Kids’ Country’s Camp Wigalo 2016!
The philosophies of two early childhood programs developed 5,000 miles apart from each other are the inspiration for a very special camp experience here at Kids’ Country. Camp Wigalo, is uniquely designed for children entering Kindergarten and first grade to provide a first camp experience inspired by the play-based approaches of AnjiPlay (China) and Reggio […]
30 JuneSite of the Month: Montair, Part II
Last week, we met a few of Kids’ Country’s Montair leaders, teachers and parents, and explored some of the site’s unique programs. This week we focus on the individualized opportunities offered to the children at Montair, and the unique community that has been created to support working families in and around Danville. An Individualized Opportunity […]
13 JuneMaking Makers
Kids’ Country kids love our focus on the Maker Movement—a learning experience that merges the DIY culture with cutting edge technology. But the Maker Movement has also swept up our staff! In this guest blog by one of our creative program staff members, Lynda Ryan, you’ll get a sense of why kids are natural […]
10 MaySite of the Month: Creekside Kids’ Country
Kids’ Country at Creekside Elementary School has been a model before and after school program for six years since the school opened in 2010, serving an average of 150 students a year in before and after school programs and enrichment classes. Site Director Sylvia Hodge, who has been with Kids’ Country for nearly 26 years, […]
6 MayMs. Sylvia: Reflections on a Career
“For the family that raised me, The family that I joined, and the family that we made.” Hillary Rodham Clinton It Takes a Village (Introduction) On May 13, 2016, I will begin a new chapter in my life as I retire from my service to the children, parents and staff of the Kids’ Country family. […]
6 MayQuality Matters
The best after-school programs capitalize on the advantages that after-school hours offer compared to the school day . . . these advantages include a greater opportunity to actively involve youth, project-based activities that can extend many weeks and are not constrained by school-day class schedules and the use of the surrounding community as a resource […]
12 AprilEnrichment: Go Beyond the Expected
Spring Enrichment registration is open! Classes begin April 11 and spots are filling quickly. Don’t miss your opportunity to create, tinker, sing, and build. Enrichment classes at Kids’ Country are open to all, so tell your friends! Everyday Kids’ Country children can explore their passions. Through engaging daily activities, our teachers encourage kids to go […]
4 AprilSPOTLIGHT: Marnie Sowa
When Marnie Sowa joined Kids’ Country in 2009, she was already a seasoned, credentialed teacher who had taught in a number of Northern California school districts. Promoted to Site Director in 2012, Marnie leads the staff at Kids’ Country’s John Baldwin site in Danville. With her level of experience, it was no surprise that Marnie […]
4 AprilChildcare Superheroes Assemble!
Kids’ Country held its first conference called Childcare Superheroes Assemble! this past Saturday, March 12, 2016 with over 150 local youth workers in attendance. The conference program was created by Kids’ Country staff and site directors for childcare professionals wanting to continue their development in early childhood education. The day kicked off with an inspiring […]
16 MarchDREAMZ at Kids’ Country
What do design thinking, project based learning, and an educational philosophy that originated in Italy after World War II have in common? DREAMZ! Two years ago, Kids’ Country was trying to solve a challenge: how to create dynamic learning and play environments that meet the unique needs and interests of children in the 3rd to […]
7 March