{"id":7044,"date":"2021-09-20T00:12:29","date_gmt":"2021-09-20T00:12:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/?page_id=7044"},"modified":"2026-04-15T10:33:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T17:33:58","slug":"about-our-school","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/about-our-school\/","title":{"rendered":"About Our School"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; module_class=&#8221;header&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; use_background_color_gradient=&#8221;on&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction=&#8221;118deg&#8221; background_color_gradient_stops=&#8221;#00aa41 0%|rgba(0, 170, 65, 1) 40%|rgba(255,255,255,0) 93%&#8221; background_color_gradient_overlays_image=&#8221;on&#8221; background_color_gradient_start=&#8221;#00aa41&#8243; background_color_gradient_start_position=&#8221;51%&#8221; background_color_gradient_end=&#8221;rgba(255,255,255,0)&#8221; background_color_gradient_end_position=&#8221;87%&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2024\/05\/2024_leap-header.jpg&#8221; background_size=&#8221;contain&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_right&#8221; background_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; background_size_phone=&#8221;custom&#8221; background_image_height_phone=&#8221;200px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>Our School<\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,2_3&#8243; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2024\/08\/DSC_3992-700&#215;467-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Doctor Shamida in front of a map of the world&#8221; title_text=&#8221;DSC_3992-700&#215;467&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||20px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Welcome to Downey Unified School District\u2019s Leap family! We are committed to providing a quality educational program that enhances the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We believe that it takes a village to effectively raise a child and understand that parents are the first and most important educators for their children. You play a crucial role in partnering with us during this important time in your child\u2019s development. We want you to remain informed and comfortable communicating with us regarding your child\u2019s needs.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We look forward to providing a quality Early Education program for your child and hope that you continue to experience success and pride in being part of our Downey Unified family!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"x_elementToProof\">ABOUT ME:<\/h3>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\">Hi, I\u2019m Charlene Shimada. I have taught for over 20 years, fourteen of which were here in Downey. As the principal of Alameda Elementary for 9 years, I oversaw Downey Unified&#8217;s Early Childhood Special Education preschool program. I graduated from USC with my EdD in educational leadership. \u00a0I\u2019ve had the unique opportunity to work closely with staff and families to ensure their success and plan on doing the same at Leap.<\/div>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\">Fun facts about me: I married my high school sweetheart; I&#8217;ve known him since I was 8 years old. We have two children and all of us are USC graduates and avid Trojans! I love meeting people and enjoy watching little people learn and grow.<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text content_phone=&#8221;<\/p>\n<h4 style=%22text-align: right;%22>Lisa Rawlings<br \/><em>Program Coordinator<\/em><\/h4>\n<p>&#8221; content_last_edited=&#8221;off|tablet&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: right;\">Dr. Charlene Shimada<br \/>\n<em>Program Coordinator<\/em><\/h4>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; module_id=&#8221;team&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; use_background_color_gradient=&#8221;on&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction=&#8221;170deg&#8221; background_color_gradient_stops=&#8221;#f4f4f4 13%|#ffffff 67%&#8221; background_color_gradient_overlays_image=&#8221;on&#8221; background_color_gradient_start=&#8221;#f4f4f4&#8243; background_color_gradient_start_position=&#8221;13%&#8221; background_color_gradient_end=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_color_gradient_end_position=&#8221;67%&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||34px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0|0px|false|false&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#F4F4F4&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Meet Our Team<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4&#8243; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_team_member image_url=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2024\/07\/Kailyn-400px.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Kailyn Ortiz, Instructor K2&#8243; icon_color=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||1rem||false|false&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;0px&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hello, my name is Kailyn Ortiz. I have been in the field of education since 2015 and have worked with a wide range of students in a variety of settings. I live in Bixby Knolls, Long Beach. I love to go to farmers markets and drink coffee at my favorite coffee shop, the Bixby Joe. If I\u2019m not hiking with my dog Ladybird, I\u2019m snuggled up with a book and my little cat, Prim. I\u2019m so excited to be teaching at Leap and am looking forward to an amazing school year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_team_member image_url=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2024\/07\/Yajaira-400px.jpg&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||20px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Yajaira Duque, Instructor K1&#8243; icon_color=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||1rem||false|false&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;0px&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>My name is Yajaira Duque. I am passionate about educating our future leaders and enriching the lives of students and their families. I have been in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2007.\u00a0 My preschool leadership roles include everything from a preschool teacher to a preschool director with each experience positively adding to my passion for education.<\/p>\n<p>I have 3 wonderful children of my own, ranging in age from elementary to college students who are all part of our Downey Unified family.\u00a0 I enjoy spending time with my kids, going to the movies, visiting amusement parks and taking family trips. I am thrilled to be part of our Downey Unified family!