Cowabunga's The Drop off Learning Lab

NEW at Cowabunga's THE DROP OFF LEARNING LAB! 

The Learning Lab at Cowabunga's in Manchester, NH is offering licensed daycare for school age children to help assist students and families with the challenges of remote learning. 

Our program is great for Ages 6 to 14 (grades 1st - 8th). The daily schedule is flexible and based on each child's needs and also allows for active play time.  Our focus will be on providing a fun and encouraging place for students paired with bouncing, sliding, playing, crafts, games and more!  

Owner Kelly Pearson writes. "My husband & I started Cowabunga’s 10 years ago & are humbled to say that we are shifting with the times. We will be closed to the public during the week so we can help families navigate remote learning."

Cowabunga's is able to offer this program to a small group of students because of our amazing HVAC system and large space.  Our 24,000 square foot building allows plenty of opportunities for physical distancing. Plus, our HVAC system pumps in lots of fresh air and sucks out & scrubs air from our space. We will follow COVID-19 guidelines similar to schools/day cares and will require mask usage when children can't physically distance.

What extra precautions are you taking because of COVID-19? 

• Masks will be required at drop off and pick up, during quiet activity times and when physical distancing can not be expected.
• Staff will wear masks.
• Physical distancing measures will be in place
• Health screenings will be done daily, including temperatures & oxygen checks of children and staff
• Extra sanitization with hospital grade solution in between activities.  
• Lots of hand washing & hand sanitizer including between activities and before eating
• HVAC system running constantly to scrub and bring in fresh air

What do children need to bring to the program?  Parents will need to provide any tools and electronics needed for learning, including computer, mouse, headphones, books, notebooks, pencils etc.  They will also need to provide lunch, snacks and drinks for their child.

What is the commitment when signing up?  The Learning Lab requires you to sign a contract of services when you sign up.  This requires a two week notice when withdrawing your child from care.

Why are you licensed as a daycare?  The Learning Lab at Cowabunga’s wants to provide high quality care for your child.  Becoming licensed gives us rules and regulations to follow that are safeguards for families.  This includes having our staff to have background checks, meet minimal education requirements and be CPR/First Aid certified.  All of this is very important to us and holds us to a higher standard and state guidelines.  Being licensed as a daycare also allows us to accept state childcare assistance.

What kind of curriculum do you provide?  The Learning Lab doesn’t provide a curriculum for your child, rather helps your child complete the work given to them by their school & teacher.  We will supplement their learning with crafts, science experiments & read alouds when age appropriate.

Will the environment be quiet enough to learn?  Cowabunga’s won’t be loud during learning times.  In fact, our inflatable equipment will only be turned on during active times, minimizing the noise and distractions.

How many staff will your program have?  Our program will maintain the state regulated minimums of 1 staff member per 15 children; however, we expect that we will need a ratio of 1 staff to 7 children depending on the ages enrolled.

Can my kid bounce whenever they want?  No.  To minimize noise and distractions, equipment will only be turned on during active play times after learning is completed.  If your child finishes their work early, we will have quiet play stations to engage them, including craft projects, legos & toys, reading nook and board games.  Whenever possible, staff will supplement their education with reading & reading outloud to students.

What is Cowabunga's up to when they aren't operating as a Drop Off Learning Lab?  Cowabunga's will reopen for regular play and parties on weekends soon!.