Tiny hands, big hearts: Estero preschool celebrates its first Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and for many families, the holiday is about more than chocolates and roses. It is also about spreading love and kindness with the people closest to you.

At Celebree School in Estero, even the youngest kids are getting in on the celebration.

Celebree School is hosting Valentine’s Day crafts for children of all ages, from infants to preschoolers. The school opened its doors in July and is preparing for its very first Valentine’s Day in Southwest Florida.

The childcare center is part of a brand that started in Maryland, but owner and operator Karen Callahan wanted to bring the program’s focus on high quality early childhood education to Estero.

Callahan said she is excited to welcome families into the school for the holiday.

“I’m so happy to be open and ready to welcome families. We have such a great staff and wonderful kids, so this is a chance to connect with families, show kindness, and celebrate the day,” Callahan said. “We always have an open door policy, so families are welcome to come hang out and be with their kids.”

Celebree serves children from six months old through age five, and staff members have planned activities for every age group.

For children under two, Callahan recommends a mess free finger painting project. A heart shaped piece of paper is placed inside a large plastic bag with paint, allowing children to move the paint around with their fingers without getting messy.

“This isn’t just fun. It’s also teaching kids motor skills,” Callahan said.

Older children who can hold markers or pencils will work on a mailbox craft. The school provides premade paper mailboxes, and children decorate them with stickers, markers, and drawings. The boxes are then used to exchange Valentine’s messages with classmates.

Sam Lewandowski, director at Celebree School, said the activity helps children feel connected.

“It makes them feel like they’re part of something,” Lewandowski said. “They feel like they’re part of the community and the bigger picture of what’s going on.”

Staff members say the lessons go beyond crafts.

“Kids are learning empathy, kindness, and giving to others,” Callahan said. “I’m beyond excited to spend this time with our families and our kids.”

This marks the first Valentine’s Day celebration for the Estero location. Callahan, a former teacher from Maryland, said she jumped at the opportunity to open the school in Southwest Florida.

For the children, the activities are fun, but educators say they also play an important role in development.

“These kids are learning motor skills,” Callahan said. “We know how to tear paper and hold a pencil, but for them it’s a critical time. They’re having fun and learning something without even realizing it.”

As families prepare for Valentine’s Day, Celebree School hopes the holiday will be a reminder that love and kindness can start at any age.