EDUCATION Initiatives

School Readiness

Entering school is an important milestone in the lives of young children. KinderCamp, a summer school-readiness program, is designed to help high-needs children develop the social, emotional, and academic literacy skills they need in kindergarten and years to come. In 2009, 177 children participated in four Flagstaff-area elementary schools: Puente de Hozho, Kinsey Community School, Christensen, and South Beaver.

Child Care Initiatives

Our initiatives promote affordable, high-quality child care and family home centers that are safe, nurturing, stimulating, licensed, and accredited. In 2008, UWNA funded three centers and four home providers. We served 124 children, ranging in age from 6 weeks to 5 years old. The centers used these funds for curricular activities, materials, coaching, training, and improvements to their physical environment. ACES created the 2009–2010 Child Care Guide Calendars to educate families, child care practitioners, and others about early learning programs. The calendars provide information about resources, including checklists, brief descriptions, and family activities. We distributed English (5,000) and Spanish (2,000) versions.

Language Arts Program

The Rodel Charitable Foundation of Arizona and UWNA partner to support a supplemental language arts program for third-graders. In 2008–2009, five Flagstaff schools participated— Kinsey Community School, Thomas, Leupp, South Beaver, and Killip Elementary Schools — with 390 students. This pilot program targets students in the Math Achievement Club by Rodel (“MAC-Ro”) and uses the Language Arts Bonus Pack. Based on sound educational research, the Bonus Pack not only includes standards-based materials for students, but it also promotes ongoing family involvement and professional development for teachers and administrators. The program has effected change at the school and district level by improving instruction in the language arts and helping parents understand what their children are learning. It represents a step in improving the language arts skills of all students.

Youth Empowerment

UWNA funded local, faith-based organizations that partnered with Kids Hope USA to provide a mentoring program. The goal of this program was to improve academic performance, attendance, self-confidence, and self-esteem for at-risk children in elementary school. Caring and trained mentors meet weekly with these children one-on-one for 1 hour. Studies indicate at-risk children who consistently function in adrenalin-producing life situations benefit from this relaxing, supportive environment with a caring adult.