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Harlem Children's Zone

As I looked through a few of the different websites. I ended up choosing the Harlem Children's Zone website as I recalled their founder from the "Waiting for Superman" documentary. This organization started out as a community program in Harlem looking to help families and children. This organization has now grown to a program that supports children, families, and the community through the entirety of childhood. It includes many different programs like "Baby College" and a Charter school. 

One trend I saw on the Harlem Children's Zone website was the early childhood programs they are promoting and providing to families in the Harlem area. These programs are not only working with children, they are also working to provide education and supports for parents and guardians. This trend starts with Baby College where new parents and expecting parents can come and have free child care and take classes on parenting. This program provides education for parents while helping parents and guardians build a community and support system. Next step is The Three-Year-Old Journey where parents come together on Saturdays and taking more parenting education classes while their 3 year olds are in a preschool classroom. The Harlem Gems is the final step in this program. This is a five day preschool program for 4 year olds. I believe this represents the trend we are moving towards in addressing and helping children and families from birth and all the way through childhood not just 3 years old and on. I also think it shows a trend of addressing the community as well and not only education.

When exploring the website, I found this quote about Harlem Children's Zone and I believe it truly matches what we discussed this week in our course topic.

"The Harlem Children’s Zone® has always been driven by the belief that the success of our children and the strength of the community go hand in hand.  Their needs are inseparable and must be addressed together in order to break the cycle of generational poverty and give our kids a real shot at the American dream." 

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Comments

  1. nice organization! Ive never heard of it and I find it very interesting. I think it is great that they provide "baby college" which is the opportunity for parents to learn and take classes on parenting.. I look forward to reading and learning more about this organization..

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    Replies
    1. I love the baby college program! I have always said new parents need a guide. and now this program is just that, a guide. More programs like this are needed,

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