Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does YPW stand for?
Young Peoples Workshops

2. What is Young Peoples Workshops?
Young Peoples Workshops (YPW) is an exciting place for Young People to experience "intelligent fun". In the front of our establishment we are a toy store stocked with an extensive selection of educational toys, learning aids and stimulating books. In the back of the YPW space (behind the store but accessed directly by walking though the hall at the rear of the store) we have three colorful workshop areas where we teach the love of learning to Young People (ages 18 months to 12th grade) through workshops and camps in science, technology, art, Spanish, music and more.

YPW also hosts birthday parties and Brownie/Cub Scout meetings in a variety of exciting themes.

Once a month, YPW offers CLUB YPW to Young People ages 6 to 13 for an hour-long fun experience creating and learning with their friends.

YPW SPANISH IMMERSION PRESCHOOL
BROWNIE and CUB SCOUT MEETINGS
YPW WORKSHOPS and CAMPS
ROBOTICS WORKSHOPS and CAMPS
SPANISH WORKSHOPS and CAMPS
ART WORKSHOPS and CAMPS
YPW TOY STORE
YPW POINTS
BIRTHDAY PARTIES

YPW SPANISH IMMERSION PRESCHOOL

1. What advantages do children who learn a foreign language have?
"Children who have been exposed to a foreign language early often learn the read faster and with greater ease
because they are able to recognize the relationship between letters and their sounds without the help of visual
objects. Exposure to a second language clearly benefits children’s reading abilities."
American Psychological Association May 1997

"Children who learn a second language typically have better problem solving abilities, better reasoning skills, and
are more creative." ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages & Linguistics

"Children with bilingual skills outperform similar monolingual children on both verbal and non-verbal tests of
intelligence and typically, have higher SAT or standardized test scores. "
Department of Education, USA & ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages & Linguistics

Exposing children to a second language not only gives them the ability to communicate with more people but also
teaches them to appreciate and respect other cultures and people that are different from themselves.

2. Why is it so important to start learning a foreign language as early as possible?
"Children have the capacity to develop new language more naturally than adults. Between the
ages of 0 – 5 years old, children’s brains are prepared for language development. “The power to learn language
is so great in the young child that it doesn’t seem to matter how many languages you throw their way. They can
learn as many spoken languages as you allow them to hear systematically and regularly.”
Learning Languages, Winter 1996

“Studies have shown, and experience has supported, that children who learn a language before the onset of
adolescence are much more likely to have a native-like pronunciation.” ERIC

“Languages are for life and they can’t be taken away once you have learned them. By helping your child and
continuing to help her, you’ll have a lasting contribution to her quality of life and understanding of others and
their culture.” Hodder and Stoughton Educational, 1994

3. What are the myths about exposing children to foreign languages?
Learning a second language will interfere with the child’s ability to learn English
“In most cases, learning another language enhances a child’s English ability. Children can learn much about
English by learning the structure of other languages. Common vocabulary also helps children learn the meaning
of new words in English.” ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages & Linguistics

If I don’t speak Spanish, how will I be able to teach my child?
Parents do not have to be native speakers or know the foreign language to teach it to their children. There are
many venues that can be used to teach children Spanish; bilingual television, songs, bilingual preschool, books,
movies, bilingual toys and computer games.

Will my child become proficient in the second language?
How long will that take?
Achieving high levels of oral proficiency in a second language is a long-term process. A long-term commitment is
essential. Children may not reach proficiency in every skill area, however, your child will have a strong second
language base upon which to continue moving toward full proficiency. Language learning is influenced by many
factors, including students’ personality and motivation, teacher expectations, parental support and program
leadership. Student success requires the active involvement of all of these stakeholders.

4. My child does not know Spanish –will he/she be confused and not understand what to do?
Our program is mainly designed for children who do not yet understand or speak the Spanish language. We do,
however, welcome and encourage children who already use Spanish in their homes to be part of our
program. All staff is completely bilingual in English and Spanish. The first couple weeks, we will start the program speaking both Spanish and English so that the children understand each activity and also the children become familiar with daily routine. Once the children are familiar with the activities and daily routine, it becomes easy to switch to speaking Spanish. Most of the time, children don’t even notice when we switch. They are too busy having fun. If the teacher every doubts the children understand something, she will briefly explain in English and then continue in Spanish. We are here to encourage the love of the Spanish language and will ensure that the children feel comfortable and secure.

Pretty much by the fourth week of class we will totally immerse the children in the Spanish language.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

1. How far in advance should I reserve a birthday party?
As early as is convenient, but no later than two weeks please so that we can adequately prepare for your young person's special day!

2. Is a deposit required?
Yes, a $100 deposit is required to hold the date.

3. What does a YPW birthday party include?
A YPW birthday party has it all … a fun theme (see http://www.youngpeoplesworkshops.com/Bday.htm to pick a theme), an energetic host or hostess to lead the party guests through the chosen theme's project or activities, party invitations (with gift registry coupons included), thank you notes, balloons and party favors.
The Dancing Party with Pirates/Princesses/Ladybugs has optional favors that cost an additional $4.50 per child. Cake, juice, paper goods and utensils can also be provided for any YPW party for an additional $50.

