Happi Kiddos LLC

Our Teachers

Raquel Lara, Owner and Director, combines strong academic credentials with real-world experience supporting children and families for over twenty years. She holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education, a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and two associate degrees, along with specialized training from Harvard in Early Childhood Implementation Global Strategies.

Raquel spent five years with the Clark County School District, working in the pre-K autism program, tutoring English Language Learners, substitute teaching, and serving as a First Aid Safety Assistant. She has taught children from preschool through high school and gained additional early childhood experience at Acelero Learning.

Her passion for helping children—especially those with special needs—comes from her own early experiences. Working as a teacher’s aide in a pre-K autism classroom inspired her commitment to supporting each child’s unique growth.

Patience and individualized care are central to Raquel’s approach. During the COVID pandemic, she opened a family daycare to provide meaningful support for young children.

Raquel uses a developmental assessment tools and consults with Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to ensure children receive the services they need, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) support when necessary.

Philosophy

I believe that young children learn best when they’re given the freedom to explore, create, and discover at their own pace.

In a Montessori-inspired classroom, I see my role as a gentle guide—someone who prepares the environment so every child can follow their natural curiosity. I encourage independence, hands-on activities, and respect for each child’s unique interests.

By offering choices and real-world materials, I aim to inspire a genuine love for learning that starts early and lasts a lifetime.

Location

Primarily Queensridge, The Canyons Village in Summerlin, and the Angel Park area. West Las Vegas, bordered generally by Summerlin Parkway to the north and Charleston Boulevard to the south. A mix of high-end, gated residential communities and convenient access to shopping, dining, and MountainView Hospital. Features a canyon park running along the area and close proximity to Downtown Summerlin.

About our program

At Happi Kiddos, we specialize in early childhood special education, providing high-quality care and learning experiences for young children with special needs. Our unique approach means every child receives personalized support designed just for them.

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We offer language immersion programs in Spanish and Tagalog, with plans to add French, Russian, and Mandarin soon. Our goal is to give every child the chance to thrive in a rich, multilingual environment.

Music is also a big part of our program. Research shows that music helps children’s brains grow by boosting memory, supporting emotional well-being, and building social connections. We encourage all children to explore music, especially the piano—a passion of mine since I was six. Through music, we help children develop skills that last a lifetime.