A core part of the mission for Family Learning Lab is to address the paint points of our homeschooling community. We have been made aware by multiple families that there is a significant need for programs that are inclusive for kids of all abilities. Many of these families have turned to homeschooling in order to meet their children’s specific needs, but find themselves at a loss for appropriate social activities for their children. And while we aim to be an inclusive space for all families, we understand that some big behaviors can hinder the ability of other students to study. Still, we feel there may be a way to offer our space to help families in these situations.
While we don’t have any special training, licensing, or deep understanding of how to best support and care for children with varying abilities, we do have big hearts that desire to address the unmet needs of families in our community. Our already established family learning model works well for all types of families because we simply come alongside parents and caregivers and work as a team to provide what we can to support homeschooling kids.
Because of our unique position in the homeschooling community, we have outlined a new program that will provide process art experiences and social opportunities for kids of different abilities.
PROPOSAL: Process Art Social Club
We are excited to announce our proposal for a 6-month pilot program: the Process Art Social Club, held Wednesday afternoons from 2:00–3:00 PM at Family Learning Lab. This program will offer up to 12 children ages 5 to 16 a gentle, welcoming space to explore art, share laughs, and connect with others in a low-pressure, relaxed environment. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend alongside their children and participate as needed.
Each week, children will get to explore and experiment with a different type of process art. This typically involves using a unique material or object to paint with on mixed media paper. This provides and excellent starting base for creative expression and students will be allowed to take their projects further as their interest and ability guide them.
Because we are not a licensed special needs center, we want to be clear about the environment we’re offering. Children attending this program should be able to:
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Sit at a table for a short period of time
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Follow basic instructions (with or without the help of their parent/caregiver)
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Participate in a shared creative activity in a group setting
- Allow other participants to share, interact with others, and feel welcome
We will do our best to accommodate a variety of needs through our flexible format and caregiver participation.
Most importantly, we are committed to making all families feel welcome, seen, and supported.
How You Can Help Us Launch This Program
This program will not start until it is fully funded. Program cost will be $10 per participant, unless excess donations are received in which case the price will be adjusted accordingly.
We are currently seeking donations and sponsorships to bring this program to life and make it accessible to as many families as possible.
Program Costs:
$200 – Classroom Tempera Paint Set
$140 – 4 bulk packs of Mixed Media Paper
$300 – Additional materials such as clay, sensory tools, etc.
Cash Donations, In Kind Donations, Store & Amazon Gift Cards are all welcome.
All donors will be gratefully recognized with social media shout-outs, “Sponsored by” mentions on event promotions, and thank-yous in our weekly print and email newsletters.
Want to make an even bigger impact?
Additional donations will be applied towards our $10 per child program fees to bring the cost down even more for participants:
- $576 donation brings the program costs down to $8 per participant
- $1440 donation brings the program costs down to $5 per participant
- $2880 donation makes the program free for participants!
Interested donors are invited to contact Family Learning Lab at [email protected]