<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_team_member image_url=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2024\/07\/Eugenie-400.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||20px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Eugenie Lambert, Instructor A3&#8243; icon_color=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||1rem||false|false&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;0px&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I am a proud product of the Downey Unified School District, from Williams Elementary to Warren High School. I earned my CDA Credentials and my California Teaching Permit in 2013, and have been in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2014. I taught for the City of Downey as the instructor of the Wee-Three program for several years prior to joining the DUSD team with Leap in 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I am a mother of three AMAZING young adults with my very loving and supportive high school sweetheart. As a family, we love to go camping and travel with our trailer to new campsites in California. I also speak fluent French, oui oui!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_team_member image_url=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2024\/07\/Jennifer-400px.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||20px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Jennifer Parra, Sr. Clerical Assistant&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||1rem||false|false&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;0px&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>After 18 years in accounting and working for our family business for four years, I am thrilled to have made a career change and join the Leap team in the 2023-24 school year as the Senior Clerical Assistant.<\/p>\n<p>My husband and I are proud parents of a daughter who attends Downey Unified and a preschool-aged son. I&#8217;m a Peloton fanatic and I share the love for swimming, travel, and the occasional theme park with my husband, children and parents. We also have a playful 2-year-old Goldendoodle.<\/p>\n<p>I look forward to growing with Leap and seeing our students enjoy the beginning of their educational journey within the Downey Unified School District.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; module_id=&#8221;schedule&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; use_background_color_gradient=&#8221;on&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction=&#8221;170deg&#8221; background_color_gradient_stops=&#8221;#f4f4f4 13%|#ffffff 67%&#8221; background_color_gradient_overlays_image=&#8221;on&#8221; background_color_gradient_start=&#8221;#f4f4f4&#8243; background_color_gradient_start_position=&#8221;13%&#8221; background_color_gradient_end=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_color_gradient_end_position=&#8221;67%&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||34px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0|0px|false|false&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#F4F4F4&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Sample of Our Daily Schedule<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Schoolbell||||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;17px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||20px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>8:00-8:15 Arrival, Hand Washing<\/p>\n<p>8:15-8:30 Breakfast<\/p>\n<p>8:30-9:00 Outdoor Choice Time and Toileting<\/p>\n<p>9:00-9:20 Morning Meeting<\/p>\n<p>9:20-9:40 Whole Group Instruction<\/p>\n<p>9:40-10:20 Choice Center Activities<\/p>\n<p>10:20-10:40 Small Group Instruction<\/p>\n<p>10:40-11:00 Whole Group Reflection<\/p>\n<p>11:00-11:15 Clean-Up, Toileting, &amp; Hand Washing<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Schoolbell||||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;17px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||20px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>11:15-11:45 Lunch<\/p>\n<p>11:45-12:15 Outdoor Choice Time<\/p>\n<p>12:15-12:30 Toileting &amp; Hand Washing<\/p>\n<p>12:30-2:00 Nap Time &amp; Quiet Time<\/p>\n<p>2:15-2:30 Snack<\/p>\n<p>2:30-3:00 Outdoor Choice Time<\/p>\n<p>3:00-3:15 Afternoon Meeting<\/p>\n<p>3:15-3:45 Choice Center Activities<\/p>\n<p>3:45-4:00 Group Dismissal Routine<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2025\/09\/IMG_3718-3-800&#215;500-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;happy kids in a row&#8221; title_text=&#8221;IMG_3718-3-800&#215;500&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;on|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2021\/10\/26669-scaled.jpg&#8221; background_blend=&#8221;screen&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_id=&#8221;playtolearn&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_3,1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1rem|1rem|1rem|1rem|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>Inside a Leap Classroom<\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||1rem||false|false&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>Learning through play<\/h2>\n<p>A passion for learning starts at a young age, and what better way to introduce students to skills and concepts than through play? At Leap, we spark the excitement for school and learning by using fun games that enhance specific skills. Below are a few examples of some of the many activities where children develop their skills all while having a good time!<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2021\/09\/star-bkg-4.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;shooting star&#8221; title_text=&#8221;star-bkg-4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_4,3_4&#8243; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;2&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;10px||10px||false|false&#8221; 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border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; box_shadow_horizontal=&#8221;1px&#8221; box_shadow_vertical=&#8221;1px&#8221; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; header_3_font_size=&#8221;23px&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;||20px||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|10px|||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span>Learning to follow directions<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span>Project: Making Yogurt Fruit Dip<\/span><\/h4>\n<div>The object of this activity is for students to measure various ingredients, put them into a cup and start mixing.