The Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) web site provides links that explain more about the mission, structure and results of the program. A most useful link is an audio from Chicago Public Radio, This American Life, both interviewing CEO Geoffrey Canada, and explaining much about the foundations and importance of early childhood development as a basis for community development. I recommend listening to this audio to hear the evidence of the positive impact of strong families and solid education on the development of good, successful citizens. I am fascinated that this organization makes themselves available to all parents in the Zone by recruiting them right off the streets, literally, stopping pregnant women and anyone pushing a stroller to recruit them for Baby College, the birth to three component of the program. All three issues are addressed in this one, very simple method of marketing. Awareness of the resource, accessibility to the program's free, neighborhood-based classes, and responsiveness to the immediate needs of parents-to-be. The programs themselves cover all three issues, providing a free service, near home, and in a family-friendly atmosphere. This program does not abandon children at 5 years, or seven, or even 18 years. They are partners with families until the children finish college.
There are limits to the number of children who may attend the promise academies, slots which are filled by lottery. It is Mr. Canada's desire to never have to leave a child out of high quality education. With regard to responsiveness, the children's Head Start programs teach and speak English, French and Spanish, neighborhood languages.
By viewing the link for the Harlem Gems, I am encouraged that this Head Start program goes beyond even what Head Start has defined as quality, including a one adult per four children staff to child ratio. Using English, Spanish, and French languages makes this program more accessible to its citizens. I am further encouraged that this vision for equity is not reliant on government funding to be realized, rather by solicitation of private corporations and individuals. Though Head Start is made possible by a combination of Federal and State grants, the HCZ is primarily funded by large corporations and private individuals. This puts its success in the hands of those who will gain the most return for their investment.
Take a look at this web site to get a real look at how the science of early childhood development is changing the lives of children living in poverty, and making the eradication of poverty in Harlem a real possibility.
http://www.hcz.org/
2 comments:
I also have been exploring the HCZ site. HCZ's work is so comprehensive and holistic! I am glad to see the efforts of this program being duplicated through the Promise Neighborhoods.
I agree with your feeling of encouragement that this program goes beyond the standards for of high quality, and add to their program what is needed by the children and families they serve, especially languages. While it increases accessibility to the community by providing professionals that teach English, French, and Spanish, this Head Start program is also increasing responsiveness to support the community's needs. That's really a great thing!
Caitlin
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