Set your 3-6 year old up for uncommon success with a world class preschool education
(even as a busy parent and even without private school, you can raise a self directed learner!)
In just 8 weeks, accelerate your child’s learning WAY beyond what their daycare or public school offers and raise a self directed learner so they make the most of their brilliant brain – now AND in their bright future.
If you’re reading this, you’re an exceptional parent who wants the best education for your child.
The problem? You know there’s a gap between what your public school or daycare is offering and what the elite preschool is providing.
Great education has focused on 3 things since the time of Plato and Socrates:
Foundational knowledge and skills (grammar)
The ability to argue (logic)
Beautiful, persuasive, and articulate communications (rhetoric)
But in our modern education system where meeting common core standards is THE primary objective, logic and rhetoric are routinely sacrificed on the altar of test prep.
Case in point: raise your hands if you LOVE public speaking & were trained to do it well at school?
Anybody?
Anybody?
Harsh but true: these are the realities of schools and daycares:
Schools are in charge of curriculum, scope, and sequence, and cannot deviate from the prescribed course of study. If your child has interests that are “too advanced” and will be covered next year or even later, your child is out of luck.
Teacher conferences are often focused on providing an overview of what is being taught in the classroom and platitudes about your child being a joy to teach, but you don’t get a true sense of who your child is as a learner.
The emphasis in school is on the teacher and their ability to adhere to the learning plan, not on the learner and their curiosities.
Schools typically teach to the weakest learner to ensure no child is left behind. If you have a gifted child and no gifted program, you risk your child becoming bored and face the reality of not adequately nurturing your child’s potential.
Critical thinking and the Socratic method take a back seat to disseminating information uniformly and in accordance with the learning plan
It’s never a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket (especially when they’re $7/dozen)
And we KNOW there’s no such thing as a perfect person (nor would it be healthy to exclusively rely on this individual if they did exist)
So it stands to reason that there’s no such thing as a perfect school either.
Let’s reframe that school situation, shall we?
What if there was a tried and true learning framework proven to:
accelerate reading, writing, and math skills beyond grade level standards,
cultivate creativity and innovation through open ended play,
nurture self directed learners, and
combine the best elements of the different learning philosophies to track with your child’s interests
That’s the power of a smart, savvy, play based, supplemental preschool at home strategy.
Get ready to say goodbye to cookie-cutter learning – and say hello to your thriving self directed learner on the path to uncommon success
On your mark: Channel your inner Walt Disney
Get set: feel like you’ve won the lottery with your child’s education
Go: It’s time to transform your behind the eyeball anxiety into results that showcase your child’s true abilities
Educate for life, educate for success ← that’s it, that’s the tweet!
If education could really supply our children with a skill set that gave them power and value in the 21st century economy, it would not utilize a model based on sitting in a chair from 8am – 2 pm, then following a schedule of extracurriculars until 6 pm, all while being told what to do (and think!).
It would do its darndest to nurture a self directed learner.
Do we see a hint of amusement? Don’t worry, we won’t tell!
Introducing the Inquisitive Learner Accelerator, an 8-week, pioneering, out-of-school program for 3-6 year olds that uses customized learning systems + strategies to accelerate your child’s development in reading, writing, and math.
Using a play based approach in just 15 minutes a day, you can propel your child’s learning beyond grade level standards and nurture their unique strengths + skills in a way that schools and daycares can’t.
A world class education should prepare any child to become a self directed learner with the educational foundation that’s been battle tested over centuries: knowing, questioning, and communicating.
We want our children to feel they are on an adventure, pursuing knowledge to know about things and how to do things.
We want them to be able to question, both to find out more and also to realize that some things cannot ever be known or aren’t fully understood.
We want them to communicate about things they discovered, surmised, or created, and be able to lead as well as follow.
We want them to engage thoughtfully in dialogue and argument (not live in echo chambers), appreciate and make beautiful things, and be confident when grappling with difficult ideas.
And we want this to all have a purpose: for them to flourish as individuals and realize they have a crucial role to play in enabling their family, friends, and community to thrive as well.
