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Community-Centered Preschool Offers Fine Arts
Carmel Mountain Preschool greets visitors with a message of being “the perfect place for your child to grow.” The preschool’s mission is to provide a loving, supportive, educational environment where children can participate in programs that promote individual growth and a lifelong love of learning.
Owners Dan and Pauline Condrick opened the doors to the facility in 1983 as a way to give back to their community, as well as allow for some family time. The school has grown to fit the needs of the community. They started with 10 classrooms, and then added 10 more three years later. Today, it welcomes young learners from several communities in North County, including Rancho Penasquitos, 4S Ranch, Santa Luz, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, Carmel Mountain and Carmel Valley.
The preschool offers programs for children ages 2-4, a pre-kindergarten and a private kindergarten with a six-hour curriculum day with a core curriculum of reading arts, writing, mathematics, social science and Spanish. They also offer a fine arts concentration including gymnastics, music, woodworking and science. There is also a before- and after-school program, which includes transportation to and from area public schools.
Carmel Mountain Preschool is located at 9510 Carmel Mountain Rd., San Diego, 92129. Call 858-484-4977 or visit www.carmelmountainpreschool.com. |
Education with the Comfort of Home
Lisa’s Lil Tikes Preschool has sharpened the minds of area youngsters for the past 18 years. Since opening a childcare in her home in 1990, owner Lisa Daniels has expanded her business to three locations and added a full preschool program.
“I did this because I love children,” says Daniels. “They keep me young and keep me laughing everyday, and I love a good challenge.”
Lisa’s Lil Tikes is unique in that it mixes the feel of home with the learning experience of school. Each facility follows a set curriculum, and offers classroom activities that enhance children’s excitement for learning. Children can also enjoy fun and exiting play yards to fulfill the physical aspects of play.
The facility accepts children from birth up to 12 years old. Service areas include El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Lakeside, Alpine, San Carlos, Del Cerro, Allied Gardens and San Diego.
Lisa’s Lil Tikes facilities are located in La Mesa and El Cajon. Contact them at 4351 Parks Ave., La Mesa, or call 619-460-6432. A second La Mesa facility is located at 8475 La Mesa Blvd, or call 619-460-0393. The El Cajon location is at 8035 Winter Gardens Blvd. Call 619-561-8220 for more information. |
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Body Beautiful
As more people choose to enhance their appearance with laser and cosmetic surgery procedures, it is vitally important to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon. Robert A. Shumway, M.D., F.A.C.S., offers his patients modern techniques for body shaping, facial rejuvenation and breast augmentation.
Located on the Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla campus, Shumway Cosmetic Surgery offers a full array of body and facial cosmetic surgical procedures, as well as non-surgical injectables such as Botox and Juvéderm. Dr. Shumway and his staff also perform facial peels and micropeels to correct sun-damaged skin.
Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA) allows implants to be inserted through an existing scar (the navel) to eliminate outside scarring with a faster recovery and better results. Depending on the breast augmentation procedure patients choose, both saline and silicone filled Natrelle implants are available.
Ultrasonic liposuction uses sound waves to soften tissue so extraction is smoother and easier with less bruising. Dr. Shumway uses this technology for tummy tucks, body shaping and body lifts.
Dr. Shumway uses laser surgery to streamline many procedures such as facelifts, blepharoplasty (eyelid rejuvenation) and rhinoplasty (nose reshaping). Patients heal faster and return to normal daily activities sooner.
Many Americans consider cosmetic surgery a safe and reasonable investment. Cosmetic surgery has the potential to change lives and help people feel good about themselves.
Contact Shumway Cosmetic Surgery at
www.shumwaycosmeticsurgery.com or call 858-587-2640. |
No Boys Allowed
San Diego girls have a new party place designed exclusively for them: It’s All About the Girl. Located in Point Loma’s historic Liberty Station marketplace at 2445 Truxtun Road, Suite 201, this venue offers all-inclusive party packages for groups of up to 20 girls, ages 4 through 16, who want to celebrate birthdays, Sweet Sixteen parties, team victories, graduations, holidays and other special occasions.
“Everyone loves a party!” says owner Mary Wilson, who founded the business with Rebecca Mashburn, Kelly Brehm and Suzie Wydra. All four women are educators with a passion for empowering girls to grow strong, independent and confident.
