Our School

Welcome to Downey Unified School District’s Leap family! We are committed to providing a quality educational program that enhances the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child.
We believe that it takes a village to effectively raise a child and understand that parents are the first and most important educators for their children. You play a crucial role in partnering with us during this important time in your child’s development. We want you to remain informed and comfortable communicating with us regarding your child’s needs.
We look forward to providing a quality Early Education program for your child and hope that you continue to experience success and pride in being part of our Downey Unified family!
Dr. Charlene Shimada
Program Coordinator
Daily Schedule
8:00-8:15 Arrival, Hand Washing
8:15-8:30 Breakfast
8:30-9:00 Outdoor Choice Time and Toileting
9:00-9:20 Morning Meeting
9:20-9:40 Whole Group Instruction
9:40-10:20 Choice Center Activities
10:20-10:40 Small Group Instruction
10:40-11:00 Whole Group Reflection
11:00-11:15 Clean-Up, Toileting, & Hand Washing
11:15-11:45 Lunch
11:45-12:15 Outdoor Choice Time
12:15-12:30 Toileting & Hand Washing
12:30-2:00 Nap Time & Quiet Time
2:15-2:30 Snack
2:30-3:00 Outdoor Choice Time
3:00-3:15 Afternoon Meeting
3:15-3:45 Choice Center Activities
3:45-4:00 Group Dismissal Routine

Meet Our Team

Dr. Charlene Shimada
Program Coordinator

Kailyn Ortiz
Instructor K2
Hello, my name is Kailyn Ortiz. I have been in the field of education since 2015 and have worked with a wide range of students in a variety of settings. I live in Bixby Knolls, Long Beach. I love to go to farmers markets and drink coffee at my favorite coffee shop, the Bixby Joe. If I’m not hiking with my dog Ladybird, I’m snuggled up with a book and my little cat, Prim. I’m so excited to be teaching at Leap and am looking forward to an amazing school year.

Yajaira Duque
Instructor K1
My name is Yajaira Duque. I am passionate about educating our future leaders and enriching the lives of students and their families. I have been in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2007. My preschool leadership roles include everything from a preschool teacher to a preschool director with each experience positively adding to my passion for education.
I have 3 wonderful children of my own, ranging in age from elementary to college students who are all part of our Downey Unified family. I enjoy spending time with my kids, going to the movies, visiting amusement parks and taking family trips. I am thrilled to be part of our Downey Unified family!

Jennifer Parra
Sr. Clerical Assistant
After 18 years in accounting and working for our family business for four years, I am thrilled to have made a career change and join the Leap team in the 2023-24 school year as the Senior Clerical Assistant.
My husband and I are proud parents of a daughter who attends Downey Unified and a preschool-aged son. I’m a Peloton fanatic and I share the love for swimming, travel, and the occasional theme park with my husband, children and parents. We also have a playful 2-year-old Goldendoodle.
I look forward to growing with Leap and seeing our students enjoy the beginning of their educational journey within the Downey Unified School District.

Eugenie Lambert
Instructor A3
I am a proud product of the Downey Unified School District, from Williams Elementary to Warren High School. I earned my CDA Credentials and my California Teaching Permit in 2013, and have been in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2014. I taught for the City of Downey as the instructor of the Wee-Three program for several years prior to joining the DUSD team with Leap in 2021.
I am a mother of three AMAZING young adults with my very loving and supportive high school sweetheart. As a family, we love to go camping and travel with our trailer to new campsites in California. I also speak fluent French, oui oui!