Virtual FAQ
What ages are your programs for?
We have programs for grades 1-2, grades 3-5, and grades 6-8.
How do the payments work for Weekly Programs?
Our weekly membership programs engage kids in hands-on, project-based learning. Your maker can meet like-minded kids and work on long term projects that cater to their interests and strengths. Watch your kids grow and explore week to week! Our smaller virtual class sizes allow kids to work at their own pace so they can continue to work and build on their interests. Join us for a couple of months or year-round – even throughout the summer. With a membership you can choose a session and stick to it or switch every few months when your maker’s schedule changes. Instead of 10-week terms, kids can join for a couple months or longer through this flexible subscription model. Kids will earn badges as they progress through hundreds of unique and tested activities.
Do you have a referral program?
Yes! If you refer someone, let us know and both of you will earn $25 towards a future program.
Do you have any programs for adults?
Not currently.
Do kids need to have previous experience in using certain programs or having specific skills before they attend one of your programs? No previous experience is required – just a desire to make things! Our instructors will show you kids to use any programs or materials safely, and teach them anything else you might want to know.
How do I know if this program is right for my child?
You are welcome to come meet with us to discuss our programs and ask any questions. Simply email us at [email protected] to book a time. We also run trial classes throughout the year. Currently all trial classes are run virtually! This is a great way for you and your child to get a taste of MakerKids before committing to a program or camp.
How many kids are in a virtual classroom?
Our ratio for virtual classrooms is 1 instructor per 5 makers.
Do I have to stay with my child during their virtual program?
We recommend parents or guardians to be nearby or in the vicinity of their child during their virtual class. Mini Makers (grades 1-2) will definitely need a parent or guardian nearby to guide them. This is especially important for their first virtual classes.
When do I get into the virtual classroom?
You should get into your virtual classroom at your child’s scheduled time. The link to your virtual classroom can be found in your registration email. Parents are responsible for setting up their child prior to their first class. If you try to get into the virtual classroom prior to the classroom may be closed.
Do you have discounts?
Yes! Please note that you can only use one discount code per purchase. Also, discount codes must be used at the time of purchase and cannot be applied retroactively.
- Sibling: Use “SIBLING” to get 5% off entry when registering multiple siblings.
- Don’t forget about our referral program! When your friend enters your name at registration, both of you will earn $25 towards a future program.
Do you have any subsidies or payment plans?
We currently do not have any subsidies or payment plans. We are able to assist in any 3rd party applications. We aim to maintain affordable pricing for all our students. Kids in Camps provides great funding for camps – check them out here: http://kidsincamp.com/parents-campers/
Holidays and Closures (see full calendar below):
There will be no classes running on (inclusively):
New Year’s Day, Wed, January 1, 2020
Ontario Family Day, Mon, February 7
Good Friday, Fri, April, 10
Victoria Day, Mon, May 18
Canada Day, Wed, July 1
Civic Holiday, Mon, August 3
Labour Day, Mon, September 7
Thanksgiving, Mon, October 12
Remembrance Day, Wed, November 11,
Christmas Day, Fri, December 25
Boxing Day, Sat, December 26
Do I have to register in advance for any program?
Yes. We recommend registering as early as possible as space is limited.
What will I need for virtual classes?
Basic Requirements:
- A internet connection
- Working Microphone and Speakers – We recommend a set of headphones or headset (which has been tested and is working) with an integrated microphone so that you can hear us and we can hear you as clearly as possible. If you do not have headphones or a headset, please ensure your child is in a quiet place – as long as they have speakers and a microphone and are in a quiet place it will be fine. Please reduce background noise or move to a quiet area for the benefit of all kids in the class.
- Optional: Webcam – Either external or built-in (many laptops have an integrated camera).
- Laptop or desktop (not tablet or phone)
- Keyboard and mouse
- Chrome browser. Do not use Safari, use Chrome. If something is not working on Chrome, try Firefox or Edge.
