It’s Never “Too Early” To Be Inspired
From the vantage point of the future, no one ever looks back and proclaims, “I prepared too early.”
Community Partners has activated the notion that it’s never too early to start shaping tomorrow by adopting the “Cradle-to-Career” model for the supportive programs it offers residents and Wait List applicants of the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC). By providing a continuum of support, this model addresses the needs of individuals at every stage of life:
- Early Childhood Development
- Elementary/Middle School Youth
- High School Youth
- Adults 18+
- Senior Adults 60+
Starting Small: School Readiness
Our School Readiness project literally begins in the cradle, focusing on our youngest neighbors — infants through age five. Learning to read early is an empowering gateway to achievement and our “Little People’s Town Library” helps parents build permanent in-home libraries so that reading becomes a household staple.
It can, of course, be difficult to focus on reading a magical story to your child when the other side of your brain is worried about providing their necessities. That’s why our program also distributes diapers and other essential supplies for young parents. To keep this critical early development lifeline vital and thriving, Community Partners is actively seeking funding to ensure no child starts behind and that all are indeed ready for school on Day One.
Teaching the Teachers: “The Basics”
Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. To support them, Community Partners is piloting “The Basics” at the Stewartown Homes Community Center. This informational service empowers parents with the tools to become the best home educators they can be. We are also launching “Basic Corners” — dedicated spaces filled with developmental toys and resources where parents can engage in intentional play that prepares their children for kindergarten.
Future-Proofing: Family Savings
One aspect of early childhood development that Community Partners is working to emphasize is an early beginning to children’s savings – especially for college – to secure their future. We are currently in the thought partnership phase with Maryland 529 staff to explore a Family Savings project that begins in kindergarten. By starting the conversation about long-term financial stability and savings early, we are planting the seeds for college and career success before a child even loses their first tooth and finds the “fairy’s” reward under their pillow.
Great Expectations Need Great Partners
Please join us in this effort with your tax-deductible contribution to the Community Partners Inspire fundraising campaign soon to be announced. It’s never too early to make an investment in your Montgomery County neighbors.
Community Partners is developing and implementing these programs with the greatest of expectations. We are embracing proven nationwide best practices to generate a profound, uplifting ripple effect for HOC customers: higher kindergarten readiness scores, increased literacy rates and a narrowed achievement gap. The goal is clear. We aim to provide a foundation so deep and wide that every child in our programs can walk the path from cradle to career with confidence.