We are pleased to announce that two of the founders of Olivia’s Place, Nelson and Quynh Chow, have teamed up with Fausta Galluzzo, owner of The Nest, and Michael Boll, an educator and technology guru at Concordia International School, to open a new, inclusive learning center called SHINE Academy.
SHINE Academy stands for Shanghai Inclusive Experience Academy. It is a community of parents, children, and educators dedicated to promoting self-confidence, citizenship, success, independence, and love of learning. Established by parents and educators, SHINE Academy offers a developmentally appropriate, standards-based curriculum in an inclusive and safe environment. It will be the first of its kind in the city of Shanghai.
The idea for SHINE Academy is driven by the founders, who are parents of children with special needs. They are motivated by a desire to create a place where their children are accepted and will thrive in an enriched learning environment. SHINE is adopting best practices from The Nest and Olivia’s Place, both of which have experience providing high-quality services to the children and families that they serve.
SHINE Academy is accepting applications for the 2012-2013 academic year. The current classes include:
- Class for 3 year olds
- Class for 4 and 5 year olds (Combined pre-K and kindergarten)
- Class for 6 year olds (1st Grade)
- SHINE will offer special needs classes for children of all ages.
SHINE will draw on the Reggio Emilia methodology, which is grounded in the principles of respect, responsibility, and community. It encourages exploration and discovery based on the interests of the children through a self-guided curriculum.. A maximum of 12 students per class means SHINE teachers and staff can devote more time to the individual needs of each student. In addition, SHINE’s relationship with Olivia’s Place means students will have ready access to high quality therapies.
Please visit www.shineacademy.asia, for details. You can direct any inquiry to Quynh Chow by calling 5404-0059 or by emailing her at info@shineacademy.asia.