Detailed System Requirements:
- Broadband internet connection (ideally with at least 1.2Mbps download and 600Kbps upload speeds)
- For Coding Classes: 4GB of RAM or more (<4GB RAM may work but may be unstable in some situations)
- For Minecraft and Idea Incubator classes ONLY
- Minecraft system requirements (source)
- Minecraft: PC (Windows 7 or later) or Mac (OSX 10.7 or later) computer (not a Chromebook)
- CPU: Intel Core i3-3210 3.2 GHz / AMD A8-7600 APU 3.1 GHz or equivalent (older or less powerful CPUs may work but may be unstable in some situations)
- RAM: 4GB or more (<4GB RAM may work but may be unstable in some situations)
- Minecraft Java Edition Launcher Installed
(instructions for this can be found here)- A Minecraft Java Edition Account purchased
- Minecraft: PC (Windows 7 or later) or Mac (OSX 10.7 or later) computer (not a Chromebook)
- Minecraft system requirements (source)
Do I need to purchase my child’s Minecraft account?
Yes, we require makers registered in Minecraft or Idea Incubators to purchase their own Minecraft account. This will allow them to use their account outside of class time! If you child already has a Minecraft account, they can let their instructor know and they can get whitelisted.
You can purchase a Minecraft account here.
How will I know I have the right requirements for the virtual classroom?
If you are unsure whether your child is ready for their first virtual class or camp, we can book you in for a free 15 minute Tech Check with one of our amazing Maker Mentors! You can do so by giving us a call at 416-385-3577!
Will there be anything else my child will be doing? Do kids just work on the computers?
All our programs integrate time for games, activities and working with others. Kids will design and brainstorm together, as well as test each other’s inventions on and off screen. We have a strong emphasis on soft skills, not only technical skills. We have stretch breaks and eye breaks to encourage kids to have good screen hygiene. Kids will leave with well-rounded skills and experiences that they can carry with them throughout their lives.
What is your approach towards making?
Our approach is to encourage creativity and empower kids with their own ideas for projects. We encourage all kids to participate in our programs and we don’t push towards certain activities based on gender or stereotype – it’s up to the child what they want to explore and learn about! We also like to encourage children in making their own decisions and to learn by doing, while we act as mentors instead of doing things for them.
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
CANCELLATIONS: Your class may be cancelled if too few people register. A decision will be made a few days before the class is scheduled to run, and you will be notified of the cancellation and you will have the option of your registration being turned into a MakerKids credit, or receive a refund in full.
REFUNDS:
There is a $50 fee for any class changes.
Weekly Programs: If your child can no longer attend their scheduled session we would happy to explore various options with you. We understand that your child’s interests and schedules may change! With a membership, you can switch topics and time slots to accommodate your child’s needs.If you are looking to take a couple weeks off, we would be happy to pause or hold your membership with us. This would allow you to reserve your child’s spot in their session. Our classes fill up quickly! To cancel your membership following the 1-month commitment, please contact us to confirm 2 weeks prior to your desired final bill.
Daily Camps: If your child can no longer attend our daily camps, we would be happy to help you change your camp time or topic or put your account on hold. Many of our daily program makers attend for multiple weeks and build relationships and share great experiences over time with their mentors and their peers. Let us know if your child is thinking of taking a break from daily camp. We can put your membership on hold and have it pick up again at a flexible date that works for you! We offer AM camps (10AM-12PM EST) and PM camps (1PM-3PM) of various topics your child can choose from. If you are registered for our weekly virtual camp, you must let us know a week prior to your billing date to cancel your membership. Otherwise, billing is recurring.
What do I do if my child can’t make a class?
The best way for your child to get the most out of their time at MakerKids is to attend in their regularly scheduled time slot. It’s important for kids to build a community with their classmates, a positive relationship with their instructor(s), and get consistent exposure to the technologies they are discovering. We understand though that perfect attendance isn’t always possible.
Subject to availability, each student at MakerKids is allowed one make-up class per monthly billing cycle if a missed class brings them below 4 for that period. To apply for a make-up class, please submit a request form as far in advance of the class your child is going to miss as possible (minimum of 72h for most absences or at least before the start of class if they fall ill).
We do our best to evaluate and accommodate all requests on a first-come-first-served basis while ensuring instructor to student ratios are maintained. If there are circumstances that require special accommodation for making up a missed class, please contact the MakerKids team.
Looking for the make-up class request form? https://makerkids.com/makeup
Are you hiring? We are always looking for great instructors. Check out our job postings here.
