December Happenings
December 1st, 2024.
Dear Families,
We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! We continue to cherish the time we spend with your precious children and are delighted to see them grow.
Read below for our upcoming happenings. December is a busy month, and we have so many events to share with you all!
Our tutoring sessions are unique. Every student who comes to our center after a long day of school always wants to come back for more! We connect with each child and create a personalized plan to set them up for success. We are happy to introduce Kathleen (Kelly) Cabell, she is joining us to support new students in grades K–5 in math and/or literacy. With over 30 years of experience as a teacher and certification in the state of CT, Kelly is a favorite among Kindergarten students in the Farmington school district. Just five minutes of conversation with her will show you the sweet and kind person she is!
With colder weather putting outdoor fun on pause, consider celebrating your child's birthday with one of our party packages! We’ll ensure an unforgettable birthday experience. We’ve added exciting new elements to our Slime Party package, don’t miss out. We are currently booking for December and January.
Family STEM Nights are making their way into our evening schedule. We are partnering with elementary school PTOs to host fun nights of STEM challenges in our beautiful space while helping raise money for the PTO. Join us to support your school, bond with your school community, and let us take care of the rest!
We hope everyone had a meaningful Thanksgiving. We are so grateful for your continued support! In the spirit of giving back, this week, we are offering special discounts for our upcoming winter modules. See more information below.
Our 2025 class schedule is ready, and we’re excited to share it with you. Take a moment to explore our offerings, join one of our free events, or schedule a visit to discover what makes our center truly special.
May this season bring joy to you and your loved ones. We wish you a wonderful 2025!
With gratitude,
Tatiana and Natalie
Important Dates in December
- December 2-6. Enroll now for our winter modules and save!
- December 4. Pine Grove Family STEM Night. Private event, registration required.
- December 9-11. A Taste of Enrichment Week.
- STEM Nights. Third Thursday of every month. Based on enrollment. Previous registration is required.
- December 16-20. Registration for Winter Modules begins.
- December 9-11. Last week of Fall Enrichment Modules.
- December 17. Maker Space Morning Event.
- December 18. Special Winter Drop-In Playdate.
- December 20 - January 5. Center closed. Winter Break, Happy Holidays!
- January 6. Tutoring sessions resume.
- January 7. Enrichment Winter Modules begin.
What Parents Have to Say About our Enrichment and Tutoring Offerings
I love these two ladies , they are always smiling and engaging, and most of all my son Kai loves coming to class with them! He counts the days till the next stem class! As a homeschool Mom I am grateful to have these enrichment classes available, I also love seeing the creativity and thinking skills my son comes up with in his projects each week! Thank you so much Ladies you truly are special and have great program.
Enroll Now for Our Winter Modules and Save!
It is our time to give back.
We are so grateful for your continued support, and we want to offer you a special discount for early enrollment.
Winter Enrichment Modules:
Register between December 3rd and December 8th for one of our winter modules and receive 5% off, plus a STEM challenge kit for your child.
Drop-In Playdates:
- Enroll in three Drop-In Playdates and get 10% off one class.
- Enroll in five Drop-In Playdates and get 10% off one class plus a STEM prize for your child, (Must be redeemed on or before March 12th, 2025.)
Tutoring Sessions:
Purchase 10 tutoring sessions in advance and receive one session at 50% off plus a STEM kit for your child, (Must be redeemed before June 1st, 2025).
Join Us! - A Taste of Enrichment Week
We understand that committing to a six-week module without knowing if your child will enjoy the class can make the decision harder. We know what we offer, and we’re confident your child will love it, but we want to support you.
From December 10 - 12, we are offering try-out classes each day. Prior registration is required, and capacity is limited. Please email us at info@collaborativeeducationcenter to enroll.
- Cost per class: $35.
- 90-minute class.
- Snack provided.
Schedule:
- Tuesday, December 10, 10:00–11:30 AM: STEM (Grades K-2).
- Tuesday, December 10, 10:00–11:30 AM: Cuentos de Papel y Tiempo de Crear en Español (Grades K-3).
- Wednesday, December 11, 9:30–11:00 AM: STEM and Storytime (Ages 5 & 6).
- Thursday, December 12, 9:30–11:00 AM: Sensory Storytime, for out-of-the-box little learners (Grades K-2).
- Thursday, December 12, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM: STEM (Grades 3-5).
Maker Space Morning is Back in December!
Join us on December 17th, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm for a fun time of building and creativity!
Our Maker Space Morning is back to Collaborative Education Center!
Come explore our center while your child engages in a free makerspace activity.
This is event is specially designed for homeschool children, ages 5-12.
What your child will gain by attending this event:
- Time to socialize with peers.
- Space to explore their own ideas.
- Guidance to see themselves problem solvers.
- Grades K-6.
- When: December 17.
- Time: 11:30-1:00PM.
- Free and healthy snacks will be provided.
Spaces are limited, and prior registration is required.
Don’t wait until it’s too late!
