About Us
Young Explorers Club offers a variety of hands-on, project-based, experiential early learning programs. We specialize in developing early learning knowledge-base systems and active learning programs. Our curriculum focuses on academic support, STEAM education and social-emotional learning. We are committed to offering high-quality, affordable early education to the children in the community.
All of our teachers and staff are First Aid & Infant, Child and Adult CPR certified.
What Makes Us Unique
We implement a well-structured curriculum that supports project-based learning where students will accomplish various in-depth investigations of a worthwhile topic. Our teachers support students through their inquiries, provide opportunities for choice, and guide them to report their findings.
Project-based learning uses a three-phase design:
- Explore: Read and Discuss – discussions regarding knowledge, questions and personal experiences related to a specific topic
- Create: Hands-on Experiments and Projects – project investigation through hands-on activities and materials
- Share: Share the Day’s Discoveries – young learners will have group and individual discussions on findings and insights they developed over the course of their explorations
Group Projects
Our project-based learning also focuses on providing opportunities for young learners to work on group projects. Students pick their project topic from several options, develop an idea together, then create a plan and bring it to fruition. Students learn to design, plan, develop, and present their projects as a group to the class. While students receive guidance from teachers when needed, the project-based learning is an opportunity for students to work together while having total ownership over their project from beginning to end. This teaches them to set goals, monitor their progress, make necessary adjustments, and reflect on their learning. All while building their teamwork skills!
We specialize in building early learning knowledge-base systems containing a rich collection of early learning content, including early learning standards, project-based learning, STEAM experiments & projects, games and activities, teaching strategies, and parent education information. This ensures that we provide fun, high-quality, and comprehensive early learning programs for our students.
Our students learn through a wide variety of hands-on activities in every class and thoroughly enjoy the experiments and projects they do. Our programs incorporate both academic and non-academic early learning activities that focus on developing students’ social and emotional competencies and values, alongside early learning skills that will bolster a child’s ability to become lifelong learners.
Both our preschool and elementary programs offer a variety of classes, free events and services to help children build strong academic, innovation, and social skills. We provide class times and availability to fit family needs with options ranging from one drop-in class, a month-long learning unit, and much more!
Meet our Staff
Jennifer Guo, M.C.S.
Director
I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Computer Science. I worked for seven years as a user services consultant and application specialist at universities, developing database/knowledge base systems and providing computer system related help services for university faculty, staff and students. Then I worked for several years as a college and career counselor helping international students apply US colleges and utilize career planning tools to build career-related experiences and achieve a rewarding career.
I have been working in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2016, building early learning knowledge base systems, developing curriculum with teachers and providing a dual language, STEAM laboratory preschool program overseas.
My true passion lies in creating a community where children can explore the world, experiment with materials, express themselves, create original work, share findings, and dream big dreams!
Associate Director
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Education and have certainly found my life-long passion is working with children and families.
I have worked in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2010. Over the years I have gotten the opportunity to really expand and work with many diverse groups of children ranging from those with special needs to those that have English as a second language. I have worked as a teacher in the Bellevue School District as well as many private companies doing curriculum development, teaching, family liaison and much more; all of which has allowed me to help many children and families throughout my career.
Children are the cornerstone of the world, and my belief is that if given the opportunity every child would be able to accomplish a great things-my goal is to help as many children reach their dreams as possible as well as assist their families in making those dreams a reality.
Anagha Dirisala
Teacher
I am a sophomore at UW Bothell pursuing on Educational Studies.
I started my college career at Sarah Lawrence College where I focused on political science and public policy, but as I became more involved with extracurriculars focusing on education, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career as a teacher.
I believe that teaching and empowering children is the best way for me to make positive changes in the world. Good teaching and educational experiences will improve a child’s self-confidence, their ability to thrive in the world, and encourage them to lead with empathy.
Rylie Dargitz
Teacher
I grew up in Issaquah and Maple Valley where I still live today. I am passionate about working with kids and seeing them grow. I’ve been working with kids for over 10 years.
I started by volunteering when I was in grade school in art and cooking classes, and I was a camp counselor throughout high school. Within the past few years I have worked in daycares, a nanny and tutoring kids while learning online.
I love to cook, thrift, craft, and go to the beach – all while finishing my associates in science degree at Green River College
