Welcome to Tommel Tots
Where little minds grow, imaginations soar, and every day is an adventure in learning. Join our nurturing community where your child will thrive.
Meet Mrs. Melissa
Hi, my name is Mrs. Melissa!
I have five amazing children, three wonderful in-laws, and soon-to-be three adorable grandchildren. I've been a preschool teacher for 16 years. I first taught at Head Start in Mt. Pleasant, and for the past 14 years I've had the joy of teaching right here in my home in Kamas.
I've always loved being around children—I truly feel like I have the best job in the world! Helping little ones learn, grow, and build confidence is one of my greatest joys. I strive to create a safe, happy learning environment where every child can thrive.
I love incorporating hands-on learning into our days, introducing simple Spanish, and creating fun art projects with my preschoolers. We also work on early math, letter awareness, and phonics skills to help build a strong foundation for kindergarten. Watching their curiosity and confidence grow is the best part of what I do!
My Philosophy
At Tommel Tots, I create a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels valued, safe, and excited to learn. My approach combines structured learning with free play, nurturing the whole child socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
Play-Based Learning
I believe children learn best through exploration and play, fostering natural curiosity and creativity.
Small Class Sizes
With a 1:12 teacher-to-student ratio, every child receives personalized attention and care.
Creative Expression
Art, music, and movement are integrated daily to nurture self-expression and confidence.
Early Literacy
Building strong foundations in language, reading, math, and communication through engaging activities.
A Day at Tommel Tots
Here is what usually occurs during a day at Tommel Tots
Question of the Day
Children come in and answer a question of the day that relates to what we are learning about. This helps them engage with the day's theme and share their thoughts.
Seated Work
We focus on a specific letter, making letters with papers while engaging both mind and body. This hands-on approach helps children learn through movement and tactile experiences.
Quiet Play
Children enjoy quiet play with puzzles, books, and other quiet toys. This time allows for independent exploration and helps develop focus and concentration.
First Circle
We gather together to focus on letters and sounds. This interactive circle time introduces new concepts and reinforces learning through group activities.
Sing Songs
We sing songs and enjoy musical activities together. Music helps children learn rhythm, language patterns, and brings joy to our learning environment.
Read a Book
Story time brings us together to read a book and explore new worlds through literature. This shared reading experience builds vocabulary and listening skills.
Art
Children create art that focuses on the letter or topic we're exploring that day. This creative expression reinforces learning while allowing for individual artistic expression.
Free Play
During free play, children play together and learn important social skills. They also practice handwriting and make letters with blocks, combining fun with learning.
Numbers, Spanish, Calendar & Math
We work on numbers, Spanish language, calendar concepts, and hands-on math activities like counting. This integrated approach builds foundational skills in multiple areas.
Snack Time
Snack time provides a moment to eat together and practice social skills. Children learn about healthy eating and enjoy conversation with their peers.
Group Play Outside
Outdoor group play activities give children fresh air and exercise while practicing teamwork and cooperation. This active time helps develop gross motor skills and social connections.
Show and Teach
Children have the opportunity to show something they know how to do and teach others how to do it. This builds confidence, communication skills, and peer learning.
Sing Songs
We end our day with more musical activities and songs. This joyful conclusion reinforces what we've learned and sends children home with happy memories.
What Parents Say
Hear from families who have experienced the Tommel Tots difference
My daughter has loved Tommel Tots preschool! She is always excited to go to school and comes home telling me about all the fun things she is learning. My daughter especially loves that she is learning Spanish words, and the holiday themed parties Mrs. Melissa throws! I can tell that Mrs. Melissa makes her feel special, safe, and loved. I would recommend Tommel Tots to anyone!
— Holly Simmons
Mrs. Melissa is THE BEST!! I have nothing but great things to say about her! My two older kids attended both years of preschool with her and my third is now in his first year. It's so nice to have a preschool teacher that you can trust, is so fun and upbeat, organized, and I know my kids are 1000% safe when they're there. She has such fun themed learning days with letters and activities that coordinate with holidays and my kids always come home with such fun crafts. I love that she gets them outside to play when she can, they learn Spanish, and come out of her class knowing their letters and sounds! She truly goes above and beyond and cares about each of the kids. My kids have LOVED her and I recommend Tommel Tots preschool to everyone I know!
— Katie Diehl
Mrs. Melissa is the best!! My son asks every day if it is a preschool day. She does so many fun crafts and is so engaging. He's learned so much already! We will be coming back with all our kids for as long as she keeps teaching! 💕
— Page Lewis
Mrs. Melissa is the best of the best!!! Our family loves her so much. She is the kindest and so patient with kids. My son was in her class for two years and was noticeably ready for Kindergarten. I credit Mrs Melissa for teaching him everything he needed and making it exciting! He always looked forward to school and my daughter is anxiously awaiting her turn! It means so much to know your child is in good hands, learning and having fun and that is exactly what she provides! We love her!!!
— Maren Piper
The very BEST preschool experience! I can't say enough about how grateful I am for Tommeltots. Melissa isn't just the heart of the preschool, she's also one of my dear friends, and someone I've trusted with both of my children. She is organized, attentive, and has a true gift for creating a safe, loving, and nurturing environment where kids feel seen, supported, and excited to learn. Every morning, I felt complete peace dropping my kids off at Tommeltots, knowing they were with someone who genuinely cared for them. If you are looking for a preschool where your child will be nurtured, taught well, and truly known, Tommeltots is unmatched.
— Natalie Mataya
Our daughter has been attending Tommel Tots this year with Mrs. Melissa for preschool and she absolutely loves it! We love what our daughter is learning. She also teaches Spanish. This is our favorite part, we love to review her words with her and watch her grow. Mrs. Melissa is caring and always says hi when we see her around town. We love this preschool because of the expectations that it contains. We can tell our daughter is learning things that are worthwhile. I recommend Tommel Tots to everyone.
— Lexee Richins
2026-2027 Registration
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