Kumon Opens New After-School Program in West Village

Students and Parents Celebrate Education: New Business Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

NEW YORK — Kumon opens its largest and first after-school program in the West Village on Saturday, November 7, 2009 from noon to 4 p.m. at 80 Carmine Street (7^th Avenue and Carmine Street). Local resident and center director, Dominique Iaquinto, invites families to participate in story time, math games and the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“At Kumon we motivate children to believe their abilities are unlimited,” says Dominique Iaquinto, center director. “I want students to develop the confidence and independence to excel in and out of the classroom.”

Throughout the day, children and families can listen to stories being read aloud from around the world, play math games and enjoy refreshments. Participants receive a copy of Kumon's Recommended Reading List. The list contains hundreds of titles designed to help parents select books that enhance their children’s appreciation and understanding of the English language and develop a lifelong love for reading. Families can sign up for the next parent orientation scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 6 p.m. at the West Village Kumon Center to learn more about the program and students can take a complimentary placement test.

The ribbon cutting ceremony commences at 12:30 p.m. with an address by Savio Rebelo, Kumon’s vice president of human resources. Kumon parents will also speak about the importance of education and their experience in the program.

“Parents want the best for their children and Kumon helps children fulfill their potential,” says, Mr. Rebelo. “This is the fifth center we’ve opened in the city due to demand this year, and it’s our largest center at 2,700 square feet.”

Tuition at the Carmine Street location is $150 per month for each subject. The cost includes two center sessions a week and daily assignments at home. Students and parents work with the instructor to plan and review each student’s individual progress and goals. Kumon of the West Village is located near the West 4^th Street Subway and West 7^th Avenue bus stop, street parking is available.

About the Kumon Center Director:

Certified Kumon Instructor Dominique Iaquinto has a master's degree in education from Harvard University. While earning a bachelor's degree from New York University's Steinhardt School of Education, Dominique taught at the University Neighborhood High School and created a tutoring program known as the NYU Drop-in Center. Prior to opening Kumon of West Village she worked at Peace Games, a non-profit affiliate of Harvard, as a child-development researcher.

As a student-teacher at the University Neighborhood High School, Ms. Iaquinto designed and taught classroom exercises, tutored students, and created the first school newsletter. She also worked as a Guardian ad Litem at Court Appointed Special Advocates where she managed the progress of 20 foster care children and gave recommendations in judicial hearings to expedite permanent placement decisions.

About Kumon Math and Reading Centers

Kumon [koo-mŏn] is an after-school math and reading program that helps children fulfill their potential by motivating them to achieve more on their own. The learning method uses a systematic and individualized approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills. Kumon has 26,000 Centers in 46 countries and more than four million students studying worldwide. For more information, please visit www.kumon.com.