First of Its Kind Pilot Program for Preschoolers Launched in Central Florida
Central Florida is setting the stage for a groundbreaking educational initiative that aims to revolutionize preschool education in the region. The new pilot program explores innovative ways of learning for local preschoolers, making it a pioneer project in the nation.
Exploring New Learning Approaches
The 8-month long pilot program kicked off on June 14th at Young Innovators Academy campuses located in Oviedo and Winter Garden, as well as at participating Early Learning Coalition Centers in Orange County. Sponsored by The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County and spearheaded by the Orlando-based Young Innovators Academy and EPIC Innovation Collective educators, the Empowering Communities to Shape Their Worlds project introduces a maker-centered learning approach. This strategy puts students, parents, and teachers at the forefront, empowering them to create their own learning experiences.
Empowering Communities through Innovation
To initiate the program, educators, parents, and community partners embarked on a tour of the Young Innovators Academy campus in Winter Garden. This provided them with firsthand exposure to the maker-centered model in action. Participants had the chance to interact with prominent educators such as Dr. Edward Clapp, Dr. Scott Fritz, CEO of ELCOC, and Young Innovators founder Marnie Forestieri. Through the Young Innovators Foundation, Marnie Forestieri is instrumental in bringing this cutting-edge program to the Orlando community.
Shifting the Focus in Education
Marnie Forestieri, CEO and Founder of Young Innovators Academy, emphasized the need to move away from outdated teacher instruction models. She highlighted that traditional memorization and teacher-directed learning can hinder children's creative potential. Forestieri stressed that shifting the focus to a child-centered approach is essential to empowering communities.
Pioneering Educational Methods
Dr. Scott Fritz, CEO of The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, emphasizing the importance of adapting teaching methods to meet the evolving needs of young learners. Through this pilot initiative, educators will have the opportunity to learn from leading experts in early childhood education and implement innovative approaches to engage young minds in Central Florida.
Building Maker Empowerment
The program's creator, Edward Clapp, Ed.D., outlined the goal of achieving 'maker empowerment' among children. This involves developing a design sensibility and the ability to shape one's world, even at a young age. Maker-empowered individuals view themselves as creators of experiences, not just consumers of design.
Fostering Creativity through Maker-Centered Learning
By engaging in maker-centered learning, children and adults delve into the intricacies of objects and systems. They explore the nuances of design and learn to effect changes through building, tinkering, redesigning, or hacking. The primary outcome is maker empowerment, instilling a design sensibility and the capacity to shape one's environment.
Commitment to Innovation
The initiative is facilitated by a team of educators and innovators including Dr. Clapp, Lindsey Hicks, and Lisa Yokana from the EPIC Innovation Collective. This group is dedicated to pioneering new paths in education and creating a better world through innovative approaches.
Supporting the Program
The pilot program is made possible through funding from the ELCOC, the Young Innovators Foundation, and generous donors. Dr. Clapp, a Principal Investigator at Project Zero, collaborates with educators worldwide to explore creativity, design-centered learning, and entrepreneurial education.