JULY 2021

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Bright Beginnings BY SARAH KITTLE Early childhood, or the period of time from a child’s birth to when they enter kindergarten, is a crucial period in the life of a child. It is when they first learn to interact with others, and it is when they begin to develop individual habits and interests that may stay with them for life. But it is so much more than that. Children of this age are learning critical social and emotional skills, developing trust and relationships. Studies have shown that when children are comfortable and trust the people around them, they learn more quickly and successfully. Motivation and self-esteem are also highly affected by early childhood education (ECE). Preliminary education is important as it directly relates to a child’s pre-literacy, prewriting and pre-math skills. It also affects school readiness and other skills that prove essential to educating a strong workforce that can contribute to a successful global economy. The benefits of early childhood education can better entire communities, not only the child or their families. That is why the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) established their ECE program called “Bright Beginnings.” Bright Beginnings was created through a partnership with the Michigan Department of Education (DOE). Sam Mclaren- Fahey, CCF Citizenship Program Manager, says, “Up until 2020, almost all of our services focused on adults in the community. We knew there was a need for youth programming, and we had begun the conversation of what that would look like.” She adds, “Simultaneously, the Michigan DOE saw the need for immigrant/refugee youth programming that connected early childhood aged children with programs that would help them prepare for kindergarten. Knowing that we have a relationship with the immigrant/refugee community, the partnership was created to accomplish both organizational goals.” Much of the most critical brain development in children takes place before they reach kindergarten. In a preschool setting, children learn crucial skills like listening, sharing, and taking turns. They also learn how to healthily express emotions and cope with feelings that might otherwise be overwhelming. Learning to cooperate with other children is especially important for those that are only children or have no siblings in the home. One of the most significant benefits of ECE is teaching children a love for learning. At this age, lessons are presented as fun games and activities. They get to discover new things and are exposed to different environments than they have at home. And don’t forget the music, toys, and art supplies! These introductions serve as a catalyst for wanting to know more and can help develop a passion for lifelong learning. Positive reinforcement Children enrolled in preschool programs experience significantly more positive reinforcement than their peers that are not attending a program. The programs also emphasize building a strong attention span, a skill that will help them all through life. In preschool, children start understanding when it is time to work and when it is time to play. Most children these days have a tablet, Nook or Kindle with which to watch TV or, increasingly, videos on YouTube. But watching TV is a passive activity; it does not require any participation from the viewer. The structured activity of preschool helps kids feel safe and secure, and they come to develop healthy study habits and equate school with good feelings. That is one of the primary goals. For Bright Beginnings, qualified families must have a child in the 0-5 age range to register for one of the 3 levels of classes (infant, toddler, preschool). The adult/caregiver must be able to attend all classes and stay in the classroom with their child the entire time. Each family must go through a brief intake and complete a questionnaire at the beginning and end of the course. The program involves the entire family and works in two parts: the Parent/Child classes and the Family Resource Hour appointments. The classes consist of 12 weeks of programming for parents to learn best practices and activities with their children that they can do at home. On Friday mornings, infant classes are held for children aged up to one and a half. Toddler classes for kids aged one and a half to three are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and preschool classes for kids aged three to five are on Mondays and Wednesdays. All-week programming is a huge commitment to the community. Says Mclaren-Fahey, “The goal is to promote both early literacy and more parent/child interaction. In each class, instructors will speak/sing in both English and Arabic to support caregivers whose primary home language is Arabic while also promoting the English language skills.” ECE programs have a physical component as well. Getting into the habit of being active at an early age is key to overall lifetime health. Making music, clapping, dancing, and other fun activities can help develop children’s fine motor skills. Singing songs can build brain and body coordination. The skills that children learn while participating in music contribute to the child’s overall brain development. Each Bright Beginnings class period includes music and movement, circle time, small group work, and story time. The topics for the toddler and preschool classes include: all about me; shapes; weather; colors; transportation; farm animals; zoo animals; healthy foods; community helpers; bugs and insects; and emotions. The preschool classes also focus on kindergarten readiness skills. During the 12 weeks of class, families are introduced to programs like Great Start/Head Start, Young 4s, and other free or low-cost full time preschool resources in the area. Focus on the family The CCF also offers Family Resource Hour Appointments. Says Mclaren- Fahey, “These are afternoon appointments open to anyone with a child aged 0-5. Families don’t need to be enrolled in the classes to make one of these appointments.” In the Family Resource Hour, the CCF Bright Beginnings staff assists with any early childhood questions or needs. They can help find preschool programs and enroll families; staff can also handle kindergarten enrollment and answer questions about navigating the school system. Appointments can be used to help families find dentists, pediatricians, or other health resources for their children. This also includes finding resources for families who may have questions about their child’s development. They can also be used to learn new activities to do at home with their children. CE programs focus on harnessing kids’ natural curiosity. Teachers encourage children to ask critical questions like “why,” “what,” and “how,” (as if they need instruction on that!) The better they understand the world around them, the more interested they are in learning. Study after study has shown that children who attend an ECE program: are less likely to go to prison; are more likely to attend college; are more likely to own their own home later in life; are less likely to be on government assistance as an adult; and are less likely to develop drug dependency issues. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) says, “Early childhood care and education is more than preparation for primary school. It aims at the holistic development of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs in order to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. ECCE has the possibility to nurture caring, capable and responsible future citizens.” An investment in ECE for our children is an investment in our future. 28 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>JULY</strong> <strong>2021</strong>
CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Help Wanted? As our Nation plans to rebuild after this unprecedented time, please consider investing in one of our many new Americans. HOW WE HELP: The Career Services Team at the Chaldean Community Foundation offers one-on-one assistance to help individuals identify their goals and develop their careers. SERVICES INCLUDE: • Resume Building and Cover Letter Writing • Job Application Completion • FAFSA Completion • Mock Interviews • Employer Referrals • Training Opportunities • Career Fairs • Access to Transportation via the Michael J George Chaldean Loan Fund To inquire about hiring one of our clients and having your business added to our job bank, please call or email Elias at 586-722-7253 or elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org CHALDEAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 3601 15 MILE ROAD, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48310 586-722-7253 CHALDEANFOUNDATION.ORG
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