The Family Resource Center, a partnership between Monarch Montessori School and Kaleidoscope Learning, is opening its doors in June 2022. Co-located with Monarch on the East Side of St. Paul, we hope to equip families with insights and the tools to implement them in the context of a trusting, collaborative community. Our services include an Educational Materials Library, Model Home Environment with Open Play Hours, and in-person and online programming.
Why Did We Create the Family Resource Center?
Bridging the gap between home and school
Throughout our years working as early educators, we felt the gulf between home and school that is only briefly bridged by short interactions at pick-up and drop-off and bi-annual conferences. We hope that the FRC offers a time and space for busy educators and parents to meaningfully connect with each other.
Sharing best practices
Recent developments in neuroscience give new insights into how children learn, develop, and grow. Through the FRC, we can share and discuss evidence-based best practices and how to embed them in the life of the home.
Adapting to modern lifestyles
As more parents work from home, we expect the lines between school and home to continue to blur. The FRC gives parents what they need to promote independent engagement and early learning in the home.
Addressing parental stress and burnout
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how few resources parents truly have outside of their own families and social networks. Parenthood is meaningful and rewarding; however, if the burden of responsibility overwhelms the joy of connection, parents can feel stressed and burned out. In the words of Dr. Spock, “The fact is that child rearing is a long, hard job, the rewards are not always immediately obvious, the work is undervalued, and parents are just as human and almost as vulnerable as their children.” Parents require the proverbial village surrounding them, giving them assurance that they need not navigate alone. We hope that the FRC evolves into this nurturing, supportive village.
Expanding access
The shortage and high cost of early childhood options precludes many children from attending educational programming until kindergarten. Since ninety percent of human brain development occurs prior to age six, young children require enriching environments during these particularly formative years. Additionally, the FRC charges on a sliding scale, ensuring that all families can access our services.
Interested in Getting Involved?
We are so excited to have you join our community. Explore below to see how you can get involved with the Family Resource Center this summer!
Never miss out on updates, events, new blog posts, and more! Join our email list to stay up-to-date with the Family Resource Center.
Missed our soft launch Opening Day? No problem! Those interested in visiting our space can stop by and chat with our friendly team during our business hours:
Tuesday: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 12:00 am
Friday: 9:00 am - 12:00 am
Those interested in a personalized experience can take a tour of our Model Home Environment and discuss how the Family Resource Center can fit into your family's life.
Ready to take a plunge and become a member of the Family Resource Center? Visit our membership page to learn how to become a member today!
If you are interested in volunteering at the FRC, please email our team at president@kscopelearning.org to learn about current volunteering opportunities.