Our Name
Our name : Illume is simply a reference to light and our acronym (Inspiring Learning and Leadership Unto Meaning and Excellence). Indeed, the journey we embark on here can be best characterized as an exciting pursuit.
Our Motivation
Our passion for education and our desire to serve others are the reasons we started Illume Pursuits Preschool. With an immersive environment dedicated to learning 21st century skills, we aspire to guide children through academic and social learning experiences that inspire faith, hope, and love. We are also excited to establish meaningful relationships with parents in hopes of establishing a community where love is evident.
Our Philosophy
Children are inherent learners as they engage and play with the world around them. Mindful of their inner genius and playful spirit, our curricula incorporate movement, hands-on fun activities, and developmentally appropriate practices based on research from the California Department of Education's Preschool Learning Foundations and Curriculum Frameworks.
Our Learning Environment
As a licensed Family Child Care Home (license # 304311557) operating as a preschool in Irvine, we are required by law to have no more than 14 students. With our small class size and at least two of us always present, we can focus on developing your child's individual needs in depth. For pictures of our learning environment, visit Gallery.
Meet the Team
We are a family-run business that bring forth a unique set of benefits that contribute to our preschool's success.
Peter Hernandez
For over 27 years, Peter has walked in covenant faith in ministry, marriage and family. Privileged to believe and work with kindergartener children for over 23 years as a public school teacher, Peter has field tested and established the creation of Symphony Reader and cMath, the most effective, innovative, and fun-filled learning programs that ensures academic success, confidence and a love for learning. These programs are patented and exclusive to Illume Pursuits Preschool. Peter has a bachelors from NYU, and a Masters from USC.
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Fun Fact: Every year at my school, I love participating in retirement skits and playing Santa Claus.
Rick Landry
With over 30 years of community advocacy and senior management experience, Lupe champions quality and excellence in all aspects of service to learning, children and their families. Lupe is also Chief Operating Officer at Homeownership Council of America where she oversees the organization's financial management, human resources, and organization efficiency. She brings the same skills to Illume Pursuits. Lupe is happily married to Peter, loves teaching children, and nurtured her sons, Daniel and Chris to be outstanding men of faith.
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Fun Fact: I am 1 of 11 siblings.
Daniel Hernandez
In 2019, Daniel earned his Masters Degree in Education from the University of Notre Dame. As part of his courses, he held full-time teaching responsibilities as a fourth grade teacher in Tucson, Arizona for two years. He is excited to lead the implementation of every course offered and to meet the individual needs of every student based on best practice.
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Fun Fact: In my 8th grade school play "King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table", I played Merlin.
Chris Hernandez
In 2019, Chris completed his undergraduate courses at the University of Southern California and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Here at Illume Pursuits, he is excited to blend playfulness with purpose, seamlessly weaving educational concepts into engaging activities that captivate young imaginations.
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Fun Fact: When I was younger, I wanted to be an archaeologist because of Indiana Jones.