*This class is only offered to new students who have not attended a class before.
Click on the link below to register.
Enrichment Classes
STEM
We offer STEM classes for children's ages 5 - 12. Our classes are designed to engage children in hands-on learning and play-based exploration while solving design challenges using the steps of the engineering design process.
Learning engineering is a developmental process. It’s about fostering a habit of mind through repeated experiences that help children see themselves as problem solvers, envision multiple solutions, investigate properties and uses of materials, build persistence, and learn from what they could have done differently.
We find that our unique approach to learning and supporting child development creates a positive learning environment where children want to come back again and again.
STEM Grades K-2. Tuesdays 10-11:30am.
STEM Grades 3-5.Thursdays 11:30-1:00 pm.
Taught by certified teachers.
6 week module. Previous registration is required.
Storytime & STEM
Introducing a new module for 5 & 6 years old, science lovers!
Storytime and STEM is designed to help children: foster new friendships, develop the capacity to solve problems and engage in hands-on activities that strengthen critical thinking skills. Sessions include storytime, group or individual building projects using playdough, Legos, or makerspace materials.
Wednesdays 9:30-11:00 am.
Ages 5 & 6.
Taught by certified teachers.
6 Week module. Previous registration is required.
Drop - In Playdates. Grades 3 - 5
Play, explore, socialize and learn a little too!
Wednesdays 11:30-1:00 pm.
Grades 3-5.
Taught by certified teachers.
Previous registration is required.
Cuentos de Papel y Tiempo de Crear en Español!
Does this sound familiar? Mom, Dad, or both parents speak Spanish, but your child insists on speaking only in English?
Learning a second language is incredibly important, and we’re here to help reinforce it.
Our Spanish module is always interactive and fun! Each week, children are introduced to new vocabulary through engaging activities like games, storytime, crafts, and repetition. Students will enjoy memory games, flashcards, song games, the mystery box, and charades—all designed to make learning enjoyable. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish from start to finish.
To participate fully, children should have a beginner-level knowledge of Spanish and be able to read and write independently in English.
Tuesdays 10:00-11:30 am.
Grades K-3.
Taught by a native Spanish speaker.
Previous registration is required. 6 week Module.
Sensory Storytime
New class Starting in January!
Join us for "Sensory Story Time," a tactile and sensory-friendly learning adventure. We'll create a calm environment by softening the lighting, reducing noise, and minimizing distractions, perfect for outside-the-box little learners who need peaceful accommodations to thrive and make the most of their experience. Interactive Each week children will enjoy: Read aloud through engaging stories that spark imagination and curiosity; Sensory fun time, with exciting activities that stimulate the senses and promote learning, and collaborative activities giving your child the opportunity to work with friends, foster conversation, and develop creativity.
Thursdays 9:30 -11:00 am.
Grades K-2.
Taught by a certified special education teacher/BCBA.
Previous registration is required. 6 week Module.
Schedule for Enrichment Classes
Tutoring in Math and Literacy
We offer personalized tutoring in math and literacy. We understand that every child is different and unique, so why should they all learn the same way?
Our plans leverage each child’s strengths to support them in areas where they need additional help.
We know that every child is naturally curious and wants to learn, so we prioritize building a connection with them to ensure their success.
Our teachers are certified with over 20 years of experience in education and hold master’s degrees in special education, and reading instruction.
In literacy, our teachers incorporate the five components of the science of reading, along with their knowledge and expertise in the Fundations Phonics program, the Orton-Gillingham approach, UFLI Foundations program in each of our sessions.
In math, a multisensory approach is combined with the use of hands-on, concrete strategies to help students grow and succeed. Our math sessions integrate movement into learning, provide visual representations like bar diagrams and graphic organizers, and focus on direct instruction and review based on explicit learning objectives. This ensures that students build a strong foundation in basic math facts and move confidently from concrete to abstract concepts.
How to Register
- Schedule a visit to our center (link below). We want to make sure we are the right fit for your family.
- Complete online registration form after your visit (link to be emailed).
- Payment.
- Attend enrichment class or tutoring session.
Celebrate Your Child's Birthday With Us!
Make Your Child’s Birthday Unforgettable with our STEM-Themed Parties!
Perfect for kids ages 5–12, our hands-on STEM parties are packed with fun and excitement.
Planning is easy:
- Pick a date.
- Choose a theme.
- Gather your guest list.
- Bring the cake.
- We’ll handle the rest, goodie bags included!
Choose from these amazing themes:
- LEGO Party: Perfect for little builders.
- Slime Party: A gooey good time for science and art lovers.
- Maker Space Party: Creativity unleashed for out-of-the-box thinkers.
Ideal for indoor fun during the chilly season.
Let us make your celebration stress-free and unforgettable. Contact us today to reserve your date!
For more details and price information email us at: info@collaborativeeducationcenter.com
We are offering a 10% discount to the first family booking a birthday party in December.
Looking for a Fun Family Activity?
Family STEM Nights. Open to Everyone.
