Bringing
‘em up right

When it came time for my son to learn to drive, it took just two near misses with vehicles substantially larger than ours for me to decide that just because I have 20 years' experience as a driver, I'm not necessarily qualified as an instructor.

Given that you spend at least eight hours a day in front of a computer honing your skills, one would guess that you could impart a bit of that wisdom to your kids. With luck though, you figured it out more quickly than I that outside instruction is in the best interest of your sanity and relationship with your child. A brilliant conclusion — only to find that your child's care facility or school doesn't offer regular labs or classes. So now what?

We stumbled on a unique approach in our own backyard: Kids Computer Corner (KCC). This startup company based in Broomfield, CO, owned and operated by mom and information-technology professional Karyn Cassio is a licensee of Imagine Tomorrow’s unique approach to teaching technology to tots. KCC specializes in fun and engaging computer-skills training for the earliest learners. At KCC, your little ones will learn how to use everyday technology as a tool for participating in exciting missions on the computer.

Cassio has always had a passion for teaching young children. After having the opportunity to stay at home with her now three-year-old son, she decided to go back to work, but could not see herself in a traditional eight to five (or more like eight to eight) corporate information-technology job. She wanted to make a difference but still be available for her family as much as possible.

While looking through a national parenting magazine, Cassio discovered Imagine Tomorrow® and immediately recognized that this teaching style would be exciting to children, but it also turned out that it was an exciting new career for her.

The Imagine Tomorrow curriculum teaches more than just computers. Every class brings new learning experiences designed to teach children how to think creatively, express their ideas, and apply the skills they are learning to solve problems and accomplish goals. In the class, fundamental literacy concepts come to life for children as they are immersed in a story where they become the main character. Every class combines an interactive video — delivered during the initial and closing circle times — and software in a format that encourages children to work in a group setting, yet advance at their own pace, on their own (provided) laptop.

The classes are kept very small, five students to one teacher, and no more than ten children in any one class. Small classes ensure individual successes, non-intimidating group participation, and lots of hands-on attention.

After each class, children are assigned a password to Imagine Tomorrow’s web site. Children, with parents in tow, can log on from home and access reinforcing activities. The curriculum is a warm, inviting environment that incorporates core literacy and technology concepts; designed to prepare all young children with the skills necessary to succeed in their future. KCC partners with area preschools, kindergartens, daycare's, home childcare centers, and home school communities to provide technology for children.

For more information on Kids Computer Corner, click here to visit their web site.