Join Us For The
Save Childhood Conference!
Let’s gather at Marvelously Made - the School
for Young Children in Helotes, Texas on October 25th-26th.
Have you ever thought about what it would look like to have a school where every single nook is designed specifically for children, for their development, for their education? A place where administrators, teachers, and parents work together and step aside to embrace an environment and philosophy that honors childhood as it should be, that respects each individual child’s journey, and that educates in ways where learning is authentic, life-long, and joyful?
We want you to come spend some time with us soaking it in first-hand and learning applicable ways you can also make places that children truly thrive!
About our mission to
SAVE CHILDHOOD
Society is telling us that children should be reading earlier, sitting longer, growing up faster, and be exposed to situations, images, and content that they are not developmentally prepared to process, but our kids are telling us a different story. They are telling us what they really need is us, not another activity, class, or screen. They are begging us for more stories in our laps and songs in their souls. They are yearning for unstructured afternoons full of sunshine and rain, bugs to observe, trees to climb, water to splash in, and sand in their shoes. They are desperate to show us that it’s ok to sit in our emotions; that tears can be embraced, that laughter should be abundant, and love should always be limitless. Above all they want us to have faith that they are made good and that if we just take a deep breath, learn what they need, and trust the process of growing and learning, they will thrive.
Children need us to
Save Childhood
We want to raise awareness about the challenges children face today and encourage you to make positive changes. By learning about child development, what children really need and what they don’t, together we can ensure that every child has a childhood that embraces this unique, magical, and necessary stage that only happens once in a lifetime. Childhood is not a holding pattern for adulthood. It is a time of wandering, it is a time of authentic learning, a time to make mistakes, to celebrate successes, to learn, to grow, to play.
Childhood is essential, it must be honored, it must be embraced, and it must be saved.
Together we can Save Childhood!
Saving Childhood may seem overwhelming at first but we’ve identified 13 tenets that form the foundation of a childhood that honors the way children grow and learn. Little changes can make a big difference so click below for ideas on how you can start Saving Childhood today.
Meet Jennifer…
Jennifer is the founder and director of Marvelously Made School and the Save Childhood Movement. She is an engaging and sought-after speaker, having presented on a wide range of topics including children’s emotional and physical needs, best educational practices, and all things parenting. She has presented workshops and teachings through organizations such as the Early Childhood Christian Network, San Antonio Association for the Education of Young Children, and the International Play Association, as well as community and parent workshops and as a speaker for online educational summits.
After leading multiple schools through accreditation and licensing, Jennifer embraced the opportunity to create her own school and armed with her knowledge of brain research and child development she opened the doors to Marvelously Made - The School for Young Children in 2010. From that day, the school has grown from one classroom in a church to a campus with 6 buildings, and from a pre-school to a school that goes from Nursery School to 8th grade. Along the way, Jennifer and Marvelously Made have been recognized for their tremendous impact on education as a play advocate by the International Play Association and as one of five finalists in Texas for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.
She’s excited to have this opportunity to spread the Save Childhood message and use her insight and expertise to help you, whether you're an educator, a parent, or anyone who cares about children.
What People are Saying about Jennifer & Marvelously Made
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Your perspective on the importance of art and appreciation for the children in your care at Marvelously Made spoke so deeply to my soul. The little utopia you’ve created in Helotes is just beautiful. Immediately after your presentation I began a discussion with the director of our program to develop an after school art program. As a creative that would have benefited so very greatly from the loving environment you’re providing now… thank you. Thank you for giving me such a clear calling and purpose.
C. Garcia - Educator & Workshop Attendee
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I was encouraged and empowered to advocate for my children after the Road to Reading Workshop last week. As it turned out, the very next day I was faced with the opportunity to advocate for one of my elementary aged children regarding a video game style homework assignment that was causing my child unnecessary stress. I sent my child's teacher a respectful email letting her know why it wasn't a good fit for my child. She responded in full support of my decision. Phew! Thanks to the workshop the previous evening, I felt a bolder sense of confidence that respectfully advocating and setting limits in this instance was the right thing. I am grateful to have opportunities from Marvelously Made to learn and grow how to be a better parent and advocate for my children. Thank you to the staff for making these opportunities available to the community!
Kelly R. - Marvelously Made Parent & Workshop Attendee
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Marvelously Made is a wonderfully made place for children to be. I wanted to stay forever. Thank you for creating inspiring places. I will long remember my time as the place is etched in my memory and heart. Thank you for the beautiful experience.
Sandra Duncan - International Specialist on Early Childhood Environments & Author
The Movement in Action
in 2010, Jennifer founded a school in south Texas with a very simple goal - to educate children the way they are designed to learn. Over the past 14 years, the work being done at Marvelously Made School has proven time and again that when you honor development, embrace children the way they were designed to learn, and educate parents to understand what children truly need, everyone thrives!
Check out what Saving Childhood looks like at Marvelously Made!