New Classroom Takes Hassle Out of Morning Crunch Time

Last year Director Lisa-Marie Thomson took a hard look at her center, the Mission Viejo KinderCare. The previous center director had ended the center’s school-age program, choosing to add a preschool classroom instead. The more Lisa thought about that decision, the more she wondered if perhaps it was time for change.

With the support of her teachers, Lisa-Marie set about bringing back the school-age program. First she had to work through the logistical aspects – re-licensing the classroom, finding a bus to transport children to and from their elementary schools, recruiting a school-age teacher – and then she had to convince parents to sign up for the new program.

“Let us take the hassle of the morning crunch time,” Lisa-Marie told parents of soon-to-be school-age students last summer. She pointed out to parents that center staff could deal with drop off and morning traffic, ensuring parents had plenty of time to arrive at work. Plus, by signing up for the new school-age program, parents wouldn’t have to worry about introducing their children to a new center along with a new school. Children could go to school knowing they’d return to a familiar environment after class and have dedicated time to work on their homework (something that may bring more relief for parents than for children).

Although the center’s school-age program is still in its infancy, Lisa-Marie says they’re off to a good start with Katie, a creative, professional teacher, and a California native who transferred from a North Carolina KinderCare to Mission Viejo. The room is filled with new equipment and Katie is working with the children to establish their own classroom council; introducing children to additional responsibilities and providing them with the opportunity to take pride in establishing their own classroom.

The school-age program still has some openings. Be sure to check out the center’s website or call (949) 830-7660 for more information.