551 | 2024-04-17 | Compliance (Annual) | Complete |
| Initial Comments: The following deficiencies were found at the time of the compliance inspection conducted on 4/17/24, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Compliance Officer #1: Amanda Valenzuela Compliance Officer #2: Ryan Mapes 2 of 2 fingerprint clearance cards were verified to be valid through the DPS website during the time of the inspection. The Plan of Corrections will not be accepted at this time, pending fingerprint card violations. The Empower Survey was emailed to the facility. The DES group was evaluated at the time of the inspection. Fire: 7/24/23 (Fire Marshal) Gas: 7/12/24 Sanitation: n/a Insurance: expire 5/17/24 Items discussed but not limited to -Renewing license via the portal - Anniversary Application (in "Applications" or "Application History"), Renew license before 6/1/24 | |||
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