You Don't Need More Art Activities
You need an environment that makes meaningful creative experiences possible. This masterclass changes how you see children, how you prepare the space around them, and how you understand your own role within it, so your art program no longer depends on finding the next activity idea. If you feel responsible for planning every art experience, lean on themes and adult-directed projects, or second-guess when to step in and when to step back, the environment isn't doing its share of the teaching. Over three sessions, you'll learn to set up spaces that invite independent exploration, design open-ended invitations built around children's ideas, organize materials so they stay manageable, and recognize the learning happening in the process itself. You'll take home an Environment Reflection Tool, a Materials and Layout Planning Guide, a personalized implementation plan, and a certificate for 4.5 hours of professional development. No arts background required.
Hi, I'm Jessica.
I'm Jessica Borowets, third-generation owner of The Artful Child®, a children's art school with more than 55 years of history in Toronto. The YES Environment Framework grew out of decades of watching what happens when children are given real materials, real time and real trust. I've brought it into classrooms through partnerships with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, the Toronto District School Board, George Brown College Lab Schools, and independent Montessori schools and child care centres, and I coach studio owners building their own spaces in Europe and the United States. This masterclass is built from real studio and classroom practice, so you'll see what a child-led environment looks like on an ordinary weekday, not only in theory.
Ready to Build Your YES Environment?
Enrolling a team, or paying through school or district funding? Private team cohort for up to 10 educators: $2,200 CAD flat, just $220 per educator. All three sessions are delivered live and exclusively to your staff, with a certificate for every participant and an invoice for PD reimbursement.
$279.00
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is this masterclass for? Early learning and elementary educators, child care professionals, and studio owners who want to move from planning art activities to designing environments where children lead their own creative learning. It works in classrooms, child care centres, home settings and independent studios. Do I need an art background? No. You need a framework that shows you where to start and why it works. The masterclass focuses on environment, materials and the educator's role, not on your own artistic skill. What if I can't attend a session live? Every session is recorded, and the recording is sent to all registered participants after each session, so you can catch up or rewatch at your own pace. Joining live gives you the chance to ask questions and take part in the discussion, so we encourage it whenever possible. When are the sessions, and what time zone? Tuesdays Nov 3, 10 & 17 in Eastern Time (Toronto). Each session runs 90 minutes. You'll receive calendar details and your joining link by email after you enrol. Where do the sessions take place? Live on Zoom. You'll need a computer, phone or tablet with a reliable internet connection. Will I receive a certificate? Yes. Participants receive a certificate of completion for 4.5 hours of professional development. Please check with your employer or regulatory body about how PD hours are recognized where you work. Can my school or centre pay for this? Yes. We can provide an invoice for school, centre or district PD funding. For a private cohort for your team, see the team pricing above or contact us. Is this relevant outside Canada? Yes. The YES Environment Framework is built on how children learn, not on one curriculum or region, and it has been used by educators and studio owners in Canada, the United States and Europe. The price is in Canadian dollars. What will I pay in my currency? Your card provider converts the payment automatically at checkout. $279 CAD is approximately $199 USD. What do I need to prepare? Nothing beyond your curiosity. If you can, bring a few photos of your current classroom or studio so you can apply each session directly to your own space. What is your refund policy? You can request a full refund up to 7 days before Session 1. Within 7 days of the first session, we're happy to transfer your registration to a future cohort instead. Once the masterclass has begun, registrations are non-refundable, as you'll have access to the live sessions and all recordings. I have another question. Email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help.