The journey began in 1977, when a married couple opened a small, non-denominational, Christian school in a mobile home park. Ever since, A Child’s Touch has grown along with the local need for quality child care, and has expanded as much as their hearts have in their endeavor to mentor, engage, and serve families.
To nurture children in a faith-based, hands-on learning environment where they grow spiritually, academically, and socially through exploration and play.
To inspire lifelong learners who thrive in a safe, faith-filled environment and positively impact their communities.
We are guided by faith, providing a safe and nurturing environment where children learn through hands-on discovery, outdoor exploration, and strong community partnerships.
Aligning our hearts with Christ to passionately be the best for ACT, the children, parents, each other, and the world. Setting a standard to pursue excellence. (I Cor.15:58, Hebrews 11:6)
Earning trust through transparency, performance, responsiveness. Have honest, truthful conversations and grow through mistakes. (Titus 2:11-14, Proverbs 10:9)
Connecting to the heart of the matter with active listening. Value each individuals’ experiences to treat each person with kindness and dignity. (Ephesians 4:3,32)
Adopt a joyful spirit, celebrate life, and be adventurous. Creating opportunities each day to be a kid at heart, discover joy and HAVE FUN! (Psalms 98:4-9, Philippians 4:4)
God is the founder of all things wonderful including imagination. Letting curiosity and innovation guide our growth, leaning to continually spark curiosity in children. Curiosity is at the heart of our work! (Genesis 1:1, Ephesians 2:10, I Timothy 4:4)
Mike has a double degree in elementary education and special education from Northern Arizona University, taught the A.C.T. academic kindergarten program for 18 years, and continues to be an on-site mentor to the teachers.
Debi has an associate’s degree in early childhood education.
For Almost 50 years, founders Mike and Debi Grillo have been hands-on from the ground up.
At first, he taught kindergarten and handled maintenance for the building and the playgrounds, while she managed the office and staff, and focused on curriculum.
Today, A.C.T. is proud to serve the grandchildren of those who first enrolled all those years ago, and Mike and Debi take joy to see what’s become of the seeds they sowed all those years ago.
Together, the couple has continued to reinvent early child care to provide families with faith-based education that honors a child’s natural love of discovery, while keeping up with their goal of building a new structure to spark young imaginations every year.
That’s why A.C.T. has burgeoned into a unique, nationally recognized*, 3-acre sanctuary replete with 15 playgrounds that feature a redwood castle spanning 2,400 ft., a soccer field where team sports instill cooperation and a nature area to teach appreciation of the outdoors. A Woodworking Barn that houses age-appropriate tools so children can enjoy building their very own creations. The General Store is where children create a world of their own and “shop” for fresh fruits and vegetables. Engaging, interactive experiences with cause and effect activities bring science and play together. Children tend multiple gardens and splash in waterfalls and ponds to learn about life cycles and God’s creation. They explore the Circle of Honor that pays tribute to God, our great country, and those who have served to protect our freedoms. An interactive water display allows the children to put their hands in a flow of water on a giant rock slab.
At A Child’s Touch, our team is more than just educators—we’re a family of faithful, passionate caregivers committed to nurturing the hearts and minds of every child we serve. Each team member brings unique gifts, loving guidance, and a shared dedication to helping children grow in confidence, character, and Christ. Meet the people who make ACT such a joyful and transformative place to learn and thrive!
