Elizabeth Garcia, founder and Head of School for Discovery Day Academy, located in Bonita Springs and Clewiston, has been featured as a guest blogger on the P21 Blogazine at P21.org, the website of The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21).
In the blog, “How can we develop young children’s brains in the early learning classroom?” Garcia discusses her project-based learning model, The Discovery Day Method, which focuses on deep learning, authentic experiences and 21st century outcomes. The model adheres to developmentally appropriate practice, inclusive of children ages 2-8 years. Additionally, Garcia offers Discovery Day Academy’s Earthworm Project as a detailed example of 4C (collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication) integration with the Bonita Springs’ preschool class. To read the full article, visit www.p21.org and click on “News & Events,” then “P21 Blog.”
Garcia received a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami. She has more than 10 years of experience in the education field, including a position as a primary school teacher. She is a passionate empirical researcher with a concentration in the areas of deeper learning, cognitive development and 21st century student outcomes.
P21 is a national organization that advocates for 21st century readiness for every student. As the United States continues to compete in a global economy that demands innovation, P21 and its members provide tools and resources to help the U.S. education system keep up by fusing the 3Rs and 4Cs. While leading districts and schools are already doing this, P21 advocates for local, state and federal policies that support this approach for every school.
Discovery Day Academy was founded in 2006 as an independent school for early learning research. DDA’s children engage in meaningful learning through project work. Children are exposed to the learning process in an environment that fosters deep knowledge, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication, resulting in the ability to transfer knowledge and problem solve. Since the school’s establishment, it has grown to include three campuses in Bonita Springs and Clewiston, serving infants through kindergarten. For more information, visit www.DiscoveryDayAcademy.com.
