Worried About COVID-19 Learning Loss?

Summer program helps kids get back on track

Carlsbad, California – Carlsbad Educational Foundation’s summer childcare program for TK- sixth grade students has a revamped curriculum and activity schedule to address concerns that students experienced academic and social-emotional learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

An $18,000 grant from the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation is funding additional curriculum development, student materials, and staff training specifically designed to help kids catch up over the summer.

Carlsbad Kids Care Summer Adventure

  • Available June 14 – Aug. 20
  • Jefferson Elementary School and Poinsettia Elementary School
  • Open for drop off and pick up 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • For students entering transitional kindergarten through sixth grade this fall
  • $199 per week (early bird sign up through May 31)
  • $225 per week if you sign up June 1 or later

“Kids Care has a critical role in stemming COVID learning loss and summer slide,” said Carlsbad Educational Foundation Chief Executive Officer Laura Pitts. “Summer Adventure expands how we deliver curriculum-focused activities throughout the school year to include activities that emphasize teamwork, communication, and collaboration with peers while engaging them in core subjects like math, reading, and writing.”

Carlsbad Kids Care Summer Adventure features thematic activities that engage students socially, creatively, and academically. Lessons are age appropriate and designed to incorporate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and literacy curriculum with fun and interactive crafts, games, and outdoor recreation. Students enroll one week at a time and themes change every two weeks.

Kids Care is an affordable, licensed childcare provider for Carlsbad working families that operates every weekday during the school year for Carlsbad Unified School District families and every weekday in the summer for families with elementary-aged students (students outside Carlsbad Unified School District may enroll in the summer program). Summer Adventure is managed by Carlsbad Educational Foundation and all proceeds go back to Carlsbad Unified School District to fund enriching educational experiences.

New CEO to Lead Strategic Reorganization and Community Partnerships

Laura Pitts Demonstrated Leadership Style, Effectiveness as Interim CEO

Carlsbad, California – Following a nationwide search, Carlsbad Educational Foundation’s board of directors has selected a proven leader in the educational field to serve as its new chief executive officer. Laura Pitts joined the foundation in 2019 as director of operations and educational programs and for the past six months has served as interim CEO.

“Even in her short time as interim CEO, Laura demonstrated a natural ability to foster collaborative relationships and align the foundation’s resources with the most important needs of the Carlsbad Unified School District,” said Board Chair JR Phillips.

While serving as interim CEO, Pitts helped the board of directors complete a bold new strategic plan and restructured the organization to meet the emerging needs of the school district’s 11,000 students and their families.

“As a mother of two boys who will soon enter elementary school, I understand the importance of providing the very best educational experience possible through the public school system,” said Pitts. “Carlsbad Educational Foundation’s partnership with the Carlsbad Unified School District has an opportunity to become the national model for effective private investment in public education.”

Prior to joining Carlsbad Educational Foundation, Pitts served as campus president for Brightwood College (formerly Kaplan College). She earned an M.B.A. from Purdue University Global and a B.A. in organizational studies from the University of Michigan. During her time in college, Pitts was a student-athlete, helping her team win the Division 1 Field Hockey NCAA Championship.

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About Carlsbad Educational Foundation

Carlsbad Educational Foundation (CEF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 1983, to raise private support for public education and contribute to the enrichment of nearly 11,000 students in the Carlsbad Unified School District. Since its inception, the foundation has contributed more than $10 million in funds to Carlsbad public schools, primarily for science, technology, and music – programs that would not be possible in California’s current school funding environment. 100% of donations go directly to support the Carlsbad Unified School District because CEF’s operating expenses are covered by student enrichment programs and Kids Care, a comprehensive before and after-school K-5 childcare program. 

Laura Pitts, Chief Executive Officer
Carlsbad Educational Foundation