Every school year, it seems there are more and more things that students need, and that parents have to purchase – or that teachers need to buy to keep their own classrooms stocked. For homeschooling parents on a limited budget, it’s especially important to find good sources for important supplies and learning tools. That’s why Kaitlyn Trabucco and the rest of the team at www.Educents.com spend their time searching for affordable, useful, and fun-to-use educational materials and making them available on their website at a discounted price for parents and teachers alike. If you’re looking for an online store that has everything you need to help a child learn, then you’ll want to visit the Educents site!
US: Your website has been highly rated by parents, teachers, and homeschooling organizations alike. What’s your own background in education?
Kaitlyn: My business partner, Kate Whiting, has worked as CMO for various educational and homeschooling companies for many years and originally had the idea for Educents. She saw the need for access to affordable education and decided something needed to be done. Kate and I met while getting our masters degree and I was coming straight from an organization trying to provide education in Haiti. When she approached me about the idea of Educents, I knew it was a great need and we were the women to do it. As they say, the rest is history. (Kate and Kaitlyn- Yes, it does get confusing in the office!)
US: Through your website, people can buy everything from educational toys to complete study guides for mathematics, spelling courses, or English grammar lessons, and all at very reasonable prices. How are you able to offer such low prices for the products you offer?
Kaitlyn: We are applying the group buying method to the educational world. We have gained over 80,000 members in just a year so therefore we are able to negotiate large discounts with vendors. Vendors get their product out to the masses and customers get great discounts. It’s a win-win.
US: Many adults will remember their own childhood when they see the “See & Spell” wooden letter puzzles and cut-out shapes that kids can use to learn to spell. Do you find that parents are more likely to buy one of these “old-fashioned” toys at first, or are people looking for more high-tech learning tools these days, like spelling software?
Kaitlyn: Both. I think there is a trend to return to the simpler toys of another generation without all the flashy lights and gadgets and yes, a lot of toys are timeless. But education is embracing technology in a fast and furious way where we will continue to see highly advanced software and computer programs entering the classroom and changing access to education. If we want to provide education for all (which we do!) then I believe products like spelling software will play an important role in the future of education.
US: Speaking of high-tech tools, many classrooms are integrating technology and computers into even basic reading or math classes, so children need to learn how to use laptops and keyboards at an early age. What do you recommend to parents to help them teach a child to learn to type?
Kaitlyn: Your child will learn to type if they are engaged with what is happening on the screen. I suggest finding the most interactive typing software so that your child will stay engaged and want to type as fast as they can! Also, our customers gave us really great feedback on the Ultimate Typing Software. They really did! Sold like hotcakes. =)
US: Most of the materials on the website right now are for children, but there are a few learning tools for young teenagers as well. Are you planning to expand the shop to include older students, and perhaps high school study guides?
Kaitlyn: Yes, we are always expanding and looking for new products! Send any suggestions you have to business@educents.com
Cross-posted on the Ultimate Spelling blog.