My promise to you? Spend 8 weeks with me & and you’ll come away with:
- a bespoke learning strategy fully tailored to your child’s unique disposition that propels reading, writing, and math beyond grade level standards in as little as15 minutes a day so you can start introducing these higher level skills
- the beginnings of a lifelong love for learning (with an unforgettable childhood as a bonus!)
- peace of mind to enroll your child where it makes sense for your family (yes, even that mediocre but convenient program), so you can focus on nurturing their ability to become agents of change.
This sounds like the chips to my guac!
What’s included in ILA?
This comprehensive 2-month program serves you every step of the way in your child’s early childhood journey, and encompasses three distinct phases leading to a transformative lifestyle that nurtures self directed learners.
| Action step | Result | |
| Play | Set up an inspiring learning space in your house even if you live in a 1BR | A gold standard play space that acts as a second teacher so your child continues to learn even when you’re busy |
| Learn | Design your 100% customized preschool curriculum for the hours after school is out | A bespoke learning plan for what, when, and how to teach so that you close learning gaps and your child gets ahead of the curve |
| Teach | Become a highly effective parent teacher | Use the best teaching strategies and methods so that learning sticks |
Invest Toolkit: The play, learn, teach framework is underpinned by the Invest Toolbox, a module filled with strategies and tactics to wisely steward your resources for the long-haul.
Think: all the ways you need to protect your money, time, and energy so you teach with greater depth and get more mileage out of your resources
ILA is everything you need to:
Accelerate reading, writing, and math skills
Develop your comprehensive outside-the-classroom learning blueprint so you implement it as sustainably as possible
Trust yourself because you have a process for teaching like a professional educator
ILA is a purpose driven blend of personalized 1:1 feedback, group coaching, and self-study consisting of:
8-week foundational Inquisitive Learner curriculum
- 3-phase curriculum with videos, worksheets, and done-for-you resources and swipe files
- Invest toolkit with strategies and tactics to wisely steward your resources for the long-haul
- Custom binder with tabs and resources printed out (pay in full clients only)
Weekly coaching calls
Two 1:1 30 minute check-ins with me:
- play space reset in week 5 and
- bespoke education plan in week 8
4 months community forum membership
When you unwrap the way the Inquisitive Learner Accelerator works, this is how it helps you develop your self directed learner:
Powerful coursework:
The in-depth, step-by-step coursework you complete in the 3-phase, 8-week program is the information that launches a thousand opportunities for your child.
Class is in session!
Level up your child’s education with a deep dive into the underlying principles of learning.
Weekly coaching calls:
Stop wondering how to encourage block play or use the Montessori golden beads.
Around here, we strive for clarity and results.
But
We also know that even with a good video tutorial and clear instructions, you might still have follow-up questions, especially since education is just *a smidge* personal.
Hop on the weekly coaching calls to get personalized advice on using the materials or troubleshoot alternative activities.
Imagine: dapper blue wainscoting. chalkboard specials. Natural light and a killer pastry list. The perfect lost-in-time French bakery where you’re inspired to do great work. That’s the mood I’m going for on our calls.
Didn’t anyone tell you the best learning comes with a side of confidence, thought-provoking conversations, and camaraderie?
It takes a village – I promise this one’s worth joining.
4 months of community access
Did someone say they wanted an accountability buddy? I don’t do Irish goodbyes (in fact, I’m probably still on the prowl for another pomegranate gin fizz).
There’s no way I’ll leave you just when things are getting juicy. Use this time to reflect, implement, test, and ask me + your fellow parents for feedback so you can reach your destination.
Bonuses and prizes:
I get it – these early years are HARD and there is NEVER enough time. Thinking about how to secure our children’s future is heavy, heady stuff!
That’s why I firmly believe we have to make things fun, for ourselves and for our kids.
I’ve intentionally structured ILA to not only be streamlined and actionable, but also persistent in the best of ways (think irreverent surprises sprinkled throughout the weeks).
Scout’s honor: this isn’t your arcane college philosophy lecture.
No siree.
This is learning that’s exciting, enjoyable, and makes a difference in becoming a self directed learner.
Let’s break it down now
Enroll in the Inquisitive Learner Accelerator and Raise That Self Directed Learner.
1. Enroll
Click the enroll now button anywhere on the page and complete the checkout form.
