Little Explorers (Ages 4-6)

In this program, children will learn and play in our one-of-a-kind space while building skills that prepare them for formal learning settings. We offer sensory and art-based activities to help develop your little one’s fine motor skills and confidence. We also use Kindergarten School Readiness checklists and an emergent curriculum (where activities are catered to the strengths and needs of each child), to help your child build skills like sharing, taking turns, and respecting the rights of others. By encouraging children to explore, imagine, and create, they in turn enhance and develop their critical thinking skills, creativity, and ability to express themselves!

Registration is currently closed.

Schedule

Each session is 4 weeks long: Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Optional “virtual adventures” will also be available!

Time Activity
8:50 AM Drop Off and Greetings
9:00 AM Exhibit Exploration
9:30 AM Storytime/Music
10:00 Centers: Fine Motor Skill Practice
10:15 AM Small Group/Exhibit Exploration
11:00 AM End of Day Pick Up

 

Cost:  $40 per week, per child ($160 total for the 4-week session).

Who This Program is For: Children ages 4 to 6 years old who are potty trained.

Other Program Details

  • Class size is a maximum of 12 students (1 adult to every 6 children ratio).
  • Our learning environment will include exhibits at The Iowa Children’s Museum, as well as our classrooms, and outdoor spaces (weather permitting).

Health and Safety Protocols

The health of our guests, staff, and program participants in always our top priority. Please view our Health Protocols document for the full details about how we’re protecting the health of everyone in our space.

  • Participants and staff will be required to wear a facial covering during all program activities.
  • Health screenings (with a temperature check) will be required for all participants and staff.
  • Sharing materials will be limited; every participant will be provided with their own supplies to complete facilitated activities.
  • Social distancing will be a priority and, when it is not possible, we will ensure facial coverings are used.
Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend?

Little Explorers is a school readiness program for children ages 4-6.

Curiosity Club  is for children in grades 1-6 and is designed to supplement formal instruction for children participating in homeschooling or online learning.

When do programs take place?

Little Explorers is from 9-11 AM. Curiosity Club is from 3:30-5:15 PM. Both programs take place on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Drop-off programming is scheduled through the remainder of 2020, with plans to host more sessions in 2021. Each session is 4 weeks long.

Is extended care available?

Extended care (supervised play before or after scheduled program activities) is not available at this time.

What is the cost?

$40/week per child (total of $160 per session)

Members of The Iowa Children’s Museum receive a 10% discount on program fees.

What is the class size?

Maximum of 12 children per session

What is the ratio of adults to children?

Our ratio of adults to children is one adult per six children.

What health and safety precautions are you taking?

The health and safety of our participants, their families, and our staff is our highest priority. We are taking the following precautions during our drop-off programs:

  • Program capacity is limited to 12 participants.
  • Sharing materials will be limited; every participant will be provided with their own supplies to complete facilitated activities.
  • Facial coverings are required for both participants and staff.
  • Social distancing will be a priority and, when it is not possible, we will ensure facial coverings are used.
  • Health screenings (with a temperature check) will be required for all participants and staff.
  • Everyone will engage in frequent, regular hand washing.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available in all areas and staff will monitor to ensure everyone is using it frequently.
  • High-touch areas (door handles, railings, light swithces, etc.) are sanitized throughout the day and a thorough, museum-wide sanitizing of exhibit surfaces, toys, and or props is conducted each day.
  • The ICM is currently operating at a very low capacity (less than 6%) and we will ensure our play group is separate from other play groups in the museum.
  • Virus-mitigating air purifiers have been installed in our HVAC system along with other health and safety infrastructure investments.
  • We continually monitor our processes in order to make adjustments as needed.

What is the refund policy?

If you cancel your registration at least one week prior to the start of the program, we will refund your tuition minus a 5% credit card processing fee. If you cancel your registration with less than one week notice, no refund or credit will be given unless it is a medical emergency. If the program is cancelled by The Iowa Children’s Museum to address health and safety concerns (i.e., COVID-19 or other community health issues), your payment will be refunded in full.

The Iowa Children’s Museum reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes if minimum enrollment (5 children) is not met. In this instance, The Iowa Children’s Museum will notify registrants of the cancellation prior to the start of the program and issue a full refund.