Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xochitl Salcido. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Xochitl, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Kids Korner Explorers was a concept that came about in 2019 when my son was a homeschooled preschooler in need of a community. Back then I had no connection to the homeschool community and any idea co-ops, nature schools, enrichment programs existed. Using my education and experience in teaching, I launched a science and sensory enrichment program at a small community center in City Heights. The goal was not only to homeschool, but to build a community in which we could learn and grow together. At this point my passion for the community including my own children gave me the drive and determination to keep pushing forward in my business goals. The part that made me most excited is having my children with me at time, homeschooling them and controlling my own work schedule!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Kids Korner Explorers is an immersive learning experience inspired by the philosophies of Reggio Emilia using an indoor and outdoor space. Our curriculum is emergent “child-led” and project based. Provocations and explorations facilitate a love of the sciences, math, literacy & art. Above all we cater to the whole child ensuring each friend builds a strong social emotional base/community which we believe is the foundation of all learning. We are passionate about bridging the gap in access to alternative education programs by connecting the local homeschooled community to quality science and sensory enrichment.

Kids Korner Explorers offers a child-led enrichme

Kids Korner Explorers is an immersive learning experience inspired by the philosophies of Reggio Emilia using an indoor and outdoor space. Our curriculum is emergent “child-led” and project based. Provocations and explorations facilitate a love of the sciences, math, literacy & art. Above all we cater to the whole child ensuring each friend builds a strong social emotional base/community which we believe is the foundation of all learning. We are passionate about bridging the gap in access to alternative education programs by connecting the local homeschooled community to quality science and sensory enrichment.

Offering a mixed age group class for grades TK-5th, we facilitate quality enrichment that is investigative and reflective. Children will flourish into confident explorers by creating a curriculum which is based on their curiosities mixed with meeting state standards as required by the Charters the children are enrolled in. Having a community spirit is necessary when offering a well rounded educational experience.

This last semester we collaborated with Barons Grocery Market which provided ingredients for our cooking through the World series. Not only did they sponsor our class, but they graciously hosted a behind the scenes field trip of the store which was very thoughtfully put together. We had an on campus field trip where the Fireman of Engine 36 stopped by to talk fire safety and emergency plans. Our friends at Mission Trails took us through an educational journey along the trails and spoke with us about the Kumeyaay and how they survived off the land. Many of their wonderful volunteers are former educators who are still invested in our future. We can’t forget our friends at the San Diego River who graciously hosted our class as we explored the many sea bugs found in the brackish water in OB right where the River meets the Sea.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Although Kids Korner has only been around for a couple of years. My social media content has always focused on homeschooling and how to create hands-on experiences in the home. When my son was in kindergarten, I created a co-op which would meet weekly at a public park.

Through social media I was able to connect with families and participate in community. When Kids Korner did launch there was a base community of people who had worked with me. These families not only believed in me, but they have shown their support by continuing to be by my side.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Word of mouth and maintaining integrity!

Homeschool families want a safe, loving place to drop off their children. Many opt out of public schools because they desire to spend the majority of their time with their children.

If they are choosing a one day a week enrichment program for their children they want to make sure it is a program of good reputation and it lines up with their values.

San Diego is such a small world I have gotten new students based on recommendations from others who have never worked with me in the homeschool aspect, but in previous ventures. My work ethic and integrity has spoken for itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kidskornerexplorers.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confessions_to_grace?igsh=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidskornerexplorers?mibextid=9R9pXO

Image Credits
Sophia Elizabeth Photography