Rise Above Early Learning Center

10/07/2026

Our October project is I Am an Agriculturist.

Throughout the month, children will investigate food, plants, harvesting, weather, and changes in the fall environment. Classrooms may explore seasonal produce, seeds, leaves, composting, corn, apples, or farm-to-table experiences based on the questions that emerge from the children.
These hands-on investigations support early science, math, language, fine-motor development, and collaborative problem-solving. In keeping with our Reggio-inspired approach, teachers will observe children's interests and use their ideas to guide the project's direction.

10/02/2026

Two classrooms give our Preschool and Pre-K children more ways to investigate, create, and communicate their ideas.

Each morning from 9:30 to 11:00, children may move between two intentionally prepared learning environments:

- Magnolia centers on hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics investigations.
- Sunflower centers on expressive arts, storytelling, dramatic play, literacy, and open-ended loose-parts exploration.

This shared block supports children's autonomy by allowing them to choose what they want to explore and how they want to approach their learning. At the same time, teachers observe, guide, and extend children's thinking within each environment.

09/30/2026

Save the date for our Fall Open House.

Join us Friday, October 30, from 6:00-7:30 PM for an evening centered on the exploration of light. Our classrooms will feature a glow-in-the-dark atmosphere, light tables, and open-ended experiences that invite children to investigate shadows, reflections, and how light changes the way objects appear.

Current and prospective families are welcome. Children and family members are also invited to wear
Halloween costumes.

Friday, October 30
6:00-7:30 PM
Rise Above Early Learning Center
9740 Rosehill Rd, Lenexa

We hope your family can join us.

09/23/2026

Ms. Ivy fits wherever she is needed. She has stepped into classroom after classroom for us, and this year she is working in our two year old room.

She is easygoing and steady. Two year olds bring sudden changes all day long, and nothing rattles her. A spilled cup gets a steady hand and a towel.

She is organized and hands on from morning drop off to pickup. Her co-teachers rely on her, and families request her by name.

Almost every child in her room is using the toilet now. For a class of two year olds, that is a rare and hard won thing.

09/20/2026

Before the school year began, our whole teaching team gathered for a day of their own. They set their intentions for the year and talked about what they want each classroom to feel like for the children. It was a day to start as one team.

Ms. Daisy visited and left our team with three reminders. Master your mouth. Whatever comes our way can drift away. We are meant to be here.

The flower in our logo means growth. It also means being the sunlight in a child's day.

09/18/2026

We are so excited to see another little one growing into the toddler room. Your presence will be greatly missed in the infants daily rhythm, but know your friends are eager to reconnect with you and celebrate all the new discoveries you’ll make.

09/18/2026

09/18/2026

Our children walked into a bigger playground on their first morning back.

The bike trail is done. There is a real route to ride now, and a loop that pulls them around for one more lap. The play house got a fresh look, and new picnic tables mean snack can move outside under the open sky.

Stepping stones are on the way. Crossing them will take balance, a plan, and a little courage.

Soon we will set a date for a playground volunteer day, when our Rise Above families help build the mud kitchen and sandbox. We'll share the date soon.

09/17/2026

Our school agers have a new role this month taking part in our Early Literacy Program. Each one sits down with a younger child and reads out loud.

A school ager picks a book, holds it up so a toddler can see the pictures, and reads. For every five books, they earn a reward.

Reading to a younger child is real practice. The school ager slows down, says each word clearly, and adds more life to their voice when a listener starts to drift.

The little ones get new words and a good story. The school agers get a real job and the confidence that comes from doing it well.