The staff at Young Leaders Campus, which offers preschool and studio classes for children, are focused on providing an enrichment-filled learning environment with the help of learning labs and hands-on activities at each campus.

In the past year, Young Leaders has opened three Houston-area locations—one at Vintage Park, one in Cypress and another in Sugar Land—all chosen because they are in growing areas, said Courtney Williamson, campus director.

The campuses serve children from six months to 11 years, offering before and after-school child care for school-age children and all-day preschool programs for 2- and 3 year olds.

Beginning in 2014, the Vintage Park campus will offer pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs and is undergoing a 2,300-square-foot expansion to accommodate the new 4- and 5-year-old class.

"We have brand new playground equipment that is being fenced in, so the children will be able to have inside and outdoor time," Williamson said.

Children can also take studio classes for a semester in the subjects of cooking, science, art, dance, music and fitness.

"We're focused on the child's individual needs and work to enrich what they want and need," Williamson said. "That's where our studio classes come into play. The children can work all sides of their brain instead of just what your basic preschool or cooking or dance class has to offer."

Children who enroll in the various studio classes at Young Leaders have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities throughout the semester.

"Our Mini Monet class focuses on how different artists created their masterpiece using the different medians, and the child is able to recreate that piece on their own," Williamson said. "With the fitness classes they are showcasing the different team sports like soccer, baseball and basketball, but showing what the individual child can learn and do when they go up to the next level of sports."

Williamson said whether a child is homeschooled or in public or private school, Young Leaders will work to meet the child's needs.

"We'll be able to provide them with the enrichment and creativity they might not be getting in the school environment they are in now," she said.

Annual camps

Young Leaders offers camps for children ages 4 to 11 three times a year: in the summer, during the winter and on spring break. The upcoming winter camp will take place from Jan. 2–3 and will focus on the habitats of animals and seasonal winter weather patterns such as ice and snow.

"Each week during the summer we have themes, and kids are able to take home with them something they did while at camp," said Courtney Williamson, Young Leaders Vintage Park campus director. "They're also able to go through the enrichment classes while they are here."

Upcoming events

Young Leaders has several upcoming events planned for the beginning of the year.

• Sampler's Saturday This event on Jan. 18 gives families the opportunity to take two studio classes for $25, while a normal class costs $30.
• Mom and Son event Earlier in December, Young Leaders hosted a Dad and Daughter event, and they plan to host a similar event for mothers and sons Feb. 13.

Young Leaders

25282 Hwy. 290, Ste. 250

Cypress 281-758-0400

106 Vintage Park Blvd., Ste. E

Houston 832-559-8710

www.ylcampus.com

Hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–7 p.m.: Cypress campus

Mon.–Fri. 7 a.m.–6 p.m.: Vintage campus