We’ll be cheering you on in the background and preparing your email with the subject line “hip hip hooray today’s your day” that will include log in details and instructions to access our private community.
The hardest part is deciding – I’m on standby to answer any questions. Just reach out!
You’re a busy working parent – #BeenThereDoingItToo – ILA is expressly designed to be completed in 30 minutes a day over a span of 8 weeks.
Can’t dive in right away? Rest easy – you’ve got lifetime access.
The foundation you set in motion now will serve your family over the course of your child’s education journey – join us!
8 weeks from today, your family will be strutting into its best academic year yet!
You’ll have the confidence to teach your child beyond grade level.
Your child will enjoy more quality time, not screen time, and bright memories to boot.
Your family will rock a play based learning lifestyle that you can take anywhere and embrace anytime (is that an around the world family gap year I spy?).
And did someone say BONUSES?
Block play workshop
Learn how to use blocks to support learning
Loose parts workshop
Implement the Reggio Emilio teaching philosophy easily at home
Getting started with process art
Set up your art station + understand principles of process art
SOS toolkit: sticky situation solver
- Supplementing school with multiple kids
- Using power hours (teach in an hour when school is out)
- How to leverage time outdoors to teach
- Managing kids who resist
2-for-1 Special
Sign up with a friend and you each get $500 off the course
“I am no longer the same parent I was before working with Kim because I find myself viewing my days from the lens of what can I do with this 10-15 minute window instead of defaulting to Ms. Rachel or Blippi. I’m more creative with my play and made the mindset shift to being excited about guiding my child through the world instead of waiting for his teachers to do it. ”
Aaron R., Madison, WI
“My parents sent me to a Montessori preschool and I wanted that experience for our kids, but it wasn’t financially available to us. What I found most valuable in working with Kim goes beyond the fact that she shows you how to incorporate some of the iconic Montessori materials at home straight away.
It’s that she helped me bust out of that constricting mindset of thinking there’s just one best way to teach our kids and that the schools and teachers have the monopoly on that strategy. She showed me that I have an impactful role to play in our kids’ education, and that I can do this while still keeping my life and career.”
Annie Y., Long Beach, CA
“Me time is a luxury as a working mom. I wasn’t even sure I could commit to a call with Kim, but thank God my husband’s love language is gifting and he signed me up.
Yes, Kim is brilliant at helping you understand what standards your kids will be measured by and how to exceed those standards. But the one thing I valued most from our engagement wasn’t that.
It was the training on open ended play and preparing a dedicated space for our daughter so that she could be more independent. I have on average 30 minutes more time in any given day because my daughter is able to engage by herself. Bonus? I love that she is still learning even when I’m not hands-on with her.”
Maya G., Atlanta, GA
The average combined cost of funding your child’s 2s, 3s, and PreK years at a private program ranges from $23,000 to more than $180,000
It DOES NOT even include
The cost of aftercare programs and summer camps which easily add another $10,000-$20,000 to the education bill 🙈
Don’t reduce your supply of fingernails just yet.
Here’s some good news: I believe in financial independence, earning someone’s trust by delivering value, and wise stewardship of our resources (fiscal, temporal, and spiritual).
That’s why I’ve priced ILA to cost a fraction of a semester at a private school AND thrown in opportunities for you to bring the price down even more.
Because world class education shouldn’t be restricted just to families who have intergenerational wealth or won the career lottery.
And more importantly, I want learning together to become the ultimate family tradition. Something we do often, do well, and do with intention.
I don’t know who needs to hear this but…
There can never be enough critical thinkers, change agents, and good neighbors in this world. A self directed learner grows into these roles.
A nurturing learning environment + a solid emotional intelligence foundation are what prevent democracy from dying in darkness.
Let’s start offering children a purposeful, joyful education that they keep talking about and asking for.
Go ahead and rival their teacher (but with your PJs on).
A passionate self directed learner who can open any future door? Priceless.
Cherry on top extra? The money you save instead of cutting pricey tuition checks now will double in value later when your child is more aware of her passions and can purposefully capitalize on them.
When you add this all up, it’s a value of at least $15,000 – the price of part-time nursery school … but I’ve made it possible for you to get started for the price of a family vacation –
$3,000.
