Ribbon Cutting at Kumon Math and Reading Center for Grand Opening

If you’re looking for a way to advance your child’s education and supplement their time at school, then you may want to look into one of the many local educational centers. On Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the opened its doors to the public for its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony. The center is now located at 100 Route 9 North in Manalapan.

Hosting a room full of children, parents, and Manalapan residents, the Kumon center offered a discounted registration for those who attended the event and through September.

Co-owned by Padma Patel and Ronnie Arora, this center is a growing franchise with centers available in 46 different countries with more than four million students. Founded in Japan, the program was developed by a math teacher who created worksheets to help his child succeed in school.

Arora has a Master degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, has previously worked with autistic and special needs children as well as in mainstream classrooms. Using his past experience and knowledge, Arora is living up to the Kumon name by providing an individualized approach to education for all students who attend his class.

Classes are held Monday and Thursday for both younger and older children, lasting approximately 30 minutes per subject, with homework on other days. Each student will also take a placement test to see where the learning process should begin and help focus on where the student needs improvement.

“Mastering fundamental concepts is so much of what this program is about. Only 15 minutes a day can last for a lifetime of success,” said Arora.

While every student learns at a different pace, they will often find themselves to be a grade level ahead of their current level within a year.

Work-study skills are also an important part of the Kumon experience. At the end of each level, an achievement test is given before a child can advance to the next level of the program.

While the center became available to residents in June of 2011, the grand opening was postponed until the start of the new school year. With almost 50 people in attendance of this event, some township members present included Deputy Mayor Ryan Green and Committeman Don Holland.

Refreshments were served within the center, with activities for children and informational packets for parents. “It was a nice event,” said Arora, “I’m very happy.”