4. I like YPW's party themes, but I have some ideas of my own - can you create a custom party for my child?
Please contact us with any ideas you have for your young person's party and YPW will work hard to help make your young person's birthday dreams come true.

5. How many guests can I invite?
The YPW party fee includes up to 10 guests, and you can invite up to a total of 22 guests for an additional fee. See http://www.youngpeoplesworkshops.com/Bday.htm for more details

6. Can I bring food for the party?
You can bring your own food/cake for the party and we will help serve it, or for an additional $50, we will supply a birthday cake, juice, paper goods and utensils.

7. What about decorations?
YPW party rooms are very colorful and are made even more festive with helium balloons that the Birthday Girl or Boy can take home - or share with guests! - at the end of the party.

8. What about party music?
We will play music during appropriate segments of the party. If you have special music you would like to bring, please let us know and we can play it for you.

9. Do you have a gift registry?
Yes, please visit the YPW store for more details.

10. How should my child and guests dress for they party?
Every day attire is fine for most parties. For the art parties, have the children wear older clothing you wouldn't mind getting stained.

11. What is your cancellation policy for parties?
All cancellations must be received 48 hours in advance; otherwise forfeiture of deposit will result. A $25 cancellation fee applies to parties cancelled at least 48 hours in advance.

BROWNIE and CUB SCOUT MEETINGS

1. What does a Brownie meeting at YPW include?
YPW Brownie meetings give your Brownie troop members the opportunity to earn a Science "Try-It" patch by completing at least 4 exciting scientific activities. Contact Monica Moreno (contact link here) for a list of activities to choose from.

2. What does a Cub Scout meeting at YPW include?
YPW Cub Scout meetings give your Cub Scout troop members the opportunity to earn a Science belt loop by completing at least 3 exciting scientific activities. An experienced YPW Science & Technology instructor will conduct the meeting. Contact Monica Moreno (contact link here) for a list of activities to choose from.

3. Does YPW provide the actual try-it badge or belt loop?
Sorry, no.

4. Are snacks included?
No, we do not provide snacks for meetings, but you may bring your own.

5. How do I schedule a Brownie or Cub Scout meeting?
Visit the store, fill out a registration form and pay a deposit in the amount of half of the meeting cost.

YPW WORKSHOPS and CAMPS

1. Who teaches the YPW workshops and camps?
YPW Instructors are highly trained and have extensive experience in their respective fields. Please visit the YPW Instructor web page for more info: http://www.youngpeoplesworkshops.com/Instructor.htm

2. Does my child need to be talented or love the subject in question to enroll in a YPW workshop or camp?
No. Most YPW workshops and camps are structured to allow Young People of differing ability levels to learn within the same workshop or camp. Each participant will be allowed to participate within his or her aptitude ability and encouraged to advance his or her problem-solving abilities to the next level. Your young person's interest in the workshop subject will likely increase after exposure to the energized and unique instructional techniques used by YPW instructors.

3. How long are the workshops and camps?
Workshops are usually 50 minutes in length. School-break/Holidays workshops and camps are 2 to 3 hours in length and include a snack break. Check the current schedule for more info.

4. How many young people are enrolled in a workshop or camp?
YPW workshops and camps for pre-school age children are limited to a maximum of 12 young people. Enrollment in YPW workshops and camps for school-age children is limited to a maximum of 15. A minimum of 4 young people is necessary to keep a workshop or camp open.

5. Can I observe my young person during a workshop or class?
YPW workshop and camp rooms are parent-viewing friendly with glass windows so that you can stay and observe your young person during the workshops and camps, as long as your presence is not a distraction. Some workshops, such as Music & Movement, require the attendance of an adult with the young person. See the workshop or camp descriptions for more information.

6. How do I sign my young person up for a YPW workshop or camp?
Visit the YPW store to fill out a registration form and make a payment. Payment is due in full before the start of the workshop or camp.

7. Are discounts available for multiple sessions, or family enrollments?
When you register two or more young people of the same immediate family you will receive 5% reduction for one of them.

When you register one child for more than one workshop pay only for one material fee and;
Receive 5% discount when registering for 2 workshops
Receive 10% discount when registering for 3 workshops
Receive 15% discount when registering for 4 or more workshops

Sign up to receive our online newsletter to stay informed of current specials and coupons by sending an email to morenom@youngpeoplesworkshops.com with "newsletter sign up" in the subject heading.

8. Are the workshop and camp materials included in the price?
No, there is a separate material fee. Check each program for corresponding material fee.

9. Do workshops activities change from session to session?
Yes, they usually do, but check when registering to verify that your young person is not repeating a workshop or camp.