“We really believe there’s a need for a safe place where girls can have fun, be themselves, and strengthen the bonds of friendship. In the spirit of fun, It’s All About The Girl will help girls develop the kind of self-esteem that comes from doing activities they really enjoy,” says Wilson.
Clients can rent one of four party rooms for themed parties such as Pretty as a Princess, Party Like a Rock Star or Get Your Groove On. Each room includes a karaoke stage and craft area, plus refreshments like pizza, cake and drinks. There is also a beauty center where girls can get special hair-dos, gloss and nails, as well as a retail store for fun shopping sprees. “Girls on the Go” walk-in packages are also available.
Visit www.itsallaboutthegirl.com to plan the perfect party, order and redeem gift certificates, sign up for a monthly “Girl Talk” newsletter or to purchase and send gifts. For more information, call 619-222-GIRL. |
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Piecing Together the Handwriting Puzzle
One of the most fundamental yet most frequently overlooked developmental skills is hand-writing. As an occupational therapist, Karin Hessellund Warner recognized that many students struggle because of substandard skills, yet had nowhere to turn for help in improving those abilities. That’s why she founded The Handwriting Puzzle.
Using a five-step approach that she developed herself, Warner works with school age children one-on-one or in small groups for weekly, one-hour sessions. She assesses each child’s hand control, grasp, hand and eye coordination, and sensory processing. She then uses her five-step program to teach students how to improve letter formation, line orientation, sizing, spacing and pressure. This multi-step approach breaks the process into manageable pieces so kids can be successful.
Students who lack strong handwriting skills might avoid homework or partially complete school assignments. As they get older and poor habits become more ingrained, children might not fulfill their potential because of an easily resolved stumbling block. Hessellund’s program helps children of all ages and abilities to master one of the main components of communication: the written word.
The Handwriting Puzzle is the only service of its type in the area. Located on the border of Carlsbad and San Marcos, clients from all over San Diego seek out Warner’s clinical and academic experience. The result is confident learners who carry that self-assurance into other areas of school and their lives.
New clients meet with Warner for a free, 30-minute consultation. To learn more, call 858-735-9572, or visit www.handwritingpuzzle.com. |
Have a Splash Bash at Floaties Swim School
Floaties Swim School started out with co-owner/instructor Mike Morrill “floating” from pool to pool giving swim lessons. Today the school is housed in a 6,000 square-foot facility open year-round, and Mike’s teaching staff has expanded to include 12 other instructors.
The new location, at 13180 Poway Rd. in Poway, opened in May. The facility features a heated indoor saltwater pool, locker rooms, observation hall, outdoor patio and playroom. Karyn Morrill, Mike’s wife and partner, says the playroom, complete with a flat screen TV, toys and games, is a great way to help kids relax before lessons, adding a unique element of fun to the learning process.
While the facility is new, Floaties’ soft touch approach to teaching is the same. Classes average a 3:1 ratio, building skills, safety awareness and confidence in a fun, relaxed setting. Open enrollment policies allow children to join at any time. Students are grouped by age but receive individualized instruction to meet their skill level. In addition to basic swim instruction, Floaties offers a STROKES class for children ages 6 to 8. Students learn four basic strokes, build endurance and strength and improve hand/eye coordination. Floaties is great for kids interested in joining a swim team.
Visit www.floatiesswimschool.com or call 877-277-SWIM for more information about lessons, registration and party events. |
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Private Showing for New Parents
One of the first lessons new parents learn after the birth of a baby is that going out for the evening isn’t as easy as it used to be. Six years ago, UltraStar Cinemas recognized this need and developed a special program exclusively for parents of young children.
Parent Movie Mornings are held once each week at 10 a.m., either Wednesday or Thursday depending on location, at five of their eight San Diego theater locations. Adult admission is $5.50 and children 3 and under are free. This special showing features several unique amenities, all designed to create a comfortable and relaxed moviegoing experience for new moms and dads.
The best part of Parent Movie Mornings is that parents are able to bring their child with them and not worry about disturbing other guests. UltraStar Cinemas also provides stroller parking, dimmed lights, toned down sound and changing tables in the theater so parents no longer miss the best part of the movie! Geared toward parents with children under one year, it features recently released films for mature audiences. Families with toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy the family-friendly Kidtoons program, a Saturday and Sunday showing at 10:30 a.m. Each month a new G-rated movie is featured, and admission is $2.50 per person.
