Connect the Dots
Learning & Development
Strengthening children through customized learning,
advocacy, and life skills development
The pandemic forced us to take a hard look at education and the difficulties affecting learning, especially with children in underserved and diverse populations.
We had to face the fact that public schools do not work for all children and parents were forced to reimagine what education would look like for their children.
At Connect the Dots Learning, our vision is simple. We provide an alternative learning path utilizing exploratory learning and a customized education plan for each child to make learning fun and to develop the life skills necessary to help them thrive.
We are committed to building a partnership with the student, parent, and the community.
Learning and development is a partnership between child, parent/guardian and the community (teachers, mentors, coaches). We believe in order for this to be successful, we must connect the dots between the three.
Child
Parent
Community
Parents/guardians, YOU are essential to your child’s growth and development because you are a child’s first teacher and they learn from what they see in their homes. Therefore, we want YOU as an active partner in your child's progress. We cannot do this without you.
Your active participation in your child's learning and development will transfer to any learning environment your child is a part of. As you partner with your child's teachers, coaches and mentors, this will reinforce their educational experience and growth.
Most importantly, your child is a key partner in the overall process because they have a say in their learning experience. We want them to be leaders in their learning.
Our Process
The majority of children learn by seeing and experiencing. We encourage this by:
- Building a strong partnership with parents and providing equitable learning opportunities for their children
- Identifying the needs of the child and
- Customizing an education plan that is best suited for their growth
Introductory Call
This is an introductory call to meet and discuss the child's learning experience, needs and expectations. We will also discuss the fee and a suggested schedule for progress.
- 1:1 Interview / Phone Call
- 30 minutes
- Schedule Follow up Meet with Student / Child
Customized Plan
A customized education plan will be created in partnership with the parent to ensure the child receives personalized tools for their learning style to include virtual and/or in-person options.
- Check-ins with the Parent
- Academic Support Schedule
- Cost will be discussed
Let's Get Started
The learning begins.
- Put the Education Plan in Action
- 3-4 assessment period to discuss the child’s progress
*90 days recommended for children to develop proper foundation
I witnessed the wonderful work Tara has done with students in a small group setting. She has contributed to them both academically and emotionally. My students who have worked with her have shown a boost in confidence and growth in mathematics. She definitely has a gift of changing lives.
Kerry Miller, 5th Grade Teacher
Testimonials
"Coach T” was an excellent support in reading and math for my students. Not only academically but she also supported them emotionally. She provided a safe space for them to excel with confidence. Thank you, Coach T.
Veronica Hughes, 5th grade Teacher
Dear Ms T, Thank you so much. You helped me so much. If it weren’t for you, I would not have good grades.
Zoe, 6th grade Student
Miss T’s caring demeanor and innovative approach, brought the fun of learning out of Zoe in 5th grade. Zoe’s first semester as a middle schooler, she made the honor roll!
Darrell Randolph, Parent
Ms. T, thank you for helping me with math and reading. I love how kind you are to people and how fun you are. I liked reading our book and coloring with you on Zoom.
Brianna, 6th grade Student
Ms. T played a big role in helping my daughter build her confidence to be successful in math. Millions of thanks.
Beenish Ahmed, Parent
Boyd and Tara Ouden
The Founder of
Connect the Dots Learning
Tara “Coach T” Ouden is the Founder and Executive Director of Connect the Dots Learning and Development. She has a BS in Criminal Justice, and M.A. in Counseling. She is a certified Mental Health Counselor, Girls Basketball Coach, and has worked as an educator for years in the public education system.
As a mental health counselor, Tara has worked with children and families in the public-school setting and community. She has observed a lack of representation, cultural competence and inaccurate assessments of behavior with children, specifically in under-served populations.
Tara works with schools and other volunteer organizations to provide academic support and mentorship with a hope to help children develop life- long learning skills.
She started Connect the Dots Learning to provide an alternative method to education for children who could use a more personalized education plan to build their confidence and enhance their growth and development.
Tara resides in Prince William County, Va. She is married to her love, Boyd and they have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.
Thank you for visiting our site. We look forward to connecting with you!
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@connectthedotslearn
Woodbridge, VA 571-235-5719
info@connectthedotslearning.net