Building Stronger Community Schools in Underprivileged Neighborhoods
The Children’s Home + Aid Community Schools program provides professional family support services and quality after-school programming to complement the services being provided within at-risk schools.Not surprisingly, the highest rates of unemployment, serious crime, low birth, teen pregnancy, and gang activity are found in the poorest neighborhoods. These problems pose significant social and academic challenges to children living in these neighborhoods.
The agency understands that children who feel connected to their families and schools engage in fewer illicit behaviors and perform better academically. Research shows that higher levels of participation in after-school programs lead to better school attendance and higher academic achievement on standardized tests of mathematics, reading and language arts.
The Community Schools program includes physical and mental health services, performing arts and sports enrichment activities and academic support in a holistic program design. These services include tutoring, after-school activities and in-class groups on topics such as conflict resolution for children and behavior management classes for parents.