Family Focus

Programs: The preschool center in hyde park is at 5467 s. University avenue, in our agency headquarters building. It serves children ages birth through 5. It is accredited by the national association for the education of young children (naeyc), received the state's highest designation of quality, and offers a well-rounded curriculum of learning and play, focused on all areas of child development. The hyde park center has offered a rich early childhood education experience since 1963. The preschool center in englewood is at 7000 s. Parnell avenue, in a residential building owned and managed by vlv transformation housing. It serves children ages 3 through 5. The englewood center is part of both head start and the chicago public schools community partnership program. Its curriculum is modeled after that of our hyde park center, and we will apply for naeyc accreditation.

beyond parenting is a school-based birth to age 3 preventive program that provides comprehensive social service to teen parents and their young children. Tpi is currently serving over 400 teen-head families. The program operates four days a week at seven different chicago public high schools which include the following high schools: robeson, located in the englewood community; hyde park, located in the hyde park community; julian high school, located in south chicago; simeon, located in west chatham; john hope high school, located in south chicago; farragut, located in the little village community; and simpson, located in the little village community. Tpi aims to prevent teen parents from dropping out of high school, while preventing secondary teen pregnancies and reducing the incidence of child maltreatment for their young children. It also promotes school readiness for the at-risk children.

early head start (ehs) targets low-income pregnant women and families with children from birth through age 3, most of whom are at or below the federal poverty level or who are eligible for services under the individuals with disabilities education act. The program provides early, continuous, intensive, and comprehensive child development and family support services. The early head start program utilizes the home-based service option, which includes weekly 90-minute home visits and two group socialization activities per month for parents and their children. Home visitors are required to have knowledge and experience in child development and early childhood education; principles of child health, safety, and nutrition; adult learning principles; and family dynamics.