Local Highlight: KLA Schools of Naperville & Plainfield

Welcome to an in-depth look at KLA Schools in Naperville, a unique preschool that’s transforming early childhood education by embracing creativity, culture, and a child-led philosophy. This article draws inspiration from a heartfelt conversation with Erica Koegel, Executive Director of KLA, along with principals Kelly Collins, Kimberly Pullen, and Stephanie Schultz, who together shape an environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

At KLA Schools, the focus goes far beyond the traditional ABCs and 123s. It’s about nurturing the whole child, empowering them to explore, create, and develop meaningful connections in a safe and supportive space. Let’s dive into the vision, philosophy, and daily magic happening inside these extraordinary school.

In this Living in Naperville video interview, host Dan Firks tours KLA Schools with Executive Director Erica Koegel and the school principals, covering the Reggio Emilia philosophy, what parents should know, and a walk through the classrooms. Watch the full interview and read the transcript → For more local ideas, see our Naperville weekend guide.

The Heart and Vision of KLA Schools

When you step inside KLA Schools, you immediately sense the warmth and dedication of the educators who are passionate about creating a nurturing and inspiring environment. Erica Koegel, the Executive Director since 2013, along with the school principals Kelly Collins, Kimberly Pullen, and Stephanie Schultz, bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to fostering a learning community where children are seen, heard, and valued.

“It’s not just about academic milestones,” Erica explains. “We really focus on the whole child. Kindergarten readiness is important, but so is social-emotional growth, creativity, and independence.”

Meet the Leadership Team

• Erica Koegel: Executive Director, with KLA since 2013
• Kelly Collins: Principal, KLA Schools of Naperville West
• Kimberly Pullen: Principal, KLA Schools of Naperville
• Stephanie Schultz: Principal, KLA Schools of Plainfield, with nearly eight years at KLA

The Philosophy Behind KLA: The Reggio Emilia Approach

One of the most distinctive features of KLA Schools is its embrace of the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. Originating in Italy after World War II, this philosophy was developed by the philosopher Loris Malaguzzi who believed in the incredible potential of children to learn through exploration and meaningful experiences.

“The Reggio Emilia approach is about co-learning with children,” Erica shares. “Children are capable and competent; they just need opportunities to express themselves and engage deeply.”

This approach values the child as an active participant in their education rather than a passive recipient of information. It respects their natural curiosity and individual interests, allowing learning to be child-led rather than strictly structured.

“You can’t necessarily teach somebody to be respectful or empathetic, but you can model it consistently. These become learned behaviors that children carry with them beyond the classroom.” Erica Koegel

At KLA, this means the teachers act as researchers and observers, carefully documenting children’s progress and interests to tailor the learning experience. This ongoing observation helps educators understand how best to support and challenge each child uniquely.

Unlike more traditional preschools, KLA does not emphasize rigorous testing. Instead, they foster an environment where children learn through play, creativity, and social interaction, which research shows is crucial for brain development and lifelong learning skills.

What Parents Should Know About KLA Schools

For parents considering KLA for their child, the schools offer a comprehensive approach that balances academic preparation with social and emotional development. Erica emphasizes, “Your child is going to be kindergarten-ready. We meet all developmental milestones, but we get there in a way that’s unique for each child.”

Open communication is a cornerstone of the KLA experience. Parents can expect regular updates, parent-teacher conferences, and family engagement events designed to build a strong partnership between home and school.

Health and safety are also top priorities. KLA employs advanced cleaning technologies, such as a zonal sanit machine, a specialized cabinet that sanitizes books, computers, and other items to reduce germ exposure. This extra precaution reflects the school’s commitment to providing a safe environment for both children and staff.

Security measures include a strict visitor protocol and an advanced emergency notification system called Bluepoint, unique among schools in the area. These systems ensure that every person inside KLA feels protected and cared for.

A Day in the Life: Exploring KLA’s Classrooms

Walking through KLA, you get a firsthand look at how thoughtfully the learning spaces are designed to encourage exploration and growth. Kelly Collins introduces us to the “Class of Four,” a group of preschoolers preparing to transition to kindergarten.

