Conscious Generation is an extraordinary movement toward positive worldwide change by way of the world's most precious natural resources...it's children. Our unique approach to early education fosters an outlook of global kinship, ecological accountability and cultural sensitivity. Placing peace and compassion at the center of all content and activities, we embrace varying learning styles and abilities, and support a participatory and shared learning environment between teachers, community members and students. We believe a culture of teaching peace inspires self-confidence, celebrates diversity and promotes tolerance. We know that true peace is far more than simply the absence of violence. In practicing peace, we bring consciousness to the moment where conflict is met, and actively participate in a process of conflict transformation. Our curriculum is designed to cultivate an environment where curiosity, critical thinking and compassion are at the forefront of our minds and drive our behaviors and choices. Conscious Generation is a place for exploration, wonder and discovery through play. We have a healthy respect for each child's individuality, inviting a spirit of community and acknowledging the principle of interconnectedness which links the common human experience. We promote the notion that though geography may separate us, human beings are of one family, and responsibility for the global family starts at an individual level. Lesson plans, reading material and discussions focus on great peacemakers, various non-violent methods and strategies for creating sustained positive change. In small groups, children receive specialized cultural instruction and learn to speak one of three foreign languages offered. Scheduled incremental performances for the larger group allows them to confidently share their learning experiences. We believe that instilling compassion and empathy is fundamental to positive and sustainable change in the world, and that these virtues can only be learned by practicing them in our daily lives. We learn compassion when we practice giving without the need to gain anything in return, when we are with people or animals who are suffering, and when we experience the internal reward of helping others. Conscious Generation students will be active catalysts in our community and beyond. We will organize and drive initiatives such as "Fill A Bag, Feed A Family", providing healthy food to families in need, "Wrapped in Love", providing our own hand knit blankets to children that need them, as well as toy drives and pet adoption events in partnership with local shelters and rescue groups. Weekly environmental field trips will begin with a 15 minute community clean-up initiative. The ethos of environmental sustainability that children experience at Conscious Generation fosters global awareness and helps them develop the ability to make responsible decisions. Children are successfully influencing their families and the wider community, and developing the knowledge that small steps can lead to a greater whole. They come to understand that while they are part of a much larger world, they are empowered to influence it. As they wonder, investigate, discover, challenge and influence their environments, they are introduced to the concept of biodiversity. By learning to respect and appreciate all life forms, children develop an awareness of change and growth, and recognize the intrinsic value of the natural environment and their role in sustaining it. Showing gentle kindness to all forms of life becomes innate. Our Culinary Artist and Holistic Wellness Advisor partner to create a delicious menu that promotes healing and natural immunity. A fresh, organic, plant-based menu perfectly compliments lessons on sustainability and compassion. Children are invited to participate in food preparation and have a voice in creating menus. Specialized music instruction is a significant part of our daily curricula. In addition to daily music circles and musical activities involving the group as a whole, children learn to play the violin, piano and guitar in small groups, and receive a weekly private lesson on the instrument chosen by their parent(s). Scheduled quarterly recitals allow them to proudly perform for family and friends. Our dynamic and passionate educational team consists of:
~Director of Academic Curriculum (Masters in Educational Psychology)
~Director of Music Curriculum (Masters in Music Education)
~Director of Culinary Arts (multiple degrees and a real food enthusiast)
~Holistic Wellness Advisor (Registered Nurse & Certified Medicinal Herbalist)
~2 Teachers
~A whole host of community partners delivering programs on science, yoga, foreign language, drumming/drum circles, gardening, and after hours parent education
We invite you to join us in our efforts to create a more Conscious Generation of enthusiastic young leaders on a mission to change the world as we know it.
