STEM for Kids: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (After School Programs)

"STEM is FUN!" That's what we want to hear from our students. Our STEM is Fun for Kids program offers fun-filled and exciting activities focused on building and sustaining interest in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Through hands-on activities and STEM challenges, children will think, construct, experiment, discover, and develop the desire to learn more. The children will explore the use of different learning tools - from Lego bricks, Kapla blocks, K'nex education sets, Smart Circuits, and other STEM toys to doing experiments using the simplest everyday materials. Every class, we learn something new and experience a different kind of fun. After all, learning is BEST when kids are having FUN!

• Kids enrolled in this after school program will be dismissed to the classroom at school (see schedule below). Northborough Rec staff will be on hand at the start time of the program to make sure kids get to the program (and don't forget and board the bus, etc.)
• Children from other schools are welcome to sign up, but please note that we are unable to provide transportation.
• Please sign up no later than one week in advance; adequate notice is needed to communicate dismissal information for your child.
• A dismissal note is required for each child participating in the program. Please send a note to school no later than one week before the program starts.
• Kids enrolled in NEDP (Northborough Extended Day Program) are welcome to sign up!

Barbara Jorda is the founder and owner of STEM Beginnings. With an extensive background in early childhood education, she taught pre-school for over 10 years in numerous places including Manila, Shanghai, New York, and Southborough, and has also established KIDS - Kids in Day School, a family-owned Preschool in the Philippines. In recent years, she has worked as an ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) Therapist to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Barbara has a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy, a Masters degree in Family Life and Child Development from the University of the Philippines, and a Certificate in Child Care for Young Professionals from Bank Street College of Education in New York. She is a mother to her young children, Breanna (7) and Ethan (6), who have both inspired and helped her in developing the STEM Beginnings program and activities.

Because of her strong passion in educating and helping young children, she felt the need to expose kids to fun and engaging STEM activities to help spark their interest in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math. With the STEM Beginnings’ programs, she hopes to inspire young minds to develop curiosity and confidence toward these disciplines and hopefully carry this, as they grow and become our future's workforce... the leaders of tomorrow.