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 "Family Star has taught both of us to expect more out of life."Julia, Parent |
Our Impact Importance of Early Childhood EducationIn Colorado, one third of children enter school without the basic skills necessary for learning. By third grade, only 52% of students are proficient or better on the reading CSAP and 34% on the writing CSAP. This number drops significantly by 8th grade to 36% and 27% respectively. (Source: Colorado Children's Campaign: 2003 KidsCount.) One study suggests that school districts can save as much as $11,000 per child who attends a quality early childhood education, due to high cost of remediation and special education cost. (Source: Barnett, S & Masse, L.N (2002). A Benefit Cost Analysis of the Abecedarian Early Childhood Intervention.) Family Star teaches the youngest children literacy skills, and works with parents to convey the urgency of literacy activities beginning at birth. These numbers are strong support that Family Star's work is imperative, not only for children and their parents, but for our community, too. At Family Star, our focus is on educating children ages 0-3. Most people think that a babysitter or a family member watching a toddler during the day is sufficient at this age. They may not realize that the majority of brain development occurs before the age of 3. Or that by 3 years old, disparities in language are already established. On average, children of professionals have a vocabulary of 1,100 words by age three, while low income children have a vocabulary of 480 words. (Source: Hart, B. & Risley, T.R. (1996). Meaningful differences in the everyday experience of young American children, Baltimore, MD.) This gap continues to widen as children age and it's no wonder that half of low-income and minority children here in Denver don't graduate from high school. At only three years old, these children are already behind. That's why Family Star was founded nearly 20 years ago to make sure that our children enter elementary school ready to learn. Who We Serve Each year, Family Star expects to serve about 200 children from age two months through six years old at our two centers in Northwest and Northeast Denver. In 2008, the ethnic breakdown of Family Star's children was as follows: 49% Latino, 30% Caucasian, 10% African American, 7% Bi-racial, 2% Asian, 1% Native American, and 1% other. Thirty percent of our families speak Spanish as their primary language. 85% of families are low-income and receive subsidies to pay for childcare. Of this population the education level of parents is generally low: 21% have less than a high school degree and 33% have a high school degree, but no college education. Therapists for disabled children often recommend Family Star to parents resulting in increasing enrollment of children with severe special needs. At any given time, 10-15% of enrolled children have special needs. Although the majority of our families are low-income, we are very proud that we also attract middle to upper income families who can afford to send their children anywhere. They choose to come to Family Star because of the high quality of our program and the diversity of our children and staff. Every classroom works to maintain a mix of children receiving financial assistance as well as children paying the full tuition. Success Stories Patty's Story Patty was 14 years old, pregnant and in high school. Her aunt referred her to Family Star to our "Future Star" pregnancy program. She enrolled in the Future Star program with the baby's father they completed the 10 week classes and a prenatal class at her high school. In almost all ways, Patty is a typical 14 year old but now, with some "surprising wisdom" about her plans and her future. When our pregnancy program facilitator made the first home visit, she saw Patty's teenage bedroom decorated beautifully in anticipation for her new baby. Thanks to Family Star's pregnancy program, the new baby will have a reserved slot in our infant room and Patty will be able to finish high school knowing that her child is in good hands. Ellia's Story "When Ellia was born, I had no idea how to be a good mom. I didn't know how to bathe her, feed her, or even change her diaper. I needed help. I applied for subsidized housing when Ellia was two months old and received a packet of information about local support services that's how I found Family Star. "At first, all I wanted was a place where Ellia would be safe, but after they gave me a tour of the classrooms, I realized Family Star was so much more. Ellia enrolled at Family Star, and I was hired as a teacher's assistant soon after. They believed in me! They helped me get my GED, and now I am only three classes away from getting my Child Development Associates degree. Next, I am going to get my Montessori certification. "I am grateful for Family Star for helping me realize I could do something with my life. Ellia is so smart and independent. She is always learning new words and is such a sweet little girl. I can't imagine having her anywhere else. I want Ellia to have more opportunities than I did growing up. Family Star has taught both of us to expect more out of life." Gabe's Story Gabe's biological parents used drugs and alcohol. He was taken from his parents and placed with an aunt as an infant. His aunt came to Family Star looking for child care services after Gabe had been placed with her for 2 months. Upon enrollment at Family Star, Gabe was screened for developmental problems. This screening identified Gabe as having fetal alcohol syndrome and as being underweight for his age. Family Star staff referred Gabe for disability services and now he receives occupational, speech and physical therapy. Our staff also helped Gabe's aunt to enroll in the WIC program and she is receiving supplemental food and nutritional education that will help with Gabe's development. Without the assistance of Family Star, Gabe would not have been diagnosed until later in his formative years. The early intervention that Gabe receives will impact the rest of his life. |
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