I created this hands-on program for homeschool families, blending cooking, science, history, gardening, andmoney management to build confidence, independence, real-life skill. About Me:
With over a decade of hands-on experience in education and caregiving, I have dedicated my career to nurturing, teaching, and advocating for children of all abilities. As a mother of 13 years to my incredible autis
tic son, inclusion and individualized learning are deeply personal to me. My professional background includes serving as a Head Start teacher, operating my own licensed daycare, working in a family daycare setting for five years, and substitute teaching in Maine public schools. I hold vocational certifications in Early Childhood Education and Culinary Arts, graduating from both programs. In addition, I have worked with the elderly, served as a nanny, and spent two years as a foster mother exclusively caring for children with disabilities—children who were often overlooked, yet extraordinary in every way. These experiences have shaped my commitment to creating enriching, structured, and compassionate learning environments where every child is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Program Options & Tuition
One-Day Program
• $400 per month
• 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Students attend one day per week and participate in science, math, English, history, cooking, health, and enrichment activities. Students will have a lunch break — please pack a lunch for your child. Two-Day Program
• $550 per month
• Tuesdays & Thursdays
• 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Two-day students receive the same classes as one-day students. Classes rotate throughout the week. Some days are fully hands-on, while others include group work, projects, games, and collaborative activities.
⸻
Registration & Fees
• $200 Registration Fee (one-time per child)
This fee does not need to be repaid if your child rolls into the next school year.
• $350 Technology Fee per 12-month school year block
Our program is year-round with multiple scheduled breaks throughout the year. There are no make-up classes for missed days.
⸻
Attendance
While we do not take formal attendance for academic purposes, parents must sign their child in or out daily. This allows us to keep track of student participation and what they are preparing in cooking class.
⸻
Payment & Enrollment Policy
Tuition is due on the 1st of each month. Payment must be received before your child may attend class. Students will not be permitted to participate with an outstanding balance. A signed waiver is required from both parents or legal guardians before a child may attend. The waiver confirms that you understand our policies and acknowledge the inherent risks of participation in our classes. If you sign up and do not show, all payments made are non-refundable and will be forfeited.
⸻
Allergy & Animal Notice
Our classroom is pet-free. However, children may come into contact with cats or dogs outdoors on the property. Our recipes may include common allergens such as nuts, eggs, milk, and gluten. While we maintain a clean and organized environment, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free facility. Parents must notify us of any allergies prior to enrollment.
⸻
Sick Policy
If your child is sick, please keep them home. We work closely with food preparation and serving items that others will eat. Students must be fever-free and diarrhea-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to class.
⸻
Pick-Up Policy
All children must be picked up promptly at 1:30 PM. A 5-minute grace period is allowed. After that, a late fee of $1 per minute per child will be charged. Step Up For Students does not cover late fees.
⸻
Behavior Agreement
To maintain a safe and positive learning environment, students are expected to:
• Keep hands and feet to themselves
• Use inside voices
• Use respectful language (no profanity)
• Show respect to instructors and peers
⸻
Discipline Policy
Our goal is always to teach and guide positive behavior.
• One verbal warning will be given for minor misbehavior.
• Continued misbehavior may result in suspension.
• Aggressive, harmful, or unsafe behavior will result in immediate suspension without warning. No refunds will be issued for suspensions or removal due to behavior.
⸻
Cancellation & Refund Policy
• If you cancel at least one week before classes begin, you will forfeit the $200 registration fee.
• If you cancel after classes have started, you are responsible for the full month’s tuition and forfeit registration and technology fees.
• If you sign up and do not attend, all payments made will be forfeited.
• No make-up classes are scheduled. We strongly encourage families to communicate with us regarding scheduling conflicts or concerns so we can work together proactively.
⸻
Weather Policy
Classes are held rain or shine. In the event of a hurricane or dangerous weather conditions, in-person classes will be canceled and may move to Zoom on the next scheduled class day. If Pasco County or Hernando County schools are closed due to weather, we are most likely closed as well. Please follow us on Facebook for official updates and weather-related announcements. Our Enrichment Classes
⸻
💰 Money Management
(Insert small photo of kids budgeting, play money, or writing checks)
Students learn practical, real-world financial skills including:
• How to create and manage a budget
• Writing and understanding checks
• Tracking income and expenses
• Setting savings goals
• Smart spending vs. impulse buying
• Basic banking concepts
• Financial responsibility and decision-making
• Understanding needs vs. wants
⸻
🍳 Culinary Arts
(Insert photo of students cooking or preparing food)
Hands-on cooking classes where students:
• Cook from scratch
• Learn kitchen safety
• Practice measuring and food math
• Explore food science
• Read and follow recipes
• Work as a team in the kitchen
• Learn nutrition and healthy choices
⸻
🔬 Science Club
(Insert photo of experiments or STEM activities)
Interactive science learning through:
• Food science experiments
• Hands-on STEM projects
• Basic chemistry and biology concepts
• Scientific observation and discussion
• Real-life applications of science
⸻
🌱 Gardening
(Insert photo of students planting or harvesting)
Students explore nature and sustainability by:
• Planting and growing herbs and vegetables
• Learning about soil and plant life cycles
• Understanding where food comes from
• Practicing responsibility through plant care
⸻
📚 History Club
(Insert photo of crafts, maps, or historical activities)
History comes alive through:
• Interactive storytelling
• Cultural food experiences
• Hands-on projects
• Learning about different time periods
• Connecting history to everyday life
⸻
✏️ Core Skills Integration (Math & English)
(Insert photo of group work or hands-on learning)
Core academics are woven into daily activities:
• Real-life math through cooking and budgeting
• Reading comprehension through recipes and projects
• Writing activities
• Group discussions and communication skills
• Problem-solving through hands-on challenges
