The Value of our Childcare Program
What sets Abundance apart?
Overview
Abundance Creative Arts is a creative and performing arts center that has many amazing programs! In addition to our state licensed Childcare Center serving birth-5 years-we offer school aged after school care and summer camps for kiddos Kindergarten and beyond. Children of all ages take Music, Dance, Art and Yoga classes with us. We also offer unique Birthday Party packages and Paint Parties! There is truly something for everyone at Abundance. It’s a program that children grow into for years to come!
Why are we taking a radical new approach to early childhood education? Studies show links between academic excellence and education in the arts. Our team of specialists teach music, dance, art, theater and yoga to not only support our high academic standards but to inspire and engage the whole child.
Our warm and holistic classroom and studio spaces are designed to nurture children of all ages. In addition to an all encompassing, developmentally appropriate academic curriculum for all of the classrooms; Our classrooms are Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio inspired-these philosophies help to provide an enriching, in-home like environment where children will enjoy montessori inspired works, reggio loose part invitations, un interrupted play, cooking, nature walks, rest periods, practical life components, sensorial opportunities and story time. In addition to curriculum aims, children will engage in whimsical play intended to support essential developmental foundations to learning.
Our program utilizes evidence based practices and encourages students to use inquiry learning. The teachers serve as facilitators versus directors of the learning. Young learners are encouraged to explore and inquire into new ideas through these frameworks: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Physical, Emotional, Social and of course, Creative Development.
Emergent Curriculum
Thematic Unit Blocks: Have concentrated curriculum aims where the children produce art work, explore materials, visit studio spaces, engage in Montessori, Reggio or Waldorf Inspired lessons, and further develop academic or specific goals through direct instruction and objective based extended project studies. We use a variety of approaches to meet the needs of all of our students: child led, direct instruction and independent choice. Children work alone, in small groups and many times one to one with the teachers who care so much about their developmental needs.
Circle Time: Circle time is a time for unity, conversation, movement and mindfulness. Children discuss themselves and the world around them, read stories, sing songs and fingerplays, do yoga stretches and take part in contemplative activities such as emotional regulation and relaxation techniques.
Play/Free Choice:There is no greater synthesis of things being learned at school than during play. Play is the developmental foundation for early childhood education and something that is honored at Abundance. The Whole Child approach means that body, mind and spirit of the young person are engaged and fostered. Play provides an opportunity for children of all ages to figure out who they are in relation to the rest of the emergent world. Social skills are refined, creativity is harnessed and self expression takes on a life of its own. We play in the classrooms, outside and within our gym/studio spaces! Outdoor play is something guaranteed to happen given any weather element- even if we bundle up and only take a few gulps of the winter air. Feeling the sunshine is something we deeply believe supports physical and emotional wellbeing. Our “front yard” the Library Garden is a highlight for our program.
Arts Specials- The arts are incorporated throughout the child’s day but in addition to classroom aims- every child in our program receives specialized arts instruction from highly qualified specialists. This includes classes in Yoga, Dance, Art, Music,Theater and Cooking.
Highly qualified teachers and small classes
Our childcare facility started it’s first year with only 1 mixed age classroom. The idea was to create an enriching, authentic and beautiful childcare space that paid the greatest attention to detail. A place that was set apart from other educational facilities in town, not only because of the whimsical environment and the unique curriculum but also we wanted to be able to stand out within the industry because of the teachers who lead our children and the administration that leads the teachers. Not only do our teaching teams have educational degrees and certifications to back their knowledge we have unique educators that foster the LOVE and creativity it takes to care for the whole child. LOVE and intention is the basis for all that we do. The teachers within our space attend workshops and training opportunities that help support their success in our facility. We have grown from 10 students to 50 within the childcare space and serve another 100 outside of the child care facility. Enriching the lives of children in our community and remaining a pioneer in our field means that only the brightest, warmest most compassionate and motivated educators find a home in our center.
We have grown significantly but remain true to our values. Our classroom sizes remain small in comparison to larger centers in town. This is one of the many ways our educators are able to remain impactful in teaching practices.
Specialized Facility and Educational Spaces
There is no doubt about it our teachers remain very supported within their classroom spaces and with specialized materials. Our educational spaces are all remincient to one another- the mood is driven from our curriculum. It doesn’t matter if you’re within the infant or the pre-school space the feel is the same. Lights are dim and natural, peaceful music or nature sounds are playing, essential oil diffusers are running and soft pastels on the wall create a relaxing and cohesive space from one class to the next. Unlike some Centers in town that fill their spaces with cheap toxic plastic toys all of our materials are specialized, wooden and extremely valuable. We teach small children about the importance of beauty and harmony in an environment and the way in which the classrooms are decorated, organized, toys and materials presented are all very intentional and reflective of our unique values. We treat children with a high level of respect. We know that they are capable of having beautiful things displayed without being destructive. People who tour our space often times are surprised to see glass vases with fresh flowers on low tables. A deep reverence for beauty is fostered at Abundance.