Our STEM enrichment classes are a favorite among students, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills through fun and exciting design challenges.
This winter we’re thrilled to offer parents and families the chance to join us for an engaging, hands-on Family STEM Night at our center!
Details:
- Third Thursday of each month. 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Fee: $35 per family. Based on enrollment.
- Pre-registration required.
- Design challenges for: Grades K-5 .
- Parents must attend with their child.
How to register?
Email us at info@collaborativeeducationcenter.com
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity for your family to explore STEM in a fun and nurturing environment! 🚀
Calling all PTOs! Fundraiser Family STEM Nights (Private Event).
We are excited to expand our Family STEM Nights to all the elementary schools in the area!
We'll provide everything you need to make this event a success while helping you raise money for your school's needs.
Want to know more? Email us at: info@collaborativeeducationcenter.com
Planning Ahead
Please take a look at the starting dates for our enrichment modules for the winter and spring sessions, and make one of our classes part of your 2025 child's schedule.
- Winter I Enrichment Module : Begins on 01/06, ends on 02/13.
- Winter II Enrichment Module: Begins on 02/24, ends on 04/03.
- Spring I Enrichment Module: Begins on 04/14, ends on 05/22.
- 06/01/2025: Stay tuned for our summer offerings. More information to come!
Welcome New Staff
Welcome Kathleen (Kelly) Cabell!
We’re thrilled to welcome Kathleen Cabell to our center!
Kelly brings over 35 years of experience as an elementary school teacher in both, West Hartford, and Farmington, where she specialized in fostering academic success through engaging and innovative teaching methods.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Science in School Counseling.
Kelly's expertise includes math and literacy instruction, curriculum design, and tailored support for diverse learning needs. Her warm, student-centered approach and dedication to education make her an invaluable addition to our center. We’re excited for your children to learn and thrive under her guidance!
Partnerships
KLR Consulting LLC
Are you seeking effective strategies to support your child's behavioral, social/emotional, academic, and organizational development? Katie Rossini would love to support you and your child.
As a certified special education teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, she is dedicated to providing personalized support for families of children with special needs.
How to Get Started:
Reach out to your provider at Collaborative Education Center, LLC to ask how to sign up for a consultation with Katie. Email: info@collaborativeeducationcenter.com.
The Center for Emotional Healing, LLC
- Are you wondering if your child could benefit from therapy?
- Is there something more going on that needs attention?
The Center for Emotional Healing, LLC is proudly partnering with us to offer comprehensive mental health assessments for children.
How to Get Started
Reach out to your provider at Collaborative Education Center, LLC to ask how to sign up for an assessment with one of our mental health professionals.
Pediatric and Adolescent Speech Therapy Associates
With 25 years of combined experience, Annabell, Rebecca and Lisa, offer individual and group therapy for children from birth to adolescence, addressing communication and feeding disorders. Their services include: comprehensive evaluations (speech, language, feeding, bilingual English/Spanish), pragmatic communication assessments, and consultations. These ASHA- and state-certified clinicians provide expert care in early, medical, and educational intervention settings.
How to Get Started
Reach out to your provider at Collaborative Education Center, LLC, at info@collaborativeeducationcenter.com to ask how to sign up for an assessment with one of our speech therapy professionals.
Collaborative Education Center Family Corner
Raffle Winner: We want to hear from you survey.
Thank you to everyone who completed the survey, We Want to Hear from You. Your answers are a valuable resource for us and help us improve our offerings for you and your children.
We are excited to announce that the winner of a free class is the Bennett Family! Thank you for your support, and congratulations on your prize. You'll receive an email this upcoming week with all the details.
Families currently attending one of our classes or tutoring sessions, please take some time to read!
Help Us Grow!
Calling All Our Current Families . If you haven't submitted a Google review yet, please take a few minutes to do so. Parents want to hear from other parents. We are confident in the service we provide and the connections we build with each student, but the best advertising comes from sharing your experiences. Please click on the link below to submit your review.
On Going Referral Program
Spread the Word. Refer a family to us and make sure to ask them to mention your name. If they enroll in one of our modules or tutoring sessions, your child will receive a STEM Challenge kit as a gift.
Busy Hands - Inquisitive Minds in Action
Meet Natalie and Tatiana
Natalie has a background in special education and education administration. She holds teaching certifications in regular education and special education in Connecticut and New York. She brings over 20 years of teaching and administrative experience. Natalie’s background knowledge in assessment, instruction, and curriculum provides a strong foundation for the programs at the center.
Tatiana's background is in Marketing and Corporate Marketing. Before becoming a mother, she worked full-time in one of the biggest companies worldwide. When her first daughter was born, she decided to stay home. In a blink of an eye, her daughters were in 4th and 2nd grade, and she decided to go back to work, serving as the Admissions and Marketing Coordinator at her daughters' school. That time provided her with a deep understanding of education and connections with parents and students. Tatiana is fluent in Spanish and is passionate about creating an organized and welcoming space for the center.