There’s also an opportunity to lower the price down to $2,000 if you 1) pay in full, and 2) sign up with a friend.
You’ll not only make memories with your kids, but this is an investment that continues to pay dividends long into your child’s elementary school years.
60-day foundational Inquisitive Learner curriculum
- 3-phase curriculum with videos, worksheets, and done-for-you resources and swipe files
- Play
- Learn
- Teach
- Invest Toolkit
- Custom binder with tabs and resources printed out (pay in full clients only;)
Weekly coaching calls
Two 1:1 30 minute check-ins with me:
- play space reset week 5 and
- bespoke education plan week 8
Kindred spirits supporting your progress
Course Bonuses
Bonus #1:
Block play workshop – Learn how to use blocks to support learning
Bonus #2:
Loose parts workshop – Implement the Reggio Emilio teaching philosophy easily at home
Bonus #3:
Getting started with process art workshop: Set up your art station + understand principles of process art
Bonus #4:
SOS toolkit: sticky situation solver
- Supplementing school with multiple kids
- Using power hours (teach in an hour when school is out)
- Managing kids who resist
Bonus #5:
2-for-1 Special: Sign up with a friend and you each get $500 off the course
And just who am I?
I’m Kim Liao, and I show parents like you how to provide accelerated yet engaging learning experiences outside the classroom, so your child develops into a self directed learner prepared to forge any path in life.
While designing a thriving life during 16 months of work from home with no childcare captivity, I:
- Researched the various learning philosophies and approaches,
- Enrolled in training courses on the Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Charlotte Mason, and Waldorf methods,
- Offered our son and his pandemic pod learning experiences, and
- Documented the successes our son and his pod achieved
As the world re-normalized, I then:
- Attended dozens of school tours (private, public, and charter),
- Shadowed teachers in the classroom, and
- Continued to engage with and learn from local school consultants to understand the differences in individual programs in NYC.
All the while, I continued to teach our son and hold down a full-time job.
When our 3.5 year old returned to his daycare after 16 months of no childcare, he was already demonstrating all the PreK competencies and some Kindergarten skills.
After “graduating” from daycare, his PreK teacher verified at our fall parent-teacher conference that he had exceeded the learning standards required of PreK.
At our spring parent-teacher conference, this same teacher shared that our son’s reading level was on the cusp of being equivalent to a first-grader’s, and that he had sound number sense and facility.
By combining this intense practicum with my deep knowledge of public, private, and charter school requirements and philosophies, I created a deliberate, transformative lifestyle that effectively supplements the group program a child attends.
Any home can house a play based preschool. It’s not the square footage or resources that counts – it’s the game plan and intention.
This is how to start offering a private school caliber education, but one that’s truly bepsoke and actually sustainable (economically, ecologically, and emotionally)…
…By following a step-by-step blueprint that is family focused, hyper aware of each child’s uniqueness, and has its eye on the long game.
You need a navigator, pluck, and verve, stat! You KNOW your time can somehow be better spent directly providing an unforgettable early childhood education you – and they! – will be proud of now and in the decades to come
What are you waiting for?
My BBB (that’s buoyant bloomer backed) promise to you:
The Inquisitive Learner Accelerator will result in marked changes in your child’s play and learning. I’m here from start to finish. You won’t find another program that delivers all the components I’ve trained in and practiced, let alone the value that it provides.
ILA is results – oriented, fun, and purposeful. I know how much energy it will take to accomplish its objectives, which is why I only offer it once a year.
If you’re not happy after 30 days in ILA, send an email to [email protected] and we’ll chat about how to best support you.
If you would like a refund, you will be refunded a pro-rated amount for the time you’ve been in the program (you’ll be refunded the total amount paid minus $1,375 for the month you’ve participated), given the live coaching components.
I’m the real McCoy – a FinTech whiz working a full-time job geeking out on payment innovations. Because I dedicate most of my after work hours to researching and living out the supplementing school lifestyle, I only open the doors to the accelerator program once a year. This allows me to focus deeply on each client, and honor the support avenues I’ve promised.
Hop in on the action now and start saving time, money, and energy while supporting your self directed learner during their golden window of opportunity.
