Please read our questions for parents and schools. If you don't see your question here, please contact us - we welcome an opportunity to speak with you.
For Parents
I have a computer at home, my child uses it, so why does he or she need CompuChild? It’s exciting that more and more children are gaining access to computer technology at home and at school so that they can play on a computer. Maybe they use computer games or they go to popular children’s websites. Play certainly encourages their creativity, and may even help them work their academic muscles if they use carefully chosen games, but it doesn’t teach them proper terminology, proper usage, or how to use the computer itself as a tool. Not only do we teach them correct terminology, but we also model and teach correct usage which means they’ll use the equipment correctly and respectfully. We also teach them how to use applications that they’re going to need to be successful in school – applications they won’t choose to play with on their own, applications that are complex and powerful, such as Microsoft® Word and PowerPoint. Oh, and yes, we also play carefully selected games that they love while they secretly flex their academic muscles.
What will my child learn? Each week, we cover one or more specific Emphasis Points. Emphasis Points are specific skills and terminology that are taught in a logical progression. We also review on a regular basis to reinforce these emphasis points. The lesson plans we use to teach this material have been professionally developed in collaboration with educators who specialize in how young children learn, and using more than 25 years of experience in the computer field.
How do classes work? As recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, we use small group instruction, which has proven to be the most effective method for teaching technology to young children. In small groups, the CompuChild teacher can focus and direct all children during the CompuChild class. Each child benefits from hands-on instruction, observation, repetition, peer encouragement, teamwork, reasoning and logical thinking.
How much actual keyboard time does my child get during a 40-minute class? Because our classes are structured and captivating, children learn both by doing and through observation and encouragement. Research supports this teaching method as developmentally appropriate technology instruction. In fact, because we are constantly taking turns through the entire class, this setting teaches many important social skills as well as it provides one-on-one encouragement and instruction. You are welcome to observe a class at anytime.
Is it important for my child to attend every class? Our program is progressive, bringing your child through the logical steps it takes for them to understand and use the personal computer as a tool, not a toy. Although it is wonderful for children to come to every class from the beginning, we welcome your child to begin attending classes at any time.
What equipment do you use? We use Personal Desktop Computers similar to what most people have at home and to the equipment found in most pre-schools and centers. Your child will also be exposed to printers, digital cameras, various tracking devices and more! Your child will most likely be using a Personal Desktop Computer in school and the knowledge gained through CompuChild classes will give your child a head start.
How do I know what's going on in class? Early each month, we'll post the monthly emphasis points for classes at your child's school and here on our site. Early the next month, you'll receive a parent progress report that tells you what your child did in class during the preceding month, and we'll post that report here on our site. It will cover the emphasis points we learned, the software we used, and any suggestions we have to help you reinforce those new skills at home. Your progress report will come to you by email if you've given us an email address in your parent information, or in your child's cubby/folder/mailbox if you haven't.
How do I pay for class? Watch for our CompuChild envelope. Just put your cash or check made out to CompuChild in the envelope and return it to the center/school on or before the first class of the month. We also offer parents the convenience of accepting credit and debit cards for automatic tuition payments. We do not charge a registration fee. When we are notified in advance of an absence, we will credit your account for the class your child will be missing.
Whether or not your students use technology in the classroom, it is everywhere around us, and they are digital natives. At home, they have microwaves, programmable wireless phones, video games, computers, and DVDs. "Google it!" is part of their vocabulary. But using technology is not the same as learning about it.
Rhode Island is one of several states that has yet to define technology education standards for younger children. Few schools offer technology education to children in preschool and elementary grades, and not all parents have the time or knowledge to teach their child at home.
We offer you one more way to distinguish your school from the rest!
CompuChild class helps you provide the 21st century pre-engineering and problem-solving skills your students need as we help you grow the whole child. Children who are CompuChild students learn proper computer etiquette, proper technology vocabulary, and respect for equipment that helps save your technology investment in your school. The skills they learn in CompuChild class give them an academic advantage in school. Our model emphasizes collaboration and cooperation in a positive environment, and our professionally-developed curriculum meets or exceeds the standards recommended by the National Educational Technology Standards Project (NETS).
We encourage you to explore with us how our program can be of value to you, your teachers, your parents, and, most of all, your students. CompuChild USA enrichment classes and camp sessions are also available to schools looking to add a special element to their regular curriculum or during a vacation.
To learn more, or to schedule an appointment to explore how our program can assist you in meeting your technology education goals, please call (401.667.0044) or email.
