Community Resources for Children’s (CRC) Active Minds program fosters school readiness among two-to-three-year-olds, the majority of whom are from low-income homes and have no previous preschool experience.
The program teaches parents to guide their child’s natural curiosity and learning, emphasizing the role parents play as their child’s first and most important teachers.
Over the 8-week program, offered in English and Spanish, CRC’s early learning specialists create a preschool-like setting for parents, caregivers and children. This immersive environment allows parents to practice skills that foster their child’s development, which they can continue with take-home curriculum and activities.
A grant from NVCF supported two of the 8-week sessions CRC hosted last year. The results were impressive: 90% of parents and caregivers reported a deeper understanding of their child’s learning needs and increased the frequency of reading to their children to at least twice a week—a strong predictor of future educational outcomes.
“Our goal is to provide families with the tools and confidence they need to support their children’s growth,” shares Erika Lubensky, Executive Director of CRC. “By creating a nurturing and interactive environment, we’re helping parents become active participants in their child’s education, setting a foundation for lifelong learning.”
