ELI partnership

Early Learning Institute forms partnership with CMOSC

Today, the Early Learning Institute (ELI) announced their newest program, Wee Explore, a program done in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County (CMOSC). 

Wee Explore is a unique parent/child developmental playgroup for children between the ages of 18-30 months. It was created to introduce children (and their caregivers!) to the wonderful and wonder-filled setting of CMOSC and to provide learning opportunities for the children to explore, discover and practice their emerging developmental skills within a well-supported, playful and inclusive environment.  More and more research tells us that the surrounding environment is critical to a child’s development – particularly their sensory system.

“When you think of intellectual stimulation, museums are the epicenter of activity,” said Katie Mason, Group Services Program Manager, Early Learning Institute. “ The program allows for families to come together in an environment that encourages spontaneous and creative play with an emphasis on sensory based activities.” 

To further support the program, ELI will provide CMOSC with a Developmental Docent twice a month whose purpose will be to develop activities for toddlers while also being available to answer questions from parents and grandparents. At least once during the month, the Developmental Docent will be bilingual, hoping to encourage Spanish-speaking families to visit the museum.  

CMOSC Founder and CEO Collette Michaud said, “As a developing resource for local families, we were thrilled to ally with ELI to launch the Wee Explore program.  We hope to use the collaboration as a model for working with other agencies in Sonoma County that are interested in using the Museum as a safe place to cultivate our next generation of innovators, problem solvers and lifelong learners.  My goal is to provide hands-on learning through play for all children in our community.”

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Early Learning Institute:  Seventeen years ago, ELI was created to provide and promote developmental services, education and support to young children, their families and the community at large. At the time, we were primarily serving children with special needs and their families. But one of our greatest strengths has been our ability to create programs to meet the changing needs of our community. So now, while Early Intervention remains our largest program, ELI services also include Parent Support, Playgroups, Therapeutic Support Services, Screening & Assessment Services and Consultation Services to the Childcare community. 

For more information: www.earlylearninginstitute.com 

Children’s Museum of Sonoma County is a non-profit organization located at 1835 West Steele Lane in Santa Rosa, California.

The museum invites children and their families from all walks of life to explore and learn about science, art and the natural world. The museum includes an indoor science and imagination gallery, a tot area, a private birthday party and event venue, an arts center, as well as outdoor exhibits that showcase the diversity of Sonoma County, including a scale Russian River, stand of redwood trees, farm area and interactive butterfly garden.

The mission of the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County’s is to inspire children’s creativity and stimulate their curiosity to discover the world through playful exploration of the arts and sciences.

Open Wednesday-Monday, 9am-4pm.  For more information, visit www.cmosc.org.

Press Release

November 2, 2015

Contact:
Collette Michaud, CEO
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
Tel: 707-546-4069
collette@cmosc.org

 

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