The Inquisitive Learner Accelerator is perfect for parents who:
- Want to reinforce – or better yet accelerate! – what their preschoolers and Kindergarteners are learning to ensure that they are as well prepared for the future as kids who attend elite programs
- Are busy, value their time, and want a streamlined, TL:DR Cliff’s Notes guide to teaching that helps their kids establish a solid education foundation in reading, writing, math, and critical thinking
- Have considered moving or cutting pricey tuition checks for the sake of a better school, but don’t want to sacrifice financial security or the neighborhood they love
- Just *know* there is another way of thinking about education, one that doesn’t force you to choose between accepting mediocre programs or being beholden to less than ideal careers just to pay for exclusive schools.
- Are ready to roll up their sleeves and become Miss Honey once and for all, with an organized, fun approach to preschool learning, because let’s be real: you’re not on Bling Empire with unlimited funds to outsource your offspring’s needs. You need assurances that your child will SUCCEED!
It might not be a good fit if you…
- Would rather become a D-list celebrity with all the flash-in-your-face paparazzi issues than be caught spending 15 minutes playing with or teaching your child
- Can’t deal with your child when they get frustrated and don’t have the patience to coach them through growth opportunities
- Don’t want to implement changes and just want to blame the System
- Believe that you can outsource your child’s education and still raise a self directed learner
ILA is a purpose driven blend of personalized 1:1 feedback, group coaching, and self-study
Self-study curriculum so you can level up at the time(s) that suit your schedule
This 3-phase program leads you step-by-step from where you are today to having a 100% personalized learning plan and play space that feels like a warm hug. No crazy talk. No busy work. Plenty of room for learning growth and raising a self directed learner.
I’m your trusted source for both traditional classroom and homeschooling practices. I’m not simply walking you down one straight path because that’s the one I’ve walked myself.
These conversations allow for context and nuance and CREATIVITY, so you know WHY I’m suggesting the approach I’m providing.
1:1 Feedback so you have my undivided attention and expertise to troubleshoot or perfect your learning plans
This means you get professional eyes on what you’ve poured your sweat equity into and receive ideas + recommendations based on your unique circumstances.
Honestly? I know deep down you want validation that your plans will work, and that’s what this depth of support can provide.
FAQ
What if I didn't attend elementary school in America? Will I still be able teach my kids?
Even parents who were born in America and attended PK-12 here are stumped when it comes to truly understanding what milestones their kid needs to be proficient in at each grade level and how to teach those skills!
I demystify what children need to know in reading, writing, and math from PK-5th grade so you have a complete forward looking view for your preschooler in terms of what to target.
You’ll also have complete confidence that anything extra you do outside of the standards is extra credit.
And if you have a child who already hits all the targets of the following grade level? We make a plan for how to engage and deepen their interests.
My specialty is helping advanced learners find new avenues to investigate and geek out on so they become a passionate, self directed learner.
I'm just trying to survive each day with two kids. I don't think I have time for this??
Here’s the God honest truth: actually doing your second, third, or fourth alternative is better than not doing your first best option.
If your 4th alternative is doing an activity for 10 minutes a day? You are already AHEAD OF THE GAME!
You can supplement school five hours a week, 2.5 hours a week, one hour a week – you get the picture.
The trick is to get started supplementing school with one 15 minute increment and work from there.
Build the muscle memory, don’t fall into the perfection trap, and just keep going.
You got this, and I have your back since we have two weeks after our call to troubleshoot and keep the momentum going.
What topics do you cover?
We focus on the 3 Rs: reading, writing, and numeracy with an eye towards raising a self directed learner.
Group programs in early childhood usually focus (rightfully so) on social and emotional coaching. These skills are hard to learn without a gaggle of wholly different kids, so let your school or daycare take the lead on this.
Your value add and what you’ll learn is how to strengthen your child’s academic foundation – something the elite schools do from the start, and something you can easily supplement at home at this age.
Is a group program right for me?
There is so much to love about the accelerator!
1:1 time with me
I check in with you after you’ve reset your play space and created your custom curriculum so that you feel confident in your space AND your plan.
We work together to make the tweaks you need to raise a confident, self directed learner.
Like minded community
In our weekly coaching calls and the community forum, there will be plenty of opportunity to surface amazing tools/resources, learn life hacks, chat with kindred spirits, and feel connected to other parents worrying about the same things as you.