Our classrooms are much larger than industry standards. This large space allows us to have couches and comfortable seating areas which help reinforce a home-like feel. This also informs our culture to be warm and nurturing and take time to cuddle up on a couch with the children and read a story or help discuss emotions and de escalate any behaviors that might occur.
We have a positive discipline policy at Abundance and that means alot of compassion, re-direction, time IN with a teacher, safe cozy areas or peace tables where it’s ok to be alone if needed. However, we don’t see many behavior issues and we greatly attribute it to our facilities and the amount of movement the children receive- they go from place to place. In some childcare facilities your child could spend all day in one cage. Not at Abundance!
Arts Studios
All of our children- babies included, utilize the Arts spaces. These are not just simple rooms. The dance room has a professional sprung floor (that protects the children’s knees), 5x24 ft mirrors and unique materials that the dance specialists use but everyone has access to because they visit the dance space regularly. Our music room is filled with much more than your standard egg shakers and tambourines. We have a piano (that we tune four times a year) resident violins, guitars, ukuleles, standard hand percussion items, a bell set, chimes a full drum set and a very extensive hand and bongo drum collection. Our visual art materials are only a piece of the pie in arts expenses but these too are significant. Liquid water color, actual water color paper, chalk and oil pastels and all the other basics. We have a partnership with 7th Street Studios a ceramic studio that is next door to our pre school space. The materials within our arts spaces are valable and the arts teachers within the space are have special degrees and experience to bring a rich arts education to the children’s lives. This is just another example of the investment we make into highly qualified staff and the betterment of our program. No other program in Laramie compares.
Amazing Location
Not only do children have large beautiful classroom and arts spaces- we also have an enclosed and shaded Courtyard that provides a lot of open ended outdoor play time. We have two full sized Gyms which means it’s never too cold or wet outside to to get in a healthy dose of running, yelling and wildness out. We have a full theater right down the hall and we put on full productions several times a year.
Inside the Civic Center sets us apart but our surrounding areas deeply impact our students experiences. The county library sits across the street and we visit their frequently for special events, story time, renting materials or doing research. Undine Park is two blocks south and we stroller over there whenever possible. During the Summer our park days provide a rich life science opportunity and loads of fun in the sun at the splash pad. The University Campus is two blocks north and some highlights there that we like to utilize is the Planetarium, Dinosaur Museum and the Ecology lab’s child centered classroom. Downtown is two blocks west. It’s always great fun to walk over to Depot Park, get ice cream at Big dipper or visit the farmers market. We visit the Fire Dept as well since they are only a block away. Always nice to honor community helpers! For our older children, If we can’t find what we need right around us we could always hop on the local bus. The city bus stops right at our front door and takes us to places such as the movie theater or the Rec. Center! Community engagement and helping to create future world citizens is a focus for us and it wouldn’t be possible without the rich opportunities that surround us.
Locally Owned Small Business
Abundance stands out for many reasons but a key factor that reflects our culture is that we are a small, locally owned business with a BIG HEART. Nick and Natalia are the heart of our organization and our interactions and intentions for the families we serve are both responsive and compassionate. We deeply honor our Administrative Team that operates our business and the teachers who carry out our mission. We extend ourselves for everyone who is involved in our organization because we believe it makes a difference in our community. We are still deeply committed to investing in the betterment of our program and remain non profiting. The needs of our students and our teachers are always placed above the bottom line. The needs of children in our community will always be a priority. We provide scholarships to all foster children in our community. For them, we invest in their future and provide arts classes free of charge. As small business owners Nick and I are the only ones who subsidize anything at Abundance. We don’t receive grant money or any state and federal funding like other big box centers in town do. We pay for every ounce of support, service or enrichment we give and it is our promise and commitment that it will always be the best.
We greatly rely on our community of supporters who believe in our programming. Parents who value the work we do and see the difference we make in children’s lives. We are able to do the important work we do because of the significant investment parents across our community make with us. A families investment with us is considerable and deeply honored- we are not the most expensive facility in town but our services do come at a premium.
What sets Abundance apart goes beyond what any words could convey but it is evident in the daily life of our organization.Our mission is to reach children in Laramie Wyoming and leave them better people for it.