Visit www.ultrastarmovies.com for theater locations and other events. |
Set the Pace for Learning at Montessori American School
The words are simple, yet the message is heartening: “Help Me Do It By Myself.” That’s the concept behind the Montessori American School in Bonita, where students, ages 2 to 6, are given the necessary tools to learn hands-on and at their own pace. Teachers are dedicated to helping the children realize their unlimited potential for learning and personal achievement. They do this by providing a warm and loving environment and by using interactive lessons, beautiful materials, and indoor and outdoor learning areas.
The Montessori approach allows each child to experience a variety of roles. A younger child may learn from older children, which helps them to assume greater responsibility while preparing to be role models as they age.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Montessori American School was founded in 1988 by school Principal Edith Gruener, who has more than 35 years of experience teaching the Montessori model. Gruener’s mission is to meet the needs of all her students. In addition to knowledge, children gain independence, self-confidence and mutual respect. Through school activities, the students become physically healthy, mentally and psychologically fulfilled.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Montessori American School is located at 3604 Bonita Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91911. Call 619-422-5528 for more information or visit them online at www.montessoriamerican.com |
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SeekingSitters Offers Parents Peace of Mind
Some parents are fortunate enough to live close to family or have trusted neighbors to help out with childcare needs. For those who do not, SeekingSitters is the answer.
A full-service babysitter referral agency serving San Diego County, SeekingSitters connects parents with trustworthy, experienced childcare providers who have been extensively screened and personally interviewed by co-owner Jeannine Short.
SeekingSitters’ database includes sitters available for full-time, part-time and/or occasional assignments. Each candidate must meet the company’s rigorous standards: be 18 and older, CPR and first aid certified, have previous childcare experience and pass a background check performed by a private investigator. Families pay a one-time membership fee and go through a client screening process. This allows Jeannine to refer the most appropriate babysitters for each family’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking for a sitter for a Moms’ night out, last-minute childcare or a full-time provider, SeekingSitters can make the match.
SeekingSitters, part of a national franchise, was established in March 2008 by Jeannine and Nole Short because of the difficulties they experienced firsthand in finding reliable childcare. Only those candidates Jeannine and Nole would feel comfortable having in their own home are accepted.
Gift certificates make a great gift for new parents, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or to treat a hardworking couple to a night out. For more information, call 760-805-8700 or go to www.seekingsitters.com. |
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Experience the Power of Homeschooling with The Learning Choice Academy
You have choices in your child’s education. Can you imagine a 1:1 class ratio? A program individualized for your child? Choosing curriculum based on his level and learning style in different subjects or receiving funding for specialized classes based on his unique interests? This is the power of homeschooling and the Learning Choice Academy can help. In addition to the traditional benefits of homeschooling, we offer a large amount of high quality events exclusively for our students.
The innovative Full Day program provides a day of classes for your child at a TLC site. The core part of the class is theme-based, covering history/language arts; units vary each semester. Low teacher/student ratio classes are grouped by age level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12). Other core themes featuring guests and hands-on activities include: Oceans, Rome, Colonies, Missions, Art Museum, Desert, Fairy Tales, Game Factory and more.
The Learning Choice Academy’s Full Day program contracts with leading enrichment organizations throughout San Diego to provide exciting, high-quality adventure classes for enrolled students. This year we will offer adventure classes in World Music, Puppetry, Spanish, Animal Science, Circus, Art and more.
All four locations—Eastlake, La Mesa, Scripps Ranch and Temecula—are now enrolling for fall. Schedules and class descriptions are available at www.learningchoice.org. Register in time for our Welcome Back picnic and to reserve your spot in the Full Day program |
Making Dentistry a Walk in the Park
Carlsbad Children’s Dentistry (CCD) knows a visit to the dentist can be stressful for both children and parents. Drs. Via Cuisia and Darshan Dabir strive to make each patient feel relaxed and comfortable, and reassure parents by providing high-quality, technologically advanced treatment.
Their services include cavity prevention for infants through teens, oral hygiene and diet counseling to prevent cavities and treatment of tooth decay and related problems. The office is equipped with cutting edge technology such as laser cavity detection, digital x-rays and computerized local anesthesia delivery.
