Success Starts Here

CYC’s Early Learning Program engages children early and works with families so children enter kindergarten ready and eager to learn and successfully transition through all phases of their academic experience.

CYC’s Early Learning Program enables children to develop the cognitive and social-emotional skills needed to persist and succeed in school. Through our expert staff, commitment to research, intentional program delivery, and collaborative partnerships, we provide transformative education and support so children can begin to experience their possibility and promise. 

The children in our programs work with qualified teachers to experience:

• A structured curriculum

• Literacy and STEM enrichment

• Creative arts

• Language development

• Social-emotional learning

• Family engagement

• ... and more!

CYC offers Early Learning programs in Riverdale, Humboldt Park, North Lawndale, and South Shore. Please contact the Center you are interested in learning more about how to get your child enrolled. We offer rolling applications for youth between the ages of 15 months to 5 years old.

Additionally, we work with a number of partner sites in various Chicago communities to provide effective programming. Please contact us to learn more about the locations we are in.

OUTCOMES

Our data shows that our teaching strategies work and that CYC children make significant growth in all domains throughout the year.

In our most recent program year, CYC’s Early Learning program achieved the following outcomes:

• 89% of children met or exceeded social-emotional learning goals.

• 92% met or exceeded physical goals.

• 87% of children met or exceeded cognitive goals.

• 83% of children met or exceeded literacy goals.

• 82% of children met or exceeded mathematics goals.

• 100% of children met Spanish language and literacy goals.

Family Engagement

Family Engagement is a especially important to our Head Start program. We empower families to create a sense of well-being at home and nurture strong relationships between parents and children. We work with a Parent Policy Committee to ensure that we are meeting the most pressing needs of our families and communities. We also conduct home visits, host parent conferences, and work with parents as volunteers at our Centers. Throughout the year, we offer a variety of parent engagement activities and workshops, addressing topics including:

• Developing Parent Leadership

• Educational “At-Home” Activities

• Inspiring Literacy Among Your Children

• Parenting Programs (YOU Program)

• Goal Setting with your Children

• Family Nights

• Financial Literacy

• Health and Nutrition Classes

To learn more, or enroll your child today, contact Talina Carter-Bowie at talina.carter-bowie@chicagoyouthcenters.org.

Teaching Philosophy

At Chicago Youth Centers, we provide comprehensive services around social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth in young children. Our program fosters curiosity, creativity and self-esteem by encouraging children’s abilities and interests through child-initiated and teacher-supported play. Through research-based curriculum and assessments, children become kindergarten-ready while also developing into explorers and lifelong learners. Our classroom environment is carefully designed to reflect the children’s interests and support social-emotional development, including positive self-image, independence, and interdependence. This focus also equips children with the tools to regulate their emotions, communicate with others, and use compassion and empathy. Additionally, our program provides children with a safe space and nutritious meals.

Our program is reliant on open communication with caregivers, for they ultimately play the most vital role in their child’s development as they are the child’s first teacher. As much as we love to care for and guide children, we know that we cannot do this work alone – it is equally important that caregivers are supported as active participants in their children’s education. Caregivers and teachers share a common priority: providing the best that they possibly can for their children.

Through vibrant and holistic partnerships with local community organizations, and a focus on supporting the whole child, our families are best served. With all these pieces working together in harmony, we believe our children will reach ideal development.

Looking for Activities to do with your child at home?

CYC’s Early Learning team has been busy creating content for you to do with your little ones during the Stay-at-Home order. The best part is, you can do these any time of the year!

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