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>This enhances their skills to<span>\u00a0<\/span><b>compare and measure objects<\/b><span>\u00a0<\/span>as well as<span>\u00a0<\/span><b>follow directions<\/b>.<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;3_4,1_4&#8243; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;2&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;10px||10px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;align-items:center;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;3px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#00AA41&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; header_3_font_size=&#8221;23px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|10px|||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span>Understanding numbers and shapes<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span>Activity: Pom Pom Numbers<\/span><\/h4>\n<div>The object here is for students to use tweezers to pick up the pom-poms and place them on the circles inside the numbers.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>This activity enhances<span>\u00a0<\/span><b>fine motor strength and coordination<\/b><span>\u00a0<\/span>as well as<span>\u00a0<\/span><b>understanding numbers and shapes<\/b>.<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; 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use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;2&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;10px||10px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;align-items:center;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;3px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2024\/05\/web_matching.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;what belongs together&#8221; title_text=&#8221;web_matching&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; align_tablet=&#8221;center&#8221; align_phone=&#8221;&#8221; align_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; transform_rotate=&#8221;0deg|0deg|-2deg&#8221; height=&#8221;200px&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;||20px||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; box_shadow_horizontal=&#8221;1px&#8221; box_shadow_vertical=&#8221;1px&#8221; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; header_3_font_size=&#8221;23px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|10px|||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Learn to classify and sort objects<\/h3>\n<h4>Activity: What Goes Together?<\/h4>\n<p>Using our special activity box, students have to find the item that best relates to the image on the worksheet.<\/p>\n<p>This <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">activity enhances skills in <strong>sorting and classifying<\/strong>, as well as <strong>comparing and contrasting<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;3_4,1_4&#8243; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;2&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;10px||10px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;align-items:center;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;3px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#00AA41&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#004E8E&#8221; header_3_font_size=&#8221;23px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|10px|||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||1rem||false|false&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3>Develop fine motor skills<\/h3>\n<h4>Activity: Cut Along the Line<\/h4>\n<p>The object of this activity is for students to <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">use scissors to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cut along the line until they reach the circle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">activity enhances <strong>fine motor strength and coordination<\/strong> by using their fingers and hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2021\/09\/cutting-510px.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;preschool boy using safety scissors&#8221; title_text=&#8221;cutting-510px&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; transform_rotate=&#8221;0deg|0deg|1deg&#8221; height=&#8221;200px&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; box_shadow_horizontal=&#8221;1px&#8221; box_shadow_vertical=&#8221;1px&#8221; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;6px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;on|off|off&#8221; module_id=&#8221;parents&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;3_4,1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Keeping parents involved<\/h2>\n<p>We understand that entering the Leap program is a big transition for both children and parents alike. This is why we are constantly in touch with our families, letting them know what is going on in our classrooms so they can discuss concepts learned at school with their children at home. Parents receive weekly <em>Creative Curriculum for Preschool<\/em> lesson plans, shared through the Teaching Strategies app.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2021\/10\/readyrosie-300&#215;80.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;ReadyRosie&#8221; title_text=&#8221;readyrosie&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Leap also provides parents with plenty of at-home resources. Included in the price of tuition, Leap parents gain access to the ReadyRosie English and Spanish video library. ReadyRosie is an early education platform that includes family workshops, videos and mobile technology to build powerful partnerships between families and educators to ensure a child&#8217;s success.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2021\/10\/Phone-image.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;phone communication&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Phone-image&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our SchoolWelcome to Downey Unified School District\u2019s Leap family! We are committed to providing a quality educational program that enhances the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child. We believe that it takes a village to effectively raise a child and understand that parents are the first and most important educators for their [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7044","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\r\n<title>About Our School - LEAP<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\r\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/web.dusd.net\/leap\/about-our-school\/\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"About Our School - LEAP\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Our SchoolWelcome to Downey Unified School District\u2019s Leap family! 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