Chiquie Estrada started Casa dei Bambini in 2002 to offer the Kyle community an alternative to traditional day care.

A longtime Montessori teacher, Chiquie knew that the Montessori method not only taught valuable academic skills but also gave children ownership over their emotions, actions, and environment.

The land and house for the school were donated by a writer who is the founder of the gift economy, a philosophy that emphasizes giving without expecting in return.

At Casa dei Bambini, we practice Gift Economy through our yearly Garage Giving event where we offer items, food, and drinks, all free of charge, to the community. Along with this, we offer low tuition and donate a number of partial and full scholarships. This philosophy also guides us in our interactions with the children and families.

At La Casa dei Bambini we emphasize:

• The importance of communication
• A community based on nurturing
• Cooperation over competition
• Forgiving over retaliation
• The gifts of nature and culture