10. How should the kids be dressed for any of the workshops?
Your child should dress in regular school day clothing. For art workshops he/she should dress with clothes that you don't mind getting messy.

11. Can my kids bring snacks to a workshop or camp?
No snacks or drinks during the YPW workshops please. YPW camps include a break for a snack provided by YPW.

12. Do you offer make-up days or refunds for workshops a young person misses?
Sorry, no.

13. Do you have a cancellation policy for workshops?
Workshops that do not enroll a required minimum number of students 4 days prior to the start of the workshop may be cancelled.
Young people that have paid for a cancelled workshop will receive a refund or may apply credit to another workshop.

YPW will NOT refund a workshop fee for a cancelation iniciated by the participant. We will issue a credit to be used for another workshop or at the YPW store.

ROBOTICS WORKSHOPS and CAMPS

1. Does my child need any experience prior to taking a YPW Robotics Workshop or camp?
Absolutely not. The workshops are constructed so that young people at differing levels of expertise will have challenging and fun experiences. Part of the process is learning to program the robots with a computer, so some familiarity with a computer and keyboard is helpful, but not essential.

2. I want my young person to learn how to program and build robots, but he/she doesn't love science (or isn't "good" at science). Should I enroll him/her anyway?
YPW Robotics workshops and camps are a combination of scientific technology and "just plain fun". Try enrolling your young person in a YPW Robotics Workshop or camp and he/she may discover a latent passion and talent for the scientific process.

3. I want my young person to learn Robotics, but I hesitate to enroll him/her in an academic activity after school, after spending all day in an academic environment?
YPW Robotics workshop instructors combine learning with FUN to keep young people engaged and attentive. Your young person will enjoy "hanging out" with new friends, designing robotic programs on our computers, and using their creativity and intellect to build exciting robots with his/her own two hands. YPW understands that young people need a break after a full day at school, which is why our after school Robotics workshop is short in length (1 hour) and filled with stimulating activities.

SPANISH WORKSHOPS and CAMPS

1. Does my young person need previous experience with Spanish before enrolling?
No, many YPW Spanish workshops and camps are developed with the beginner in mind.
2. My child has some previous Spanish education. Do you have a workshop or camp advanced enough to keep her challenged?
YPW offers Spanish Workshop Camps at different ability levels. To determine a proper fit for your young person, contact owner Monica Moreno (contact info here).
3. I want my young person to learn Spanish, but I hesitate to enroll him/her in an academic activity after school, after spending all day in an academic environment.
YPW Full-Immersion Spanish workshop instructors combine learning with FUN to keep young people engaged and attentive. Your young person will enjoy "hanging out" with new friends, playing active games and singing songs, all while absorbing the Spanish language. YPW understands that young people need a break after a full day at school, which is why our after school Full-Immersion Spanish workshop is short in length (1 hour) and filled with enjoyable activities.

ART WORKSHOPS and CAMPS

1. Does my young person need any previous art experience before taking a YPW Art workshop or camp?
No, young people of all levels of artistic expertise are welcome at YPW Art workshops and camps.

2. What should my young person wear to a YPW Art workshop or camp?
Older clothing that you would not mind getting stained. Sometimes the creative process is a messy one.

3. Will my young person bring home an art project every day?
Sometimes the YPW art workshop or camp projects take more than one day to complete, but rest assured, your young person will create more than he/she can carry at the end of the Art camp or workshop quarter.

4. Do YPW Art workshops and camps focus on the art process over a finished product, or vice versa?
YPW Art workshop and camp instructors concentrate on teaching the process of art to young people. However, it is nice to take home a completed artwork as well. YPW Art workshops and camps attempt to strike a balance between process and product, and ultimately strive to inspire your young person to create, create, create.

YPW TOY STORE

1. Do you offer free gift-wrapping?
Yes, we do. Please request at the time of your purchase to receive your free gift-wrapping.

2. Can you package and ship a YPW gift purchase for me?
Yes, YPW can pack and ship your gift purchased at YPW Toy Store for a reasonable price.

3. Do you sell gift certificates?
Yes, you can purchase a YPW gift certificate in any amount.

4. Does YPW Toy Store have a gift registry?
Yes, please visit the YPW Toy Store for details.

5. Does the YPW Toy Store have sales?
Yes, watch your mailbox for upcoming sales flyers. You can also receive notice of upcoming specials and sales by sending an email to ypw@YoungPeoplesWorkshops.com with "newsletter sign up" in the subject heading.

6. What is your return policy?
Holiday return policy: Returns with receipt within 30 days of purchase
Regular return policy: Returns with receipt within 10 days of purchase

YPW POINTS

1. What are YPW Points?
Young people accumulate points during the course of a YPW workshop or camp, and they will receive a YPW point card at the end of the YPW workshop or camp. The young person can then redeem the points for a toy(s) in the YPW Points toy bin at the front of the store.

2. Can YPW Points be saved and used together to get a larger toy?
Yes, YPW Points can be added together and used toward any toy designated for the YPW points program.