Education

Countdown to Kindergarten engages families, educators and the community in a citywide effort to enhance early learning opportunities and to support the transition into kindergarten. Mayor Menino, the Boston School Committee and Superintendent Johnson partner with 28 local organizations to implement a school readiness campaign that helps families participate actively in their children's education right from the start, understand the value of kindergarten, and learn how to choose schools and then register in the Boston Public Schools (BPS). In Boston, our work has promoted teacher collaboration on school readiness issues; doubled the percent of families visiting schools to make informed registration decisions; and increased the percentage of children who enter BPS at kindergarten rather than first grade. It has also resulted in more schools being ready to engage families.

The Crispus Attucks Children's Center, Inc. (CACC) is a nonprofit corporation providing early childhood education services for infants, toddlers and preschool children from one month to seven years of age. The premier childcare center for low-income children in the city of Boston, CACC's comprehensive program addresses all aspects of development in young children and offers counseling, education and support to parents.

CACC is concerned with the total development of each child through creative and well-supervised educational activities in a child-centered environment where youngsters are actively involved in the learning process and are supported in their individual growth. Activities are designed to foster social and emotional maturation, develop self-expression and communication skills, support cognitive development through active explorations and provide opportunities for physical exercise.

Since its inception 35 years ago, we have placed particular emphasis on the academic preparation of minority children. The curriculum is designed to provide the basic foundation and skills that are essential prerequisites to success in school including a concentration in the areas of reading, math, writing, science and the use of computers.

CACC currently serves 234 children in three program areas. The Infant Program (one month to 14 months), the Toddler Program (15 months to 2.8 years), and the Preschool Program (2.9 to seven years). Each program's curriculum and learning activities are age-appropriate and implemented with attention to individual participant needs, interests and developmental levels. The Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 5:45 PM., and all children receive a full breakfast, lunch and snack each day.

Service was first provided in 1875 through a delivery station established in Neponset on Walnut Street. A reading room was opened at 362 Neponset Avenue in 1947. The present branch library building was opened in 1951, and at the time represented the first new neighborhood facility built in 20 years.

Launched in 1990 with 28 young people in a church basement, YBB was the first replication of the YouthBuild model outside of New York. The mission of YouthBuild Boston Inc. (YBB) is to improve opportunities for young people of Boston by teaching skills that will equip them to support themselves and help develop personal and neighborhood responsibility. The guiding principle of YBB is "Youth or young adults, when treated as valuable resources, will realize that they can be partners in rebuilding their community". YBB realizes that the difficulties that young people face must be overcome by addressing the terrible and overwhelming lack of empowerment that they often feel. These feelings are reinforced by a society that views them as part of the problem, and not the solution. YBB recognizes that these individuals are capable of and vital to improving their lives and the condition of their community.
YBB has been successful since its inception. YBB, along with other agencies has contributed to the vibrancy of the community. Consistent funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, AmeriCorps, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, YouthBuild USA, the private foundation community, corporations, and individuals, has enabled us to serve Boston youth.

La Alianza Hispana, Inc. is a community based organization providing culturally and linguistically appropriate health and education programs to the Latino Community of Greater Boston.

Founded in 1971, La Alianza Hispana has become the starting point for over 2,000 Latinos annually who seek support at all stages of life. La Alianza Hispana strenghthens individuals, families and communitites for ongoing success.