- Emergent Curriculum
- Highly qualified teachers and small classes
- Specialized Facility and Educational Spaces
- Arts Incorporation
- Location
- Locally owned
Overview
Abundance Creative Arts is a creative and performing arts center that has many amazing programs! In addition to our state licensed Childcare Center serving birth-5 years-we offer school aged after school care and summer camps for kiddos Kindergarten and beyond. Children of all ages take Music, Dance, Art and Yoga classes with us. We also offer unique Birthday Party packages and Paint Parties! There is truly something for everyone at Abundance. It’s a program that children grow into for years to come!
Why are we taking a radical new approach to early childhood education? Studies show links between academic excellence and education in the arts. Our team of specialists teach music, dance, art, theater and yoga to not only support our high academic standards but to inspire and engage the whole child.
Our warm and holistic classroom and studio spaces are designed to nurture children of all ages. In addition to an all encompassing, developmentally appropriate academic curriculum for all of the classrooms; Our classrooms are Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio inspired-these philosophies help to provide an enriching, in-home like environment where children will enjoy montessori inspired works, reggio loose part invitations, un interrupted play, cooking, nature walks, rest periods, practical life components, sensorial opportunities and story time. In addition to curriculum aims, children will engage in whimsical play intended to support essential developmental foundations to learning.
Our program utilizes evidence based practices and encourages students to use inquiry learning. The teachers serve as facilitators versus directors of the learning. Young learners are encouraged to explore and inquire into new ideas through these frameworks: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Physical, Emotional, Social and of course, Creative Development.
Emergent Curriculum
Thematic Unit Blocks: Have concentrated curriculum aims where the children produce art work, explore materials, visit studio spaces, engage in Montessori, Reggio or Waldorf Inspired lessons, and further develop academic or specific goals through direct instruction and objective based extended project studies. We use a variety of approaches to meet the needs of all of our students: child led, direct instruction and independent choice. Children work alone, in small groups and many times one to one with the teachers who care so much about their developmental needs.
Circle Time: Circle time is a time for unity, conversation, movement and mindfulness. Children discuss themselves and the world around them, read stories, sing songs and fingerplays, do yoga stretches and take part in contemplative activities such as emotional regulation and relaxation techniques.
Play/Free Choice:There is no greater synthesis of things being learned at school than during play. Play is the developmental foundation for early childhood education and something that is honored at Abundance. The Whole Child approach means that body, mind and spirit of the young person are engaged and fostered. Play provides an opportunity for children of all ages to figure out who they are in relation to the rest of the emergent world. Social skills are refined, creativity is harnessed and self expression takes on a life of its own. We play in the classrooms, outside and within our gym/studio spaces! Outdoor play is something guaranteed to happen given any weather element- even if we bundle up and only take a few gulps of the winter air. Feeling the sunshine is something we deeply believe supports physical and emotional wellbeing. Our “front yard” the Library Garden is a highlight for our program.
Arts Specials- The arts are incorporated throughout the child’s day but in addition to classroom aims- every child in our program receives specialized arts instruction from highly qualified specialists. This includes classes in Yoga, Dance, Art, Music,Theater and Cooking.
Highly qualified teachers and small classes
Our childcare facility started it’s first year with only 1 mixed age classroom. The idea was to create an enriching, authentic and beautiful childcare space that paid the greatest attention to detail. A place that was set apart from other educational facilities in town, not only because of the whimsical environment and the unique curriculum but also we wanted to be able to stand out within the industry because of the teachers who lead our children and the administration that leads the teachers. Not only do our teaching teams have educational degrees and certifications to back their knowledge we have unique educators that foster the LOVE and creativity it takes to care for the whole child. LOVE and intention is the basis for all that we do. The teachers within our space attend workshops and training opportunities that help support their success in our facility. We have grown from 10 students to 50 within the childcare space and serve another 100 outside of the child care facility. Enriching the lives of children in our community and remaining a pioneer in our field means that only the brightest, warmest most compassionate and motivated educators find a home in our center.
We have grown significantly but remain true to our values. Our classroom sizes remain small in comparison to larger centers in town. This is one of the many ways our educators are able to remain impactful in teaching practices.
Specialized Facility and Educational Spaces
There is no doubt about it our teachers remain very supported within their classroom spaces and with specialized materials. Our educational spaces are all remincient to one another- the mood is driven from our curriculum. It doesn’t matter if you’re within the infant or the pre-school space the feel is the same. Lights are dim and natural, peaceful music or nature sounds are playing, essential oil diffusers are running and soft pastels on the wall create a relaxing and cohesive space from one class to the next. Unlike some Centers in town that fill their spaces with cheap toxic plastic toys all of our materials are specialized, wooden and extremely valuable. We teach small children about the importance of beauty and harmony in an environment and the way in which the classrooms are decorated, organized, toys and materials presented are all very intentional and reflective of our unique values. We treat children with a high level of respect. We know that they are capable of having beautiful things displayed without being destructive. People who tour our space often times are surprised to see glass vases with fresh flowers on low tables. A deep reverence for beauty is fostered at Abundance.