Both dentists are experienced in caring for children of all ages, including special needs children and those not comfortable receiving dental care. Laughing gas, oral sedatives or general anesthesia is available, in-office, at Children’s Hospital and at Kaiser Hospital.
Much of Dr. Cuisia and Dr. Dabir’s care focuses on preventative measures. They use a “show and tell” technique to help young patients understand concepts like germs and healthy brushing. The office has been outfitted to make dental care a pleasant, convenient experience for families. Parents can enjoy gourmet coffee and free Wi-Fi, while kids play games in the reception area, decorated to resemble a park. Treatment rooms feature a TV mounted in the ceiling to help relax children during examination. Carlsbad Children’s Dentistry gives back to the community by promoting oral health education in neighborhood schools and sponsoring youth sports programs.
CCD is located at 3257 Camino de Los Coches, Suite 304, in Carlsbad. Call 760-633-1131 to make an appointment today. |
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Ultrazone
The proof of ULTRAZONE The Ultimate Laser Adventure’s popularity is in the numbers. In business for 13 years, more than 1.7 million people have played at their facility, and the business has hosted more than 23,000 birthday parties. In 2007, ULTRAZONE was ranked No. 16 among San Diego’s top tourist attractions by the San Diego Business Journal, a Top 20 ranking they consistently achieve.
ULTRAZONE is a 5,000-square-foot, multi-level indoor laser tag arena located at 3146 Sports Arena Blvd, Suite 21, in San Diego. Themed like a futuristic underground city, the arena features state-of-the-art laser tag equipment (including real time play and scoring), black lights, theatrical fog, mazes, passageways and professional sound system. The facility can accommodate up to 36 players at a time.
In addition to offering casual play, ULTRAZONE offers turnkey hosted party packages and a nationally- recognized corporate team-building program. A popular family destination, players who visited the area when it first opened are now sharing the fun with their kids!
Open seven days a week with extended hours for Late Night at the Zone play on Friday and Saturday, the laser tag facility welcomes players 7 and up. ULTRAZONE staff supervise all play to ensure safety.
For more information, visit www.ultrazonesandiego.com or call (619) 221-0100. |
ABC Children's Dentistry
Children have different dental care needs than adults do, so it makes sense to select a provider who specializes in pediatric dentistry. For more than 17 years, Dr. Roya Sadrian and her highly trained, professional staff have been providing outstanding care to their young patients.
ABC Children’s Dentistry opened its 12778 Rancho Penasquitos Blvd. location in 2004. They provide complete, comprehensive care for children from infancy through the teen years. These services include professional cleanings, exams, x-rays, fluoride application, sealants, root canals, crowns, tooth-colored fillings, space maintainers, phase I orthodontics and referrals for oral surgery and advanced orthodontics.
Recognizing that some children are nervous or frightened when visiting the dentist, Dr. Sadrian created a relaxed office environment. Kids can enjoy video games and movies both before and during treatment. Additionally, ABC Children’s Dentistry offers conscious sedation, in office, and hospital-based general anesthesia if needed.
The advantage of choosing a pediatric dentist, says Dr. Sadrian, is that everyone is specifically trained to work with children. Her staff members are warm, caring and patient. Children aren’t rushed through treatment, and parents are allowed in the examination room to reassure their child.
Dr. Sadrian is currently accepting new fee-for-service patients, as well as those with PPO insurance. For more information, call (858) 780-9794 or visit www.abcchildrensdentistry.com. |
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San Diego Academy of Ballet
Boys, ages 4 and up, receive specialized and unique ballet instruction at San Diego Academy of Ballet (SDAB) in the Boys’ Program. Boys learn the Russian (Vaganova) male technique, which is characterized by its athleticism and artistic style, from former Bolshoi dancer Maxim Tchernychev, the co-founder and co-director of SDAB with former San Diego ballerina Sylvia Poolos-Tchernycheva.
The Tchernychevs started SDAB seven years ago with a vision of high quality ballet and ballet theater instruction. In this short time, faculty and students have earned awards for instruction, choreography and dance technique and performance. For example, SDAB teen student Kiril Kulish has won top awards four consecutive years in an international ballet competition (www.yagp.org). He now has a starring role in the Broadway musical “Billy Elliot” that opens in New York this fall.
Mr. Tchernychev teaches boys ages 6-12 exercises to develop strength and flexibility, and choreography. They work hard and have a good time, and the younger boys love having their own class. Boys are given a scholarship to attend this class.
