About Us
Second Street Children’s School’s mission is to provide a rich and stimulating learning experience for young children, individualized to meet the needs of every child, with a strong emphasis on outdoor play and the arts, social and emotional development and community.
Our philosophy
Second Street Children’s School (SSCS) falls under the play-based umbrella. In a play based program, children play to make sense of the world around them, and to find meaning in an experience by connecting it to something already known. Play-based learning plays a crucial role in social-emotional development because it provides many opportunities for children to interact closely with others. They may form friendships while playing games or completing activities with others and learn critical social-emotional skills like patience, empathy and kindness. SSCS provides children with many opportunities to further these skills during the school day.
We’re a 501c3 Nonprofit
In 2002, SSCS became a not-for-profit 501c3. At that time, our primary goal was to offer health insurance to our hardworking teachers and create a scholarship fund. We are proud to say that we have met and exceeded both goals. The WB Collins Early Learning Board consists of approximately 15 members and meets quarterly. Committees include fundraising, facilities maintenance, financial, database, alums, grants, and membership. New members are elected at our January board meeting. If you are interested in being part of the board, speak to the administration team or board president for more details.
We have ongoing fundraising events and efforts to meet our annual fundraising goals. Led by the fundraising committee, current families and our extended community fundraise to meet our budget requirements (which includes health insurance), to maintain the buildings and grounds, and to support our teachers' professional growth and development. Yearly events include, but are not limited to, several adult-only mixers hosted by current or alumni families, a silent auction gala, a fall family festival, and t-shirt, tote, and water bottle sales. We also gratefully accept direct donations.
Schedule a Tour
SSCS Logo: Rooted in Place, Community, and Growth
The logo reflects the heart of Second Street Children’s School: our values, our relationships, and the way learning unfolds here over time.
Founded in 1991, SSCS has always been deeply connected to Tucson, its desert landscape, and a strong sense of community. At the center of our logo is the palo verde blossom, inspired by a tree on our campus that was planted during a parent–faculty workday and has been cared for by many hands over the years. Families, educators, and children have tended it together, watching it grow and change with time.
The palo verde thrives in Southwest desert conditions, offering shade, resilience, and beauty. In this way, it reflects our approach to early childhood education: creating environments where children feel safe, connected, and supported as they develop confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of self. Social and emotional growth is at the core of our work, and we believe it happens through consistent relationships, thoughtful guidance, and trust.
The blossom represents growth, possibility, and renewal, while the tree itself symbolizes deep roots, interconnection, and stewardship of the natural world. Together, these elements reflect our commitment to community and nature-based play. The type of learning that emerges through exploration, collaboration, and meaningful engagement with the environment.
The SSCS logo is more than a visual element. It speaks to the values that guide our work with children and families each day: honoring childhood, nurturing relationships, and growing intentionally as a community. We carry this symbol forward as a reminder of who we are and how we continue to learn and grow—together and over time.
The SSCS logo is inspired by a palo verde tree on our campus, planted during a parent–faculty workday and cared for by many hands over the years. It reflects our commitment to supporting each child’s social and emotional growth through strong relationships, community, and nature-based play. It speaks to the values that guide our work with children and families each day.