Our classrooms are much larger than industry standards. This large space allows us to have couches and comfortable seating areas which help reinforce a home-like feel. This also informs our culture to be warm and nurturing and take time to cuddle up on a couch with the children and read a story or help discuss emotions and de escalate any behaviors that might occur.
We have a positive discipline policy at Abundance and that means alot of compassion, re-direction, time IN with a teacher, safe cozy areas or peace tables where it’s ok to be alone if needed. However, we don’t see many behavior issues and we greatly attribute it to our facilities and the amount of movement the children receive- they go from place to place. In some childcare facilities your child could spend all day in one cage. Not at Abundance!
Arts Studios
All of our children- babies included, utilize the Arts spaces. These are not just simple rooms. The dance room has a professional sprung floor (that protects the children’s knees), 5x24 ft mirrors and unique materials that the dance specialists use but everyone has access to because they visit the dance space regularly. Our music room is filled with much more than your standard egg shakers and tambourines. We have a piano (that we tune four times a year) resident violins, guitars, ukuleles, standard hand percussion items, a bell set, chimes a full drum set and a very extensive hand and bongo drum collection. Our visual art materials are only a piece of the pie in arts expenses but these too are significant. Liquid water color, actual water color paper, chalk and oil pastels and all the other basics. We have a partnership with 7th Street Studios a ceramic studio that is next door to our pre school space. The materials within our arts spaces are valable and the arts teachers within the space are have special degrees and experience to bring a rich arts education to the children’s lives. This is just another example of the investment we make into highly qualified staff and the betterment of our program. No other program in Laramie compares.
Amazing Location
Not only do children have large beautiful classroom and arts spaces- we also have an enclosed and shaded Courtyard that provides a lot of open ended outdoor play time. We have two full sized Gyms which means it’s never too cold or wet outside to to get in a healthy dose of running, yelling and wildness out. We have a full theater right down the hall and we put on full productions several times a year.
Inside the Civic Center sets us apart but our surrounding areas deeply impact our students experiences. The county library sits across the street and we visit their frequently for special events, story time, renting materials or doing research. Undine Park is two blocks south and we stroller over there whenever possible. During the Summer our park days provide a rich life science opportunity and loads of fun in the sun at the splash pad. The University Campus is two blocks north and some highlights there that we like to utilize is the Planetarium, Dinosaur Museum and the Ecology lab’s child centered classroom. Downtown is two blocks west. It’s always great fun to walk over to Depot Park, get ice cream at Big dipper or visit the farmers market. We visit the Fire Dept as well since they are only a block away. Always nice to honor community helpers! For our older children, If we can’t find what we need right around us we could always hop on the local bus. The city bus stops right at our front door and takes us to places such as the movie theater or the Rec. Center! Community engagement and helping to create future world citizens is a focus for us and it wouldn’t be possible without the rich opportunities that surround us.
Locally Owned Small Business
Abundance stands out for many reasons but a key factor that reflects our culture is that we are a small, locally owned business with a BIG HEART. Nick and Natalia are the heart of our organization and our interactions and intentions for the families we serve are both responsive and compassionate. We deeply honor our Administrative Team that operates our business and the teachers who carry out our mission. We extend ourselves for everyone who is involved in our organization because we believe it makes a difference in our community. We are still deeply committed to investing in the betterment of our program and remain non profiting. The needs of our students and our teachers are always placed above the bottom line. The needs of children in our community will always be a priority. We provide scholarships to all foster children in our community. For them, we invest in their future and provide arts classes free of charge. As small business owners Nick and I are the only ones who subsidize anything at Abundance. We don’t receive grant money or any state and federal funding like other big box centers in town do. We pay for every ounce of support, service or enrichment we give and it is our promise and commitment that it will always be the best.
We greatly rely on our community of supporters who believe in our programming. Parents who value the work we do and see the difference we make in children’s lives. We are able to do the important work we do because of the significant investment parents across our community make with us. A families investment with us is considerable and deeply honored- we are not the most expensive facility in town but our services do come at a premium.
What sets Abundance apart goes beyond what any words could convey but it is evident in the daily life of our organization.Our mission is to reach children in Laramie Wyoming and leave them better people for it.