Learning Lab    Garden City, Idaho

     The Learning Lab helps to create opportunities for under-educated families by providing literacy and parenting classes in Garden City and Boise, Idaho. They understand that success in our society depends upon having basic language and workplace skills, and that the path to this knowledge must begin in early childhood.

    The Learning Lab approaches this goal with an innovative project called the Preschoolers and Parents as Partners program. It stresses education for infants and toddlers, early brain development, emergent literacy, and school readiness. This is accomplished by utilizing the parents and supporting them as the first and best teachers for their children. Parenting classes include lessons in child development, appropriate discipline techniques, and creating a home environment conducive to education. Interactive activities between parents and children are provided and modeled by the staff. In this way, practical parenting is learned and the family's progress can be evaluated.

    Adult education classes are also held. Lessons include language arts, computer skills, math, and GED preparation. These classes are unique in the Treasure Valley area, utilizing an individualized computer curriculum that identifies and addresses specific needs. This training is accompanied by one-on-one tutoring by the staff of the Learning Lab.

    The Whitney Foundation is providing partial funding for staff at the Learning Lab. The preschool educator, an early childhood assistant, and the adult educator will all receive funding from our grant. Because of this partnership, additional hours will be provided and class size will be kept small in order to ensure an optimal educational environment at the Learning Lab.