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How can i help?
“DON’T LET WHAT YOU CANNOT DO INTERFERE WITH WHAT YOU CAN DO.”
With 30 years of hands-on experience in education, I offer expert guidance & support for students from PreK to 12th grade
KINDERGARTEN SUPPLEMENTAL ENRICHMENt
KINDERGARTEN SUPPLEMENTAL ENRICHMENT - CAN'T WAIT UNTIL SUMMER?1:1 SESSIONS ARE CURRENTLY OFFERED IN THE MORNING & AFTERNOON - SUMMER & FALL PROGRAMS
"Little Learners" Summer Program
Our Little Learners Program is designed for both rising kindergarten students and current kindergartners, with a strong emphasis on preventing the summer slide, filling in learning gaps, and reinforcing essential skills. This program also serves as a great opportunity to help students meet IEP goals, as it is led by two certified Special Education teachers with expertise in early childhood development and individualized instruction.
With a low 6:10 teacher-to-student ratio, supported by four high school helpers, each child receives personalized attention to strengthen their academic, social, and executive functioning skills.
This program focuses on developmental educational needs such as letter reversals (B and D), fine motor skills, foundational literacy, and numeracy concepts—all crucial for early learning success. Through engaging, hands-on activities, your child will build confidence and be better prepared for the upcoming school year.
SESSIONS INCLUDE:
✔ Letter Recognition & Writing – Upper and lowercase letters, with targeted practice to prevent reversals (B and D).
✔ Sight Word Mastery – Recognizing and writing high-frequency words.
✔ Color & Shape Identification – Strengthening early visual and cognitive skills.
✔ Name Writing – Correctly writing first and last names.
✔ Early Math Skills – Counting by 2’s and 5’s.
✔ Social & Coping Skills – Developing self-regulation and executive functioning strategies.
✔ FUNdations Reading Program – A structured, multi-sensory approach to early literacy.
✔ Fine Motor Development – Strengthening hands for improved writing and letter formation.
✔ Multisensory Learning – Engaging all learning styles to enhance understanding and retention.
Why Choose Little Learners?
✅ Led by Certified Special Education Teachers – Ensuring individualized support, including IEP-aligned strategies.
✅ Hands-On, Engaging Approach – Making learning fun while reinforcing critical skills.
✅ Low Student-to-Teacher Ratio – Providing the personalized attention your child needs.
Enroll now to help your Little Learner build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and start the school year ready for success!
HIGH SCHOOL 9TH - 12TH GRADE FOCUS & FLOW STUDY GROUP
Tips to Keep Grades on Track:
1. Use a Shared Calendar or Planner
- Create a shared Google Calendar or online planner to track upcoming tests, assignments, and deadlines.
- This way, everyone can stay on top of major academic dates and make sure they’re prioritizing the right tasks.
2. Group "Catch-Up" Sessions for Missed Work
- If someone misses class or needs to catch up on work, dedicate a small portion of the study hour (once a week, for example) to get them back up to speed.
- Offer a mini review session of key topics or materials they missed.
3. Strategy Sessions for Test Prep
- Set aside one study session per month for all members to come together and focus solely on test prep.
- Share study tips, review practice tests together, and discuss common test-taking strategies (e.g., time management, answering difficult questions first, etc.).
4. Grade-Tracking and Reflection
- Reflect on grades each week. Discuss what’s going well and what areas need improvement.
- If grades dip, take a few minutes during the study hour to brainstorm specific actions (like more time spent on math, additional peer feedback on essays, etc.) to improve in that subject.
5. Accountability Check-Ins
- Partner up for weekly check-ins. Partners can remind each other of upcoming deadlines and follow up on progress toward goals.
- Encourage "grade accountability," where partners share a goal to improve in a particular subject or raise a test score.
By incorporating these activities into your study hour, you'll not only improve academic skills across the board but also create a supportive, collaborative environment that keeps everyone motivated and accountable!
BATTLESHIP - BOOSTING ACADEMICS & EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING: 1ST - 5TH
The game Battleship is a great tool for strengthening executive functioning skills in students from first to sixth grade. Executive functioning refers to cognitive processes like working memory, impulse control, organization, planning, and problem-solving. Battleship helps children practice these skills in an engaging way by requiring them to strategize, remember previous moves, and adapt based on their opponent’s choices.
