About Us
Mission/Vision
Right now, parent involvement in their child’s learning is being recognized as a critical force. But where are the clear, credible options for parents who are motivated and ready to act? HomeStart® was created to address that need.
HomeStart® helps parents advance their child’s potential. Many kids are in schools that have crowded classrooms, inexperienced teachers, and lack of enrichment during the school day – enrichment that makes learning exciting and fun!
HomeStart® shows busy parents how they can play an active role in their child’s education, motivate learning, give their child a competitive edge, instill confidence – and help their child attain better grades.
Using easy-to-follow directions, HomeStart® leads the parent through the school year, with dozens of teacher-written/classroom-tested learning fun activities that provide continuity across the curriculum. Activities, along with inexpensive, easy-to-make games that reinforce reading skills, build vocabulary, sharpen math, phonics, science and map skills, and entertain and teach with cooking fun and seasonal and holiday crafts.
Why does HomeStart® work?
- Month by month parents can help their child by strengthening reading, math and science skills.
- The parent is the teacher, creating in the home, a warm, familiar, stress-free learning environment.
- The parent can parallel what is being taught in the classroom, and also has the opportunity to introduce material before it is taught, giving their child that “extra edge” so important in today’s competitive world.
What can the parent expect to accomplish with HomeStart®?
HomeStart® will clarify what has been taught. Each month parents will be able to:
- challenge their child’s understanding of language arts concepts,
- reinforce math skill
- enrich science knowledge
- bring an added dimension to their child’s learning world through stimulating activities, poems and games.
Our Educators
These people are the teachers you wish your child to have; you are consulting with them each month as they basically tell you what to do and give your child stimulating exercises.
Estelle Feldman
Estelle Feldman taught in the New York City Public School System for over 30 years at the second grade level and as an Early Childhood reading specialist. In addition to her classroom experience, Estelle has been more broadly involved in the field of Early Childhood education as a teacher-trainer, parent-workshop leader, curriculum developer and participant in programs for the gifted. She is the recipient of grants for language arts and for science teaching from the New York City Board of Education. Now based in Delray Beach, Florida, Estelle continues to craft reading and math programs and activities, as well as poems and short stories for children. Her work has been published by Scholastic Press, Ladybug, Lollipops, Boys’ Quest, Humpty Dumpty’s, Story Friends, Your Big Backyard, Wee Ones and numerous other leading children’s periodicals and magazines.
Marilyn Kravetz
Marilyn Kravetz has been an educator and administrator in the fields of primary and elementary education for twenty-eight years. She holds two advanced educational degrees: Masters of Education in Science and Masters of Educational Administration. Ms. Kravetz has developed curricula in reading/writing literacy and has instructed teachers in its usage on all grade levels (K-6) in the New York City public school system and in the Marlboro Township, NJ public schools. For ten years, Ms. Kravetz has been the Director of the Marlboro, NJ “Camp Invention” program — a science/math camp that introduces, develops and enriches science and math skills for children in grades one through six. Her background also includes a previous teaching assignment as a Math Coordinator/Facilitator in the Marlboro system supervising and working with children in all math levels — basic skills as well as enrichment levels. This position also gave her the opportunity to develop creative math lessons focusing on critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies. Ms. Kravetz’s work has been recognized by the National Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (NJASCD) and she is a recipient of the NJ Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award.
Illustration
Al Margolis
Al Margolis is well known for his inventive visuals and insightful humorous illustrations. A Cleveland Art School graduate, his career includes a long stint as advertising agency art director, and more recently as owner of Margolis Creative, a graphic design and illustration group. Al’s illustrations have been used in a wide variety of advertising campaigns, from baby products and children’s toys to tourism, magazine assignments, calendars, day planners, children’s books, e-books, and greeting cards. His community work has included advertising for a children’s art center, a private school, foster care and adoption home, and special needs facility. Helping children enjoy, learn and understand their experiences is an important part of his work. He brings his broad experience and supportive approach to every project.