You be You Early Learning

You be You Early Learning (YbY) is a non-profit, Early Childhood Education mobile classroom and teacher-led cooperative rooted in sustainability and inclusive excellence. At YbY, we believe that every child can achieve when provided equitable opportunities. We encourage each student by fostering their unique talents and adapting our programming to their diverse learning styles and needs. Our innovative pedagogy offers a student-centered, community-based approach that integrates culturally relevant practices and research-based curricula that are commensurate with Colorado Early Childhood Development Guidelines.

YbY intends to serve a diverse population of students ages 3 to 5 years in the Denver metro area beginning in January 2021. Our comprehensive programming provides early learners with the foundations necessary to enter Kindergarten and embrace lifelong learning. At the foundation of our educational framework is Mastery Learning, which focuses on developmentally appropriate and competency-guided learning objectives and that promote social-emotional growth. At YbY, student achievement is grounded in the collaborative partnership of teachers, parents, and the community working together to support our core values of creativity, equity, inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability.

Creativity. We address and accommodate each child's needs in all developmental domains: physical, social, emotional and cognitive. We offer children a variety of practical experiences that are designed to encourage self-discovery, autonomy, and the freedom to learn and create within a safe, inclusive environment. Students are motivated to explore their passions through self-guided, project-based learning that promotes artistic creativity and higher-level connection. We utilize Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold to nurture and assess holistic growth in the domains of English/Language Development; Logic & Reasoning; Science, Mathematics, Literacy, and Social Studies Knowledge & Skills; Creative Arts Expression; Approaches to Learning; Physical Development & Health; Social & Emotional Development.

Equity. YbY aims to immerse diverse learners in interdisciplinary and culturally responsive instruction while fostering social and emotional aptitude founded in principles of equity and social, economic, and restorative justice. We aim to incorporate a robust STEAM enrichment program that effectively promotes inquiry-based learning, cultivates cultural awareness and sensitivity, and celebrates diverse perspectives. Organizationally, YbY boasts cooperative business and leadership models that value teachers as professionals and give equal voice to all stakeholders.

Inclusivity. Progressive inclusion within our community is essential in designing learning opportunities based on empathy, connection, and true democracy for all students. Supported by our collaborative educational and governance model, students will thrive in an inclusive environment focused on relationship-building, effective communication, and acceptance of others. We welcome young innovators with an array of social and sensory differences. Our teacher-led cooperative is supported by a multicultural, multilingual coalition of experienced teaching & support staff and Board of Directors.

Sustainability. YbY prepares students to be valuable stewards of sustainability in their communities and beyond. We actively partner with local leaders and experts to implement relevant, hands-on projects and design programming with an emphasis on nurturing permaculture ethics, cooperative principles, as well as first and second-language acquisition. YbY strongly believes that a sustainable leadership and business model, coupled with equitable employment and teaching practices, are paramount in cultivating an individual's unique talents and empowering every student and teacher to ignite the genius within.

With the help of Colorado Gives campaign, our goal is to raise $10,000 to use toward the transformation of our bus into a state-of-the-art classroom, as well as to purchase curriculum, STEAM supplies, and pedagogical materials.

We are grateful for your support! For more information, please visit us at www.youbeyouearlylearning.org or www.facebook.com/youbeyouearlylearning.