Outdoor play is highly encouraged at KLA, with the schools taking advantage of beautiful spring days to let children explore nature, build snowmen, or simply enjoy fresh air. The school’s philosophy supports the idea that outdoor time is essential for healthy development.

Creative Learning Through Projections and Play

Inside the classrooms, creativity flows freely. Teachers Swathy and Mia explain their use of “projections,” thematic learning activities that integrate various skills.

For example, with Easter approaching, the children engage in an activity using eggs that contain letters inside. When they break open an egg, they discover a letter and work on associating the letter with sounds, colors, or words, including Spanish vocabulary like amarillo (yellow). This playful approach helps reinforce literacy and bilingual skills naturally.

Math is also integrated in fun ways, such as using eggs to practice addition, keeping children engaged while they learn.

Building and Imagining: Multi-Story Homes and Elevator Rides

Creativity and imagination are alive and well in KLA’s classrooms. One child proudly shows off a multi-story home built with blocks, complete with bedrooms and even an elevator. This kind of imaginative play fosters spatial awareness, problem-solving, and storytelling skills.

Spaces That Inspire: The Piazza and Specialized Classrooms

At the heart of the schools is the piazza, a communal space where children gather and explore various activities. This area includes zones for mindfulness, writing, and documentation, where children’s early scribbles are valued as the beginnings of storytelling and fine motor development.

Displayed prominently on the walls are KLA’s core values, respect, empathy, teamwork, and more, that everyone in the schools community lives by. These values are built collaboratively and are as integral to the children’s education as academics.

Nearby classrooms cater to different age groups:

• Class of the Twos: Toddlers beginning their journey
• Preschool Classrooms: Ages three and four, focusing on foundational skills and inquiry
• Baby Needle Classrooms: Spaces specially designed for infants as young as 6 weeks old up to 15 months

Every classroom is designed with a purpose, from quiet spaces for babies to interactive ateliers where older children explore light, shadow, and natural scenes.

Exploring Nature and Science Through Art and Play

In one preschool classroom, children interact with a forest scene complete with animals, encouraging pretend play and environmental awareness. The room also includes art supplies that invite children to draw what they see, supporting the development of observation and creative expression.

Experimental learning is encouraged through activities like testing magnets, discovering what sticks and what doesn’t, helping children develop critical thinking and scientific curiosity.

Infant Care at KLA: Personalized and Nurturing

The recently expanded Baby Needle B classroom will soon welcome up to eight infants, from 6 weeks to 15 months old. This space is carefully designed to meet the needs of families in the community and KLA’s current families.

Infants follow personalized schedules for eating, sleeping, and play, with teachers working closely with parents to ensure continuity of care and communication. This nurturing environment lays the foundation for healthy attachment and early development.

Why KLA Schools Stand Out

KLA Schools’ unique blend of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, child-led learning, and a strong emphasis on social-emotional development makes it a standout choice for families in Naperville and surrounding communities. The schools’ commitment to safety, health, and open communication builds trust and confidence among parents.

By viewing children as competent and capable learners, KLA fosters independence, creativity, and confidence from their very first day. This holistic approach prepares children not just academically but for life, helping them grow into empathetic, thoughtful, and engaged individuals.

“You’re not just sending your child to school; you’re inviting them to be part of a community that values them as whole human beings.” Stephanie Schultz

Learn More and Join the KLA Community

If you’re curious to discover more about KLA Schools and how they can support your child’s early education journey, visit their website at klaschoolsnaperville.com. You’ll find detailed information on enrollment, curriculum, and the schools’ philosophy.

For families looking to settle in Naperville, this school is an exceptional gem that combines academic readiness with emotional intelligence and creative expression, a place where children are truly empowered to thrive.

To explore more about living in Naperville, including real estate opportunities and community stories, visit naperville.com.

Final Thoughts

KLA Schools embody a refreshing approach to early childhood education, one that prioritizes the child’s voice, curiosity, and emotional well-being. The dedicated leadership and educators create an environment where every child can flourish at their own pace, supported by a community that values respect, empathy, and collaboration.

Choosing a preschool is a critical decision, and KLA’s commitment to fostering a love of learning through creativity, culture, and connection makes it a truly special place in Naperville’s educational landscape.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, the story of KLA Schools offers inspiration about what’s possible when education centers on the whole child and the power of meaningful experiences.