philosophy
Four Pillars of GaragePod
Nature and Community are intertwined. Children learn that when they care for the natural world, they also care for the community in which they live. Civic responsibility is a huge part of GaragePod. Our podsters regularly clean trash from trails and creeks and grow veggies to donate to our local food pantry.
Movement is vital for children's growth. All children need practice with uneven surfaces, climbing up and down hills, balancing atop fallen trees and slippery stones. Movement also includes fine motor manipulation of tools and crafts as well as gross motor activities. The pandemic and other cultural changes have affected the spirit of childhood physical development. At GaragePod, we seek to reclaim and support a risk-taking, fearlessness in children. Children hike, perform AcroYoga, take dance classes, karate and also balance atop spools in our mud kitchen!
Free Play means that as teachers and adults we step back and let children engage in unbridled, imaginative play. Through free play, children inevitably explore social dynamics so they can come together as a group to solve problems. GaragePod staff is always on-hand to help children navigate conflicts and build upon the skills of peacemaking.
Creativity is the gem of childhood. At GaragePod, children have the opportunity to learn instruments, be an artist, make up games with friends, and be free to be who who they are.
Access
GaragePod thrives best with participants from a range of socio-economic and diverse backgrounds. We encourage all children to participate in our programs including those with IEPs, 504 plans and English-Language Learners.
We took a lot of care and consideration to come up with a pricing plan that is comparable to hiring a babysitter. We offer sibling discounts and a flexible payment plan for qualified families. We also have a partnership with SPRING Community Partners, a local nonprofit that helps to provide funding for children to attend our after school program.