Name:
Karen McLaughlin
Company:
Little Learning, Inc.
Contact info:
4 East 81 st St. Suite 1A; Office phone: (917) 675-6837; Email: info@littlelearning.com
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
Over a decade
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I began my career in luxury fashion. However, after working in that field for many years, I found that I lacked a sense of fulfillment. I was inspired by my personal experience with learning difficulties. I know firsthand that if a child struggles to read in the early stages, they are going to have difficulty learning any subject later on. This motivated me to create a space where children feel loved, safe, and heard, and associate learning with magic.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
Little Learning is unique in that we not only focus on literacy, but the holistic development of each of our students. Building character, encouraging manners, and fostering creativity are integral parts of the curriculum that I have curated. Little Learning introduces children to the wonderful world of literacy through a multi-sensory approach; our technique and small-group environment (five children in a class) ensure that all types of learners benefit equally from the program.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
My dedication to quality in everything that we are and do at Little Learning has been paramount in the success of the business. I have taken great care to build a team that believed whole-heartedly in the Little Learning mission. Every one of our educators holds a Masters Degree in early childhood education and a true appreciation for each and every child they teach. Additionally, I am so grateful to have the loyal and involved clientele that I do. Their positive support of Little Learning and word of mouth has helped my business to thrive.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I provide parents with highly individualized and valuable information about who their children are as learners in preparation for their academic career. Further, parents use our findings to foster and maintain a love of learning in their children for life.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Watching each child develop into confident, enthusiastic learners and kind, compassionate individuals.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
The private room in the basement of Market Table on Carmine St. is my favorite place to host intimate dinner parties with close friends.
How do you benefit mamas?
I have created a place where mommies feel confident that their children are receiving the best in early education and they themselves receive beneficial insight into who their children are as developing learners. I also act as a confidential sounding board for all of my clients, as they know they can trust me implicitly.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
A parent once told me that we were able to “find the key to unlock” her son. This is the reason I do what I do!
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
In the realm of early childhood development experts, Dr. Barbara Landreth (Pediatrcian) and Dr. Steven Blaustein (Speech Therapy) are two who we collaborate with often.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Or what is your mantra / words to live by?
“Speak it into existence”-- - Nothing is impossible if you have the passion and confidence to make it happen!
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
As I am admittedly not a morning person, I always prepare for my day the night before!