WHATS OUR GOAL?

Typically, every parent wants their child to gain pre-academic skills to prepare them for kindergarten. Beyond the basics of ABCs and 123s (which are incredibly important), how much background knowledge can we introduce to enhance their ability not only to be ready for a school setting but also to recognize a topic and understand its relevance

WHO ARE WE?

We provide educational enrichment services to daycares and homeschooling parents through a monthly subscription box. This box offers children aged 15 months to 4 years a themed, play-based learning experience.

The Vibrant Minds Curriculum in 2024 is an innovative educational program designed to inspire young learners worldwide. Featuring 66 bilingual books, it introduces children to diverse languages and cultures while enhancing their literacy skills. With 53 engaging learning themes and 477 carefully curated vocabulary words, the curriculum fosters comprehensive development. Implemented in locations such as the Bronx, NY; Paris, France; and Bridgeport, CT, Vibrant Minds bridges global communities with a commitment to cultivating curiosity, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding in early education.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), New America Foundation (for information on dual language learners), Zero to Three (for early childhood development statistics), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Lets Talk About It!

A key issue impacting toddlers, particularly those who are dual language learners (DLLs), is classroom readiness, which encompasses both their ability to engage in a structured learning environment and their ability to effectively communicate and interact in such settings.This challenge is multifaceted:

Developmental Readiness: Toddlers may struggle with sitting still, focusing, and following instructions for extended periods. This is a natural developmental stage, but it can be more pronounced in children who lack structured early learning experiences.

Language Barriers for DLLs: Dual language learners often face additional hurdles in early education settings, such as:

Limited vocabulary overlap: While their combined vocabulary across two languages may match monolingual peers, they may know fewer words in either language, leading to perceived language delays.
Reduced conversational interactions: Many early childhood educators are monolingual, which can inadvertently limit meaningful engagement and learning opportunities for DLLs.

Cultural Disconnects: Traditional classroom environments may not always reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of DLLs, making it harder for these children to feel comfortable and thrive.

Addressing the Issue!

Vibrant Minds Curriculum focuses on preparing toddlers for a successful transition to formal education by addressing these challenges in targeted ways:

Building Background Knowledge: The curriculum incorporates activities that connect new learning to what toddlers already know, using anchor charts and visual aids to reinforce key concepts and bridge knowledge gaps.

Interactive and Hands-On Learning: By integrating STEM-focused activities, the curriculum prioritizes experiential, play-based learning. This approach is particularly beneficial for toddlers who are still developing their attention spans and fine motor skills.

Linguistically Responsive Practices: Recognizing the unique needs of DLLs, Vibrant Minds advocates for strategies that include:

Multisensory teaching to support comprehension across languages.
Activities that encourage peer collaboration to promote conversational skills.
Supporting teachers with tools to integrate cultural and linguistic diversity into their instruction.

Social-Emotional Emphasis: The curriculum also prioritizes creating a welcoming environment that fosters confidence, helping toddlers navigate classroom dynamics and overcome barriers related to bilingualism.

First Time Subscribers

As we guide children through their educational journey, it's essential to remember: No matter when a child enters the curriculum, introduction and repetition are key to their success! For those joining mid-year, circle time drills play a crucial role in setting the stage for future academic success and easing the transition into any curriculum.

Why Circle Time Matters

Circle time isn't just a daily routine; it's a cornerstone for developing pre-academic skills. Through structured activities like songs, counting exercises, and letter recognition, children are introduced to foundational concepts in a fun and engaging way. These early exposures help prepare them to seamlessly adapt to a curriculum, even if they start mid-year.

The Power of Repetition

Repetition during circle time helps reinforce learning. Whether it's singing the alphabet song, counting aloud, or practicing calendar activities, these drills create familiarity and confidence in young learners. Even if a child doesn't fully grasp a concept right away, the consistent practice provides the building blocks they need to progress.

Introduction Is Key

For toddlers, introducing concepts like letters, numbers, and routines is more important than mastery. For instance: If children are learning letters like "K" and "L" exposure is more critical than perfect recall or recognition. When counting to 100, it's okay if they only reach 20 or 30. The goal is to lay the groundwork for future success. Practicing with safe crayons or stencils helps develop fine motor skills, even if they're not yet writing numbers perfectly.

Testimonials

To whom it may concern, because it concerns me alot,

I currently serve as the Chairman and CEO of GCM, and have worked with Karina on several projects she had led at the company. Karina has demonstrated great communication skills, organizational ability and leadership strengths. I am most impressed by her character of dedication, honesty and integrity, and could always rely on Karina to take on any initiative and stay calm under pressure. Karina has proven herself over a decade of working together that she is responsible, kind and brings her wisdom in every experience. I consider it an honor to have worked with Karina, as she is the real definition of a team player. When kindness meets a hard worker simply defines Karina, as her relentless pursuit to excellence sets her apart.

Josue Sejour

Founder, Chairman & CEO

Global Conscious Media

Good morning,

I was referred to Vibrant Minds Curriculum by another provider and decided to subscribe. After sharing my struggles with finding the right staff for working with toddlers, CEO Karina Ozuna stepped in with her extensive experience in group family daycares. She conducted circle time workshops, trained my assistants on bilingual lessons, and engaged with the children through singing, dancing, and arts and crafts. Karina even helped set up the classroom with the children's work, creating a noticeable impact on their learning experience. Parents loved seeing videos of her interacting with their kids and appreciated the difference it made. Karina's dedication and genuine passion for early childhood education are truly inspiring.

Rosemary Fernandez

Daycare Provider

Bronx, NY