In spite of COVID, Mary Ford Early Learning & Family Center has persevered and has seen many successes in its inaugural year as we prepare young scholars for the next level. Our stellar staff embodies our newly formed, purposeful logo—Foundations, Families, Futures.
Our data shares that two-thirds of our students are prepared to access the curriculum at the next level showing at least one year’s growth.
Our major challenge was accessing and supporting our virtual students. The data shows that these students will need intensive supports when they return to a face-to-face setting as they did not fare well on the virtual platform. We implemented our VET Team (Virtual Engagement Team) to assist with connecting to these families. The team comprised of our Parent Advocate, Guidance Counselor, Social Worker and Climate Coach, made weekly home visits to encourage attendance and/or follow up on issues with technology and school work. Parents and teachers really appreciated this personal touch. In addition, we also contracted with University Instructors to provide virtual one-to-one tutoring to struggling students.
Other highlights include:
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High levels of attendance at our virtual Parent meetings
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Expansion of our Business/Community Partnerships
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Regular Fruit & Vegetable Give-a-ways
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In-house field trips from the Children Museum of the Lowcountry
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Major work with Charleston Promise Neighborhood and Fetter Healthcare System to begin providing healthcare services to our families from the Mary Ford location. This is a huge convenience for our Early Head Start/Head Start programs that must declare medical and dental homes in order to be fully registered. Well-baby checks for infants and toddlers will be readily available as well.
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Modified facilities & trained staff for our Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Room
We will continue our trek to prepare for accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in the coming years. Given our triumphs in this challenging year, we are well on our way.
Ruth Taylor, Principal
James (Jim) Frye, School Improvement Council Chair