Older boys join the appropriate class in SDAB’s Pre-Professional Division, where they also receive specific instruction in the Russian male technique. All boys are given opportunities to perform if they desire. Boy dancers were in a recent All-School performance at The Poway Center for the Performing Arts.
SDAB offers a comprehensive ballet, tap and jazz curriculum to students ages 3 and up, and adult classes. SDAB is conveniently located in Kearny Mesa, at 4696 Ruffner Rd. Please visit our Website at www.sdab.org. |
The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps
Community Center
The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center is a 12.4-acre family support, education, recreation and cultural arts center, made possible by a generous gift from the late philanthropist Mrs. Joan Kroc. Joan Kroc's vision was to offer children, adults and seniors opportunities to reach their full potential, without financial boundary. The Kroc Center’s indoor skatepark, ice arena, recreation field, state-of-the-art theatre, fitness center, rock wall, gymnasium, three pools and Education Center help provide opportunities that facilitate positive, life-changing experiences through art, athletics, personal development, spiritual discovery and community service. The multi-venue campus is open to members and the general public. The Kroc Center serves residents of East San Diego, La Mesa and Lemon Grove with a variety of quality programs for people of all ages. The Kroc Center also offers scholarships to those in need. If you haven’t been to The Kroc Center yet, please come by any time for a tour. We think you’ll agree that it’s a magical place with boundless opportunity around every turn. Don't forget to check out our American Camp Association Accredited day camps and unique birthday party packages, too. For more information, call 619-287-KROC or visit www.kroccenter.org. The Kroc Center is located at 6845 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115. |
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The Scientific Benefits of Early Second Language Instruction
Research confirms that early second language instruction benefits children throughout their lives, widely accepted and supported by many studies both in the U.S. and abroad. Learning a second language in early childhood aids in the development of learning, from stimulating and growing certain areas of the brain to greater facility in learning more languages as an adult. Among the areas of learning stimulated by knowledge of a second language are mathematics, analytical thinking, technical ability and musical talent.
Just as important, learning another language creates students who are more likely to be open-minded, curious citizens of the world, more tolerant toward and interested in other cultures. It takes away the ignorance and fear of the unknown that leads to prejudice and cultural isolation.
Discerning parents choose La Petite Ecole English French Learning Academy, San Diego’s newest French bilingual education school, to teach and nurture their children.
At La Petite Ecole, 3219 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., directors Thierry and Florence Pasquet draw on the hundreds of years of tradition that is the foundation of the national French educational system and continues to produce college graduates each year who perform at the top levels of scholarship. Both come from long lines of teachers who have made the success and well being of students their first priority. With decades of training and experience between them, they are realizing their dream of creating a school that combines the best aspects of the French education tradition and the excitement of innovative American teaching techniques.
For information, call (858) 274-2890 or visit www.petite-ecole.com. |
Building a Montessori Foundation for Children
Oak Knoll Montessori in Poway has served as the educational starting point for preschoolers for more than 25 years. In 2006, the school opened a second location for pre-K to first grade students from the surrounding communities.
Candy Young, owner and executive director, says the Montessori curriculum is especially advantageous for young children, building on their natural curiosity to develop a lifelong love of learning.
Based on Maria Montessori’s philosophy, this curriculum allows each child to progress at his own pace in a hands-on environment. Teachers guide discovery and reflect Young’s personal philosophy that every child is a gift; therefore, every child is gifted. In addition to knowledge, children gain self-confidence and mutual respect through individual and group activities.
The Oak Knoll faculty and families are an integral part of the school experience, says Young. Many of the teachers have been on staff for more than 10 years, and like Young, are college educated with specialized Montessori training. Teachers and students come from a variety of cultural backgrounds, creating an awareness of and appreciation for diversity. The school offers flexible scheduling options, including half- and full-day attendance, extended hours and year-round classes. The summer program features exciting science topics such as the rainforest, paleontology, geology, ocean life and ecology. Oak Knoll Montessori, Inc. offers preschool classes for potty-trained children ages 2-4 at 12334 Oak Knoll Rd. Pre-K, kindergarten and first grade classes are held at 15010 Pomerado Rd. For more information, visit www.oakknollmontessori.com or call 858-486-0346, 858-883-2985. |
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