A new play-based, STEAM-focused preschool has opened in Belmont.
First established in Connecticut in 1998, Youbellor Child Academy on Brighton Street is one of several Youbellor centers across the country, and the third in Massachusetts. Its focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, more commonly referred to as STEAM, prioritizes children’s ability to think, according to its website.
“Our program is based on research that child play—that using process over product— encourages children to think out of the box,” said Director MaryEllen Hussey. “It gets them ready for the 21st century.”
Youbellor, which moved into the space previously occupied by Athena Academy, is welcoming children from 18 months to 5 years old, according to Hussey. Eventually, the school hopes to open its doors to children younger than 18 months. The school accepts state childcare vouchers.
“We’re all inclusive. We’re multicultural,” she said, noting the staff includes two teachers who speak Mandarin and Cantonese. A teacher who speaks Spanish has been added. “That’s what we want to make sure everybody understands. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, you’re welcome.”
As part of the curriculum, children will gain hands-on learning experiences, language and communications skills, cognitive and motor skill enhancement, and social and emotional skills.
This week, children learned, piece by piece, about the rainforest, she said.
“On day one, they painted the background,” she said. “Today, we cut the leaves. They did a science experiment with a jar and some food coloring, and lots of debris on the top so they could see the difference of the floor [compared to] the canopy.”
Hussey is also hoping to connect with area businesses to bring further programming to the students, such as cooking classes by Comella’s.
“That’s going to be inclusive in the price of tuition,” Hussey said.
Hussey, who was tapped to lead the school in May, said she was interested in the STEAM-based model the school follows.
“I had some ability to come and implement the methodology for setting the classrooms up as a creative curriculum,” she said. “Creative curriculum and Reggio Emilia (an educational philosophy) influence what [the school does]. They really focus on play-based engagement with the kid.”
In effect, teachers may set up guidelines or parameters to guide a student without taking over.
“By doing that, we give them that self-esteem and the character and confidence to say, ‘Hey, you know what … I can do this; my teacher believes in me,’” Hussey said.
She described a scenario from earlier in the day, when a child was struggling to hold scissors properly. When he finally figured it out, “he just beamed.”
Teachers at Youbellor schools strive to give their students a voice, she said.
A handful of families are already enrolled, according to Hussey. The school can take up to nine toddler and 16 preschoolers. She expects to have between five and seven teachers by September.
“Once we fill that up …. We have another room we can fill up. Right now we use that as our gross motor room.”
The day at Youbellor begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m., though families have the option to enroll in extended daycare, which goes until 5:30 p.m. A three- and five-day schedule is available.
For more information, families can attend an open house at 12 Brighton St. on Saturday, July 27 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Register in advance by emailing Hussey at mailto:maryellen@youbelloracademy.com.