Grade Level: 1st–6th
Subject Areas: Math, Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking
Standards:
• 1st-2nd Grade: PA Core Math Standard CC.2.3.1.A.2 (Use the understanding of fractions to partition shapes into halves and quarters)
• 3rd-4th Grade: PA Core Math Standard CC.2.3.3.A.1 (Use coordinates to describe location and movement)
• 5th-6th Grade: PA Core Math Standard CC.2.3.5.A.1 (Graph points on a coordinate plane to solve real-world problems)
Chess as a Tool for Academic Success and Executive Function Development
Chess is more than just a game; it’s a powerful educational tool that can benefit students from all grade levels in many ways. By engaging children in chess, they can develop essential skills that will not only improve their academic performance but also strengthen their executive function abilities. are appropriately aligned to their needs.
How Chess Helps with Academics:
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Chess challenges students to think strategically, plan ahead, and anticipate their opponent’s moves. These skills can directly translate to better problem-solving abilities in math, reading, and science.
- Improved Math Skills: Chess requires students to count, track moves, and understand spatial relationships, which can improve their mathematical abilities. Recognizing patterns and sequencing in chess is similar to solving math problems and understanding geometric shapes.
- Enhanced Memory & Concentration: Chess requires children to remember different rules, strategies, and past moves. This repetition boosts both short- and long-term memory, helping students retain information for other academic subjects.
- Reading Comprehension: Many aspects of chess involve reading strategies and understanding written instructions. Chess can encourage children to analyze and interpret written material carefully, improving their ability to comprehend complex texts.
How Chess Enhances Executive Function:
- Focus & Attention: Chess requires sustained attention and focus, as players must think ahead and stay engaged throughout the game. This strengthens their ability to focus during classroom activities.
- Self-Regulation: In chess, players need to control their impulses and plan their moves thoughtfully. This helps develop self-regulation skills that are essential for behavior control, emotional regulation, and staying on task in school.
- Decision Making & Goal Setting: Each move in chess requires students to make decisions based on the current state of the game. This fosters goal-setting skills, as players must evaluate the board, consider their options, and set objectives for each move.
- Time Management: Chess players must often manage their time effectively, particularly in timed games. Learning how to balance speed with accuracy encourages better time management in other academic tasks.
Special Education Document Review
This comprehensive, one-time review provides a professional analysis of your child’s most recent evaluations, IEP, or 504 Plan (up to four documents). The review focuses on identifying necessary revisions to goals and instruction, advocacy strategies, and additional resources to ensure your child receives the appropriate support.
Please Note:
This service does not address state- or district-specific policies, systemic concerns, or ongoing consultation and advocacy.
Includes:
📚 Initial Intake Call/VIRTUAL (up to 60 mins) – Discuss concerns, priorities, and goals.
✏️ Thorough Review of Up to 4 Documents – Evaluations, IEPs, FBA, NOREP, or 504 Plans.
📝 Follow-Up Call/VIRTUAL (up to 60 mins) – Review findings and recommendations.
🎓 Written Report – Outlining suggested revisions and advocacy strategies.
📚 Resource Guidance – Assistance in identifying outside agencies, providers, or evaluators if needed.
This service provides expert insight into your child’s educational plan and ensures that their supports and goals are appropriately aligned to their needs.
Our High School Helpers Team and Students Working Together for Success
Our dedicated Educational Specialists and high school mentors bring years of experience and a deep understanding of effective teaching methods to every session. These professionals stay updated on the latest educational trends to provide students with the most effective strategies for academic success.
Specialized Math & Writing Support
Our highly trained math and writing instructors focus on aligning their teaching approach with each child’s unique learning style, ensuring that concepts are both accessible and engaging.
Individualized Learning, Tailored for Your Child
Our approach prioritizes the way each student learns best, using assessment-driven, customized learning plans that address their specific needs and goals, whether in math, writing, or other subjects.
Meet me and my team-
Carrie Albert, MEd
I hold a Master's Degree in Education and have over 30 years of hands-on experience in Special Education, helping students achieve their educational goals. My extensive background includes co-teaching and collaborative teaching, where I develop and implement strategies for instruction in inclusive settings, focusing on IEPs (Individual E
I hold a Master's Degree in Education and have over 30 years of hands-on experience in Special Education, helping students achieve their educational goals. My extensive background includes co-teaching and collaborative teaching, where I develop and implement strategies for instruction in inclusive settings, focusing on IEPs (Individual Education Plans) and FBAs (Functional Behavioral Assessments).
