Our Most Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a "PEA"?
A PEA (Private Education Association) operates as an independent, privately-funded membership-based organization falling outside the jurisdiction of state, local, and federal education laws and regulations, including curricula, mandates, requirements, policies, rules, emergency measures and restrictions. A PEA operates by agreement between members, founders and trustees, with input and feedback guiding the mission and direction of the association. Members decide when and how much they would like to have their children participate. As long as a membership is maintained in good standing, members have full access to all free and paid programs as per their membership level.
Pinwheel Early Learning PEA uses a hands-on, experiential approach, with an emphasis on the classical values of Truth, Goodness and Beauty. We use carefully selected, wholesome books and stories to spark imagination, deliver the lessons and educate and grow the whole child. The parent, guardian or Early Childhood Professional can participate without outside interference or concern over what your child is being taught. Members are shown how to guide children through each of the learning experiences. This is an efficient, economical and creative way to provide quality enrichment learning for children, without any restrictions or policies affecting what they "should" be taught..
What is the difference between a private school and a PEA ?
Private Schools (including charter schools) operate in the public domain and must meet state educational guidelines and are subject to policies, mandates related to health measures & restrictions, curriculum addendums, etc. A Private Education Association operates in the private domain and has the autonomy to meet, modify, exceed or step back from the local and state guidelines. This means that if your child is capable of learning beyond the state standards, he or she can. If your child needs more time to develop skills at his or her own pace, he or she can. In a PEA, YOU have the freedom to decide and guide your child's/students' learning, based on their strengths, without outside interference. Every child is equipped and encouraged to learn and succeed through their own strengths and abilities and at their own pace, with guidance from parent-educators and independent educators and other child professionals.
Pinwheel Early Learning PEA uses developmental standards as a guideline, but have formed our own programs that go beyond the standards, based on 38 years of parenting and 30+ years of professional experience, in traditional public, trade and special education, as well as home-education, recreational and faith-based environments.
Our association structure is that of a faith-based, (non-denominational Christian) enrichment program, that allows public school, private school and home-learning parents & professionals to support, enrich and balance their child's education.
Who Founded Pinwheel Early Learning?
Pinwheel Early Learning PEA was founded in late 2021 by Barbara Gini (32 years professional experience) and Lauren Bruge (8 years professional experience) in support of parents who were frustrated and concerned with the illogical decisions and overreach demonstrated by corporate franchises, local school boards, county commissioners, health departments, and other elected and non-elected public servants, over the last 2 years. We originally planned and opened a home-based preschool, and were challenged with finding enough open space to do it the way we envisioned.
We fully believe that in-person, hands-on, experiential learning is the best environment for most children, and that enrichment learning can take place remotely if done effectively.
We're working on a local mobile program and have temporarily placed the "brick and mortar" version of our program on hold. For now we will operate as an online/mobile enrichment program for our members, as we explore local venues and a suitable permanent space for future programs.
To learn more about the founders, use this link.
What ages/grade levels would most benefit from your programs?
Our preschool program is aimed at preschoolers ages 2 - 6. While that is a wide range of development and abilities, we have different activities for each age category, and guide parents and Early Learning Professionals how to effectively customize the lessons to the age and abilities of their individual child/students so they stay engaged and curious.
Are there any enrollment or attendance requirements?
No. As long as you remain a member in good standing, you and your children/students have full access to any current and future programs. There are no academic, attendance, belief, medical, or other requirements or barriers to your & your child's participation.
How does your membership program work?
All of our programs run as themed multiple week "book club" type sessions, for 20-30 minute lessons, with a once a month live Family Story Hour and a birthday club. You can upgrade and select your membership plan based on your desired participation level.
The preschool sessions are self-guided and pre-recorded. The Monthly Story Hour is a live stream. For each session & story hour, you receive a book list for your review prior to the session start. Once you register for a session you receive corresponding activity packets with a parent/educator resource and activity guide.
Members also have the option to upgrade for participation in stand-alone micro-trainings and workshops once membership level is selected and your application approved. All members have access to our (non-Facebook) private community where you can connect freely and authentically with other parents, and educators with no distractions, no 24/7 news, no bots, no fact checkers, no censorship.
How do I join?
We are currently accepting new members through May 2, 2022. Our first session begins Tuesday May 10, 2022. You can become a member by selecting your plan below and filling out the form at the bottom of the page. An advisor will review your application and once accepted will send you your membership agreement forms, payment link and other information.
Pinwheel Early Learning PEA - Membership Request
Thank you for your membership inquiry.
Please be sure to specify if you are a parent or educator/child professional, and which membership level you are interested in.
