Member Minute: The Child Unique
The Child Unique is a Montessori school that creates a warm, loving, secure environment for toddlers through sixth graders. Its mission is to foster creativity, curiosity, self-confidence, and independence so that students can become peace examples and succeed in an evolving world. The school and its staff are committed to maintaining an environment that creates a curiosity about learning, while engendering a love, respect, and understanding of self and others.
We recently sat down with Dr. Cindy Acker to learn more about what makes The Child Unique a special place for learning.
What’s that one unique aspect about The Child Unique that remains hidden to most?
In addition to Montessori care and education for preschoolers, The Child Unique also offers educational opportunities through middle school. Our elementary/middle school is a signature award-winning school.
Are there common misconceptions in education that you’d like to address and correct?
Montessori education is confused with both daycare and early education. However, Montessori education is more than daycare – it is a life-changing, research-based educational pedagogy that also offers childcare for working parents.
What drives your passion and sets you apart from the competition?
A strong belief in social justice, and the desire for children to reach their potential as individuals who can change the world drives what I do. Our school sets the bar when it comes to teaching accurate, historical information. We create an environment of belonging and help children learn how to value differences as they make us whole.
Why should someone send their child(ren) to The Child Unique?
The individualized instruction method of Montessori education allows children to learn via the best modality for them. We present education in a multi-sensory manner. Children learn individually in multi-aged classrooms according to the subjects in which they excel or need support.
Can you share a unique or unexpected story about how you started or a particular challenge you overcame?
I learned how to access the local community for support when beginning my school. Additionally, I received a grant from the then Economic Development Corporation of Alameda, and from there, became a part of a networking community through the Alameda Chamber. I was no longer operating in a silo but began to share and receive informational support within the community.
What’s one local Alameda product or experience that complements your business, and why is it special to you?
Apart from the Chamber and how it has helped me connect with other local businesses, Montessori education is a philosophy that connects students to the world around them. Our students participate in the community. They learn how to use their math skills at the Farmers’ Market. Our students set up a bank account at a local bank. We see how food is made at a local restaurant. Children learn Women’s History from local business owners and local history from the Alameda Museum and local historians.
How is The Child Unique contributing to positive changes or innovations in Alameda?
Our students participate in the Season of Non-Violence activities including the speech contest, we adopt local families during the holiday season, and we have presented our history projects to the City and school district, including our information regarding indigenous people in Alameda.
What exciting things are you working on that you want to share with the community?
We are working on enhancing our historical curriculum regarding people in Alameda, and hope to provide information for the first Women’s History Museum in Alameda.
Want your business to be considered for an upcoming Member Minute? Contact us at business@alamedachamber.com.