The PeaPods Toddler and Me program ( for children 18 months to 2.5 )  is the beginning of The Exploratory path for children on their way to becoming passionate, creative global citizens prepared with the mindset and toolset for a rapidly changing, unpredictable future.

Mindset:

We believe that children need  support in this developmental stage that is intentional, supportive, meaningful, empowering, and respectful of their individuality.  We recognize that the brain is making life-long neuron connections at this stage of human – growth and believe that a sustainable future can only be realized if our children learn to be creative, social, emotionally aware beings confident in their ability to take calculated risks, empowered by their individuality, and enabled by their flexible thinking.

The PeaPods program provides opportunities for  toddlers to learn, practice and stretch their natural born personalities through play and exploration that encourages social and emotional mindsets  like frustration tolerance, social awareness, flexible thinking, empathy and grit.

Toolset:

We see young children as highly capable and that view drives us to provide meaningful, intentional experiences that are not only inspired by the interests of the children, but are designed to incorporate real world tools, sensory experiences, and rich materials.

We look to the latest in neuroscience research to develop environments and experiences for children that stimulate right/left brain pathways, intentional neuron connections, maximize physical awareness and confidence,  and lay the foundations for creative, scientific, mathematical thinking.

We see the role of the teacher as a facilitator, provocateur and researcher.  As facilitators,we start by observing.  This allows us to really see the children for who they are and where their interests lie. As provocateurs, we provide invitations in the form of materials and questions to help children wonder. As researchers, we improve our craft through documentation, conversation, and dissection of our work – always looking to improve our best practices.

As advocates and collaborators in education, parents are a vital component of our program.  While two teachers engage with the children, a parent collaborator provides an opportunity for parents to have meaningful conversations about parenting, the latest research on child development, and brain research to develop best practices for home  that support the foundations the children and the teachers are co-constructing at PeaPods.

Details:

This is a Toddler and Me Program. Parents stay for the whole duration of the 90 minute session. We ask that the adult participant be a Parent and not a care giver.

Maximum # of Children: 7

Location : Mar Vista, CA – exact location to be provided upon registration.

What does it look like: 

When the children and parents arrive, they play outside together with the support of 2 teachers and the parent collaborator. We are very intentional on the approach that we incorporate for each child to be successful at separating when their parents start their meeting inside the house and this starts the minute they walk into PeaPods.

After about 15-20 minutes, everyone is invited to join a hello circle to establish a routine. Songs and books and other activities may be used during circle. After which, the children move to the snack table while parents that are ready move into the house for the parent meeting proceed. Snack is provided by PeaPods and is organic, gluten free and nut free. Specific food intolerances may be  incorporated into snacks as needed.

The children then play and engage with materials and tools while the parents engage in a parent collaborator lead conversation.

5 minutes before the end of the 90 min session, everyone gathers again for a goodbye circle.

Dates and Registration

Currently we have groups meeting on Sat mornings from 9:30 – 11:00am.

We will be starting the new arc on June 1st for Saturdays.

The cost of each session is $390.00 for 6 sessions. Currently we are taking in 6 children for each session on Saturday.

If you are interested in registering for the June start session, please email jean@peapodsschoolhouse.com.