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.

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Here are some quotes from parents enrolled in the Family Literacy Program:

 
  "The Program helped me understand my children and how they learn.  If you can't read, then you can't teach your children to read." - Kaela

  "My goal is to get my GED.  The program has helped me a lot.  I have already accomplished three tests and have two more to go.  My son, he's two, was so excited to come to class that he had to pack his backpack before he went to bed last night.  He slept with it beside his bed and was ready to come to class this morning." - Mirella

  "I think that it is a good class because there are not many people and lots of teachers.  I learn more here.  My goals are reading and writing.  My daughter likes school and when she doesn't have class she asks, When do I get to go back?" - Hind