Site Tours
There are three sites to tour on Sunday, April 23. This is a separately priced event and you must be registered for the conference to add the site tours to your registration. The maximum number of participants is 70 individuals. Each site tour registrant will visit all three sites.
Shalom Christian Academy - Santa Clara, CA
Shalom Christian Academy is a Korean-English dual language early childhood program located in Santa Clara. Their programs are based on the theory that children learn best through play. They strive to help their students reach their full spiritual, academic, social and emotional potential. They plan and structure play experiences in a Christian environment to motivate and inspire our students to develop their own unique abilities and talents, and to recognize these as gifts from God.
Barron Park Preschool - Palo Alto, CA
At Barron Park Preschool play is at the core of everything we do. We believe that learning starts from exploring, and play is the best way for curious young minds to engage with and learn about the world. You will not find children sitting at “learning centers”, reciting numbers, practicing the letters of the week, or filling in worksheets. You will find children digging, exploring, creating, engineering, taking risks, being inquisitive, and getting their bodies and clothes dirty in the process.
We take a transformational approach to the learning processes at Barron Park Preschool. Teachers, families, and children are in a constant state of engagement, inspiration, and discovery. The children are immersed in open ended play throughout the day, making connections with materials, ideas, and people. The teachers learn from interactions with children, parents, Caregivers and other educators, as well as, on-going professional development. Parents and Caregivers are provided opportunities to learn and grow with family education, one-on-one coaching, and teachable moments which happen organically through observation of our practices.
Windmill School - Portola Valley, CA
You'll find our philosophy of play reflected in every facet of our program and facility. The Windmill classroom opens into a large private playground, allowing children to move freely between indoor and outdoor play at their own direction.
Each day before class the teachers prepare the indoor and outdoor spaces with multiple activity areas which are designed to both appeal to the immediate interests of the children and introduce them to new experiences and ideas.
The indoor environment promotes hands on experiences and exploration with a variety of media such as art materials, dress-up clothing for imaginary play, music, cars, trains, manipulatives and various materials for children to construct their own environments. Children even participate in preparing their own snack!
Our outdoor playground includes areas for art, sensory exploration and tricycle riding, plus large sand areas, a climbing structure and a playhouse for dramatic play.
The cost per person is $55 and includes a lunch voucher for the concessions in Expo Pavilion.
Site Tour registrants will receive an email with details about where to meet on Sunday, April 23. Time to meet is between 8:00am and 8:15am. Transportation will depart no later than 8:30am. Buses will return to the Marriott Hotel by 12:45pm.