Parenting and teaching is hard – feeling lonely is optional.
Amazing Results
Of course, the implementability of what we do together is my priority! It’s not just about designing a play based preschool quickly. It’s about designing well. And it’s about looking to the long-term and raising a self directed learner.
I’m here to help you get unstuck and tackle the biggest challenges in your way regarding early childhood education and independent play.
How much does this cost really?
The group program costs $2,750 and there are two opportunities for you to bring the cost down. You could end up paying $1,750 if you pay in full and a friend signs up with you.
This is an investment that pays off two-fold: 1) setting your child up to succeed by becoming a self directed learner , and 2) being a framework you can rely upon throughout your child’s elementary school years.
A note on recommended resources
One of the topics we cover in the Invest Toolkit is how to maximize your learning budget, which means acquiring gold standard toys and resources with intent. What you choose to buy, rent, or borrow will ultimately influence the out of pocket costs you incur for the resources themselves.
We also cover places to look for deals and how to leverage your community to share that brand-new-school-year feel with your kids year round.
In short: I’m out to teach you how to provide a best-in-class education for a fraction of the cost of private schools and with sustainability in mind.
Does all of this mean my child will be ahead of grade level standards in 8 weeks?
There’s a reason children attend school 10 months of the year 🤗
In our 8 weeks together, I’m laying out the framework, providing the roadmap, and guiding you through each step of the process so that you feel totally clear on what you need to do to level up learning.
The actual absorption of knowledge part? The transformation into a self directed learner? That’s a beautiful dance between you and your kids.
Some children will learn all their letters in 8 weeks. Others will need more than 8 weeks to truly subtract with numbers up to 20. You’ll be supported either way.
When are the calls held? What if I can’t make it?
Calls are held on Fridays or Saturdays at 1:00pm ET. You’ll be prompted to choose which time works best for you upon application, but we ultimately choose based on the availability for all ILA members.
If you can’t make it live, no worries! You can submit your questions ahead of time and you’ll get access to the recordings, plus our private community forum, so there are plenty of ways to get live support.
Do you offer extended payment plans?
Yes, we are happy to offer a 3-month payment option. Your access to the life-time components of the program, will start upon your third payment so that all payments are complete before your time in the program is finished.
What’s your refund policy?
I am deeply invested in your success, which means I want you to get the support that you need to accelerate learning.
If you’re not happy after 30 days in the Accelerator, send an email to [email protected] and we’ll chat about how to best support you.
In the event that you would like a refund, you will be refunded a pro-rated amount for the time you’ve been in the program (ex. you’ve been in for one month, so you’ll be refunded $1,375 to account for the month you’ve participated), given the live coaching components.
How long do I have access to ILA?
Lifetime access to the curriculum, so even once your time in the Accelerator is up, you can keep accessing the materials to support you on your journey.
If you want to keep attending the live calls or participating int he community forum, you’ll need to extend your time by signing up for additional months.
I have a different question
If you don’t see the answers you need on this page, feel free to send an email to [email protected].
Many follow the beaten track with guideposts on the way
But if that’s not what you want for your child, why are you asking them to attend the beaten track in education?
Modern imagination and a real originality. The air crackling with creative ambition. Confidence in an unknown future grounded in training from a tried and true past.
It’s easy to feel like going to school is just something that’s done to ensure our kids’ college admissions prospects.
But shouldn’t we want our children’s learning experience to be joyful, infectious, better than ours? Not just another checkbox?
Don’t make drastic lifestyle changes because you’re frustrated by the glacial, garden variety education your child is receiving. Channel your inner Albert Einstein and learn how to provide a creative, hands-on learning adventure that enhances the program your child attends in just 15 minutes a day.
Supplementing school at home blends the best of traditional schooling and homeschooling – it is truly the only way to provide personalized learning that tracks with your child – interest for interest, skill level for skill level, learning style for learning style.
Go ahead, raise that self directed learner.
Let your child strut into their best whole child life.
To find out whether this is the perfect program to give your 3-6 year-old a gold standard education that sets them up for lifelong uncommon success, click here to enroll now. The link will take you to a checkout page.