Wonderschool Now Enables Parents and Educators to Create "Learning Pods" for Kids Using their Own School's Curriculum
Wonderschool takes the guesswork out of creating microschools and "learning pods" for a growing community of parent-educators
SAN FRANCISCO, July 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Wonderschool, pioneering developer of software used by in-home childcare providers nationwide, today announced the rollout of a platform that will enable parent-educators and K-12 teachers to create learning pods so that students can remain enrolled in their existing school, while creating safe and secure learning environments at home.
"This isn't a new challenge for the thousands of in-home childcare providers around the country. We're using that experience to help parents-turned-educators manage pods of learners to create a safe environment -- while maintaining a strong connection to their existing school community," said Chris Bennett, Founder and CEO of Wonderschool. "This is about trying to restore school-life balance during a period of incredible stress and uncertainty. But it's also designed to address the risk of rising inequality as schools go remote in the fall."
Popular among in-home child care providers around the country, the Wonderschool interface allows parents or educators to create and manage a microschool (or "learning pod") through tools to recruit new families with a website on Wonderschool, conduct Zoom and in-person tours, host open houses, manage payments from parents, secure liability insurance, join a microschool leader chat community, and get access to shared services such a micro-school mentors, curriculum consultants, and more. Designed to foster a more inclusive, equitable approach to microschooling, Wonderschool allows "pod" creators to promote their program to other parents, and join a growing community of parent-educators to share resources, tips, and advice.
Wonderschool's growing network of parents and educators come from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Tracey McEntyre, a retired early childhood educator now runs a microschool for kids in her neighborhood. McEntyre, whose son is living with Autism, created the Little Elm STE(A)M Academy to serve students aged 3-11 with a wide range of learning differences.
- Rachel Weiss, who most recently taught in a preschool, started a microschool that is a forest, outdoor school to serve children grades Pre-K to 1st grade.
- Jeremiah Cota, a tribal member on the San Carlos reservation in Arizona launched his microschool using borrowed church space. More than 20 students now attend the school, which utilizes two classrooms, and receives funding through the Arizona Department of Education.
"It's not sustainable to expect parents to balance work, childcare, and managing their children's education every day. It's not easy to identify and connect with other parents grappling with similar challenges," says Tracey McEntyre. "We need relief, and Wonderschool removes much of the logistical challenge and burden of building a microschool from the ground up."
About Wonderschool
Named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, Wonderschool is building the nation's largest network of high-quality education programs. Our fast-growing community, technology, and know-how enables teachers and parent-educators to create safe and secure learning communities, and earn a sustainable living in the field they love. www.wonderschool.com
SOURCE Wonderschool
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