Cornerstone Learning Connections
2001 Elka Lane
Madison, WI 53704
Phone Number: (608) 249-0004
tutoring special needs, & homeschool resources
educational needs assessment,consultation, workbooks, math manipulatives, on line classes., Singapore Math, Explode the Code; Wordly Wise 3000;
Keywords: Singapore Math,learning differences,special needs,educational consultant,outside the box, dyslexia
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
I have served homeschoolers and other families concerned about their children's education since 1992.
What is your primary product or service?
No child is a grade level package. Each child has a 3-5 range of abilities between, or even within, different subjects.
We consult with parents and assess children to help choose resources appropriate for their abilities and learning styles. Consultation is free when you purchase those components we recommend from us. We do not limit our suggestions to products and services we can provide.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I was invited to exhibit at a homeschool convention. I listened to peoples want lists and searched for resources to meet their needs. I listened to their descriptions of their kids and what worked or did't in each case. My daughter is a teacher who ran a school for struggling learners in rooms adjacent to my store. She used hundreds, after evaluating thousands of the resources I had available. Now I stock only the best, and special order the rest when appropriate.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We consult based on years of experience with thousands of clients. We cooperate with Wings to Soar Online Academy (my daughter's current school) to provide the best mix of print resources, hands on manipulatives, ,science kits, games and on line courses. We assess where each child is and work intensively to lay foundations and fill any gaps. We allow each child to move as slowly as they need, but as fast as they are able in each area. We encourage them to incorporate their areas of personal passion, life skill preparation and academics into a well rounded personalized program. We are familiar with the Common Core Standards, and prepare students to meet the goals they set, without being tied to the testing and tracking the government wants. We recognize that students can demonstrate mastery of a subject in many other ways than standardized tests, and encourage them to do so. We recognize the strengths and weaknesses of many learning difficulties, and provide suggestions for working with them. We provide support for both the parent and the struggling learner.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
I have contracte to my home, but ship nationwide. We will continue to exhibit and consult at many homeschool conventions. Beth Ellen Nash is available to provide workshops on many special needs topics. These train parents to effectively support their students, whether homeschooling or after school.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are on Madison's North Side. If coming through town, take packers Ave. to the first left after the light to the Airport. Turn left on Manley, and go a long block. Turn right on Huxley for 2 blocks, until it dead ends into Elka Lane. Turn right. Go to the last house on the right, just before Packers Auto.
If coming across the top of the lake, follow Northport Drive until it curves into Packers Ave. Take the first right into Elka Lane after you merge onto Packers.
If coming in CV, you cannot turn right into Elke Lane, but should get into the right hand lane as soon as it merges into packers, turn right on Manley, and follow the local directions above.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept cash and checks.; IMS Barter; Badger Barter.
Which areas do you service?
We ship locally and nationwide. We are an easy-on/easy off 5 miles from I 90, I 94 and I 39, if you are driving past Madison/
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Brian Yocom
What are your hours of operation?
I am open by appointment 8am-9pm,daily when not on the road for conventions. Call ahead to make sure I am available and have what you need.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
You understand our needs and know ways to meet them.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart. I translate this to mean, Teach a child according to his God given strengths and interests not anyones "ought". God made each of us uniquely. Do not try to force them into a mold!