Early learning proves to be critical to ensure future academic success. At Compass Charter Schools (Compass), our TK & Kindergarten Early Explorers Options Learning Program is the ideal solution for anyone looking to embrace the comfort of their own home as their scholar’s first classroom. If you are looking for a free public TK/Kinder learning program in Yolo, San Diego, Los Angeles, and surrounding counties, consider the following insight from our Options Program Coordinator and talented Supervising Teachers.
Customized Learning For Every Scholar
As the Gold Standard for Personalized Learning, we understand how essential it is to develop a love for lifelong learning from the start and create a unique learning journey for each scholar.
“Compass is a personalized learning/independent study charter school that offers families and teachers the opportunity to truly personalize the education of their scholars in an accredited, state-funded school, from the comfort and security of their own home,” shares Alysia Hurtado, Options Program Coordinator
“We are not limited to only one curriculum, one instructional strategy, or a rigid schedule. Different instructional strategies can be tried. Scholars have choices in how they demonstrate their learning which empowers them,” shares Terri Ashley-MacQuarrie, Supervising Teacher
“Another benefit of teaching at Compass is that we provide families with the opportunity to educate their children using a variety of methods and strategies that is best for each individual scholar, “ shares Jessenia Helsley, Supervising Teacher. “There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach for how scholars learn or for how teachers have to teach.”
There’s No Place Like Home
Entering formal education at a young age (scholars must be age 5 between Sept. 2, 2023, and April 2, 2024, to enroll) can be intimidating for some scholars. When their own home turns into a classroom, everyone benefits.
Alysia Hurtado
“Since every TK/K scholar is able to learn at home with their own family, guided by their learning coach (typically the parent), the typical day is driven by the routines and habits that govern their family’s daily life,” said Alysia.
“A typical school day for TK/K is part of the natural flow at home. The learning coach can set the schedule and structure that creates the best learning environment for the scholar and entire family,” shares Jessenia Helsley, Supervising Teacher.
“Our TK/K teachers are specialized in child development and the early learning stages of our youngest scholars, giving them the tools and experiences they need to have a strong and successful beginning,” shares Alysia. “This support gives learning coaches the direction and confidence they need to teach their scholars at home and guide their learning in ways that honor their family and elevate their scholar’s special interests and talents.”
A Day in the School Year for TK/K
What can beginning learning coaches (parents or guardians) expect for a TK/K school day in a home study program? The day can be more delightful than one might initially expect.
“We really resist the idea of a “typical day” in personalized learning and early childhood, but I like to think that the day includes a nature walk around the neighborhood, playdough shapes and letters, manipulatives for counting, sorting, and adding,” shares Terri. “Books, books, and more books! Paint in every color! Field trips! Engaging and fun virtual instruction with loving and nurturing teachers who aren’t afraid to be a little bit silly at times.
Jessenia Helsley
“Other options for the day could include a trip to the library for storytime, a fun field trip to a museum or park, or even a virtual field trip or scholar workshop hosted by the staff at Compass. They may attend a scholar club or take special enrichment classes with one of Compass’ approved community providers,” shares Alysia. “The options are as unique and varied as each scholar and each family, which is the beauty of our personalized learning, independent study model.”
“The Learning Coach and scholar may choose to begin with a morning calendar time and then move on to any subject they want, like math and language arts. Many subjects can be integrated, like science and social studies. Reading aloud is highly encouraged, as well as learning through hands-on play,” shares Jessenia.
Teaching Home Study vs. Brick-and-Mortar
Why should any parent or guardian consider taking on the role of learning coach? There are many benefits to the home study model.
“Because our environment is free of many of the distractions of a brick-and-mortar setting our scholars can better focus on the process of learning and master subjects at their own pace,” shares Terri.
Terri Ashley-MacQuarrie
“This virtual learning environment can be a richly rewarding experience for teachers who long to support their scholars in authentic, meaningful ways through a wide variety of choices in curriculum, services, and extracurricular activities that help scholars explore and expand their experiences,” shares Alysia.
“One of the biggest benefits of teaching at Compass is the community of scholars and families I get to serve,” shares Jessenia. “I have the privilege of supporting parents in pursuing their ideal educational setting for their child and ensuring that those educational goals are attained.”
If you want your young scholar to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, we’d love to hear from you. Together we can choose the right personalized learning journey for your scholar(s) and contribute to a collaborative virtual learning community, inspiring scholars to appreciate the ways in which arts and sciences nurture a curiosity for life-long learning. Learn more about age requirements and educational funds for the TK/K Early Explorers Program here.
About Compass
Compass Charter Schools (Compass) is the Gold Standard in Personalized Learning for innovative, creative self-learners. We celebrate diversity & equity in our tuition-free public school – every scholar belongs in our tailored education programs: Online and Options home study. As one of California’s leading WASC-accredited virtual charter schools of choice, we nurture a curiosity for lifelong learning. Every TK-12 scholar and learning coach (our term for parents) is fully supported with in-house counselors, welcoming staff, and talented accredited teachers. Additionally, we are the only virtual Purple Star School in California, and one of few virtual AVID programs in the nation. Join our collaborative virtual learning community. Rise and Soar with our Firebirds – enroll with Compass today!