Caring for Children
Our core philosophy is that parents are their children’s first and most significant teacher. Learning begins well before formal schooling; research shows that children who begin school with a learning gap stay behind for their entire school careers. By age four years children who live below the poverty line are, on average, eighteen months developmentally behind; by age ten that gap is still present. Research shows that children who begin school with a learning gap typically stay behind for their entire school careers. It is crucial to reach high risk families before their children start school.

Growing Home aids parents in a number of ways.
Home Grown Kids: a Parents as Teachers, home-based parent education and support (prenatal to age three). Certified parent educators help parents understand their child’s development and how to give their child the best social, emotional, physical and intellectual start. Home Grown Kids uses and award-winning curriculum that encourages children to build skills through play, reading and songs.

Support Effective Parenting: Twelve week series of parent education classes utilizing the Incredible Years curriculum (3 – 8 years). Moms and dads learn practical discipline techniques, help recognizing developmental stages and tips to help their children succeed.

Sprouts After-School: Once children enter school, a strong connection with school and caring, consistent adults are proven buffers to risks they may face in their neighborhoods. With this in mind, Growing Home partners with local elementary schools to offer a free, early intervention after school program for children ages five through eight utilizing the Incredible Years curriculum (academic/enrichment/recreation). Consistent with Growing Home’s philosophy, Sprouts program personnel facilitate and encourage parent participation.

Sprouts Summer Camp: Growing Home facilitates a free six-week summer day camp.The camp provides children ages 5 to 11 with a camp experience that incorporates healthy snacks and daily lunch. Each day, children participate in activities that challenge their academic development and nurture their social development. Children enjoy daily physical activity, sports and games, arts, crafts, music, technology, community service and weekly field trips.