I specialize in behavior management and social skills development for students with Emotional Disturbances and Autism. I am skilled in writing and implementing IEPs and other Special Education documents. My experience also equips me to understand students' educational needs and facilitate meetings with parents and outside agencies for effective collaboration.
On a personal note, I am a wife and a mother of two teenage boys who attend Mount Lebanon High School. I enjoy cooking, sports, and coaching, and I am passionate about teaching children and helping parents understand their educational rights.
High School Helpers: PreK-8 Academic Support and Social Skills Groups
My Mount Lebanon High School Helpers Program connects enthusiastic high school students with PreK-8th grade learners to provide academic support and foster social skills development. These dedicated helpers act as mentors, much like big brothers and sisters, offering personalized assistance in subjects like math, reading, and writing wh
My Mount Lebanon High School Helpers Program connects enthusiastic high school students with PreK-8th grade learners to provide academic support and foster social skills development. These dedicated helpers act as mentors, much like big brothers and sisters, offering personalized assistance in subjects like math, reading, and writing while also facilitating engaging social groups.
Through fun activities and structured interactions, our high schoolers help younger students build confidence, improve communication skills, and develop lasting friendships. This program not only enhances academic understanding but also promotes important life skills, ensuring a positive and enriching experience for everyone involved. Join us in creating a supportive and encouraging environment for all students!
Sarah Klutch
Dr. Regina Kim
About Sarah Klutch
Sarah Klutch is a passionate educator with over 10 years of experience in both special education and elementary education. I have a strong background in writing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and hands-on experience working in autism units, resource settings, and adaptive classrooms. This diverse experience allows
About Sarah Klutch
Sarah Klutch is a passionate educator with over 10 years of experience in both special education and elementary education. I have a strong background in writing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and hands-on experience working in autism units, resource settings, and adaptive classrooms. This diverse experience allows me to bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to my teaching.
Outside of my professional life, I'm a wife and a proud mother of two young boys. In my free time, I love running, discovering new places, and enjoying quality time with my family. My true passion is making learning fun, advocating for my students, and setting meaningful and attainable goals to support their growth and success every step of the way!
Dr. Regina Kim
Dr. Regina Kim
Dr. Regina Kim
About Dr. Gina Kim (she/her)
Dr. Gina Kim is a seasoned educator with over 16 years of classroom experience and a Doctorate in Education from Duquesne University. She has worked extensively with new teachers as an Instructional Team Leader and has led school culture initiatives as a principal. Dr. Kim’s research focuses on diversity and
About Dr. Gina Kim (she/her)
Dr. Gina Kim is a seasoned educator with over 16 years of classroom experience and a Doctorate in Education from Duquesne University. She has worked extensively with new teachers as an Instructional Team Leader and has led school culture initiatives as a principal. Dr. Kim’s research focuses on diversity and social justice, and her dissertation, “Improving School Culture: Teachers’ Perceptions of School Culture in a Title I School and Their Beliefs about Improvement,” has been well-received. She holds certifications in Elementary Education, Instructional Technology, Middle-Level Education in ELA, Math, and Social Studies, and Principalship. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Kim enjoys reading, cooking, baking, and cheering for the Pittsburgh Penguins. She is married with four children and has a dog named Apollo.
Kara Hoffman
Dr. Regina Kim
Kara Hoffman
About Kara Hoffman
I have spent much of my life working with both dogs and children, gaining a diverse set of experiences along the way. In the realm of animal care, I have worked as a veterinary technician, managed a kennel at a humane society, and trained dogs in various settings.
When it comes to children, my background includes a ra
About Kara Hoffman
I have spent much of my life working with both dogs and children, gaining a diverse set of experiences along the way. In the realm of animal care, I have worked as a veterinary technician, managed a kennel at a humane society, and trained dogs in various settings.
When it comes to children, my background includes a range of college courses, babysitting, managing summer camps, and teaching both dog training and soccer. My passion for supporting others' growth and my ability to manage tasks efficiently are key elements of my approach to teaching. I am committed to creating a positive, nurturing, and supportive learning environment for both students and teachers.
What makes kids so special to me? Their unique character strengths and their ability to express their individuality in the world.
Carrie Albert's Learning Solutions Expert Educational & Parent Advocate Services! Visit us at the office or join us virtually!
