HELPING KIDZ ‘Steam’ ahead !
K - indle Curiosity
I - nnovate Boldly
D - iscover Endlessly
Z - estfully Create
Kindle Curiosity . Innovate Boldly . Discover Endlessly . Zestfully Create .
Kindle Curiosity . Innovate Boldly . Discover Endlessly . Zestfully Create .
Meet the ATELIERISTA
Janice Ninan is a Chicago based designer with a masters and bachelors in architecture.
Designing a different way to learn.
The Kidz Atelier grew from a simple idea:
What if kids could learn STEAM by thinking like designers?
Founded by designer and educator Janice, The Kidz Atelier brings together architecture, making and creative problem-solving through hands-on challenges designed to spark curiosity and independent thinking.
Here, there isn’t always one right answer.
Build it. Test it. Change it. Try again.
aGe GROUPS
Three stages.
One Atelier.
Endless ways to explore.
Our hands-on STEAM experiences are designed around the way children learn, create and solve problems at different stages of development—from curious toddlers to confident preteens.
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2 to 3 yr olds
Challege - What can I do?
Young children are discovering how things feel, move, fit, stack, connect and change. Their challenge is turning natural curiosity into purposeful exploration.
Outcome - Curiosity + Confidence
They learn to explore materials, make choices, experiment and discover that they can make things happen.
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4 to 6 yr olds
Challenge - How does it work?
Children begin asking questions and developing the ability to follow a process, test an idea and try again when something doesn’t work.
Outcome - Problem-Solving + Making
They learn to observe, imagine, build, test, modify and explain their ideas.
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7 to 12 yr olds
Challenge - How can I make it better?
Children are ready to move beyond following instructions and begin tackling open-ended problems with multiple possible solutions.
Outcome - Design Thinking + Independence
They learn to define a problem, research, generate ideas, prototype, test, refine and present a solution.
LIMITED SPOTS EACH TERM . SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW!
LIMITED SPOTS EACH TERM . SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW!
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The Kidz Atelier offers hands-on STEAM explorations that combine science, technology, engineering, architecture, art, Math, design and problem solving. Children explore concepts and materials, experiment and build - learning through the process of hands-on creating.
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Start by contacting us through the inquiry form on this website. Tell us your child’s age and the program you’re interested in, and we’ll send you the current class schedule, location, availability and enrollment information.
For private groups, schools, churches and community organizations, we can also discuss brining a Kidz Atelier experience to your location.
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The Kidz Atelier approaches children’s enrichment through the lens of design.
Founded by designer Janice Ninan, the program brings the creative process of architecture into hands-on learning - encouraging children to observe, imagine, experiment, build and rethink.
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Yes. All materials needed for each class are provided by The Kidz Atelier.
Every new member receives a Kidz Atelier welcome kit, including a branded atelier apron and membership badge.
ATELIER FAQs
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email - thekidzatelier@gmail.com. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day. You can also reach Janice at +312 213 3176.
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Once your child’s enrollment is confirmed, you’ll receive an invoice by email with secure online ACH payment instructions.
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Our program follows a seasonal session structure:
Fall - 20 weeks
Spring - 21 weeks
Summer - 11 weeks
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The Kidz Atelier is a mobile atelier serving families and organizations throughout Chicagoland.
Classes are hosted at partner schools, community spaces and other local venues rather than at a permanent studio.
Interested in hosting a Kidz Atelier program at your school, organization or community space? Contact us to start a conversation.
READY TO JOIN THE KIDZ ATELIER?
Get in touch with Janice today!