Pre/Post-Natal
The Pre/Post-natal committee is responsible for identifying and deploying strategies to support pregnant mothers and their unborn child. Examples of possible strategies include helping mothers connect to appropriate health care providers, assistance in securing additional supportive services in preparation for the birth(s), care for babies after the birth; ongoing parenting education classes and ensuring mothers connect with the network of early child development centers throughout Martindale-Brightwood. Indicators have been established for this committee. Proposed activities should align with the given indicators.
Early Childhood
The Early Childhood committee shall implement activities to ensure children ages 0-5 enroll and excel in high quality early childhood education (ECE) centers throughout the area. While the service delivery team is responsible for enrolling families in the ECE centers, this committee should develop strategies to help to build the capcity of existing ECE centers to operate at a high level designation and expand the amount and types of developmental activities available for the childrento ensure they are kindergarten ready by age 5. The committee may also choose strategies to help promote the network of high quality ECE centers in the area. In examining the resources of the committee members, the committee may want to explore ways to improve communication throughout the neighborhoods regarding what parents should look for in a high-quality ECE and developmental indicators to support the growth and development of their children during this critical age period. Indicators have been established for this committee. Proposed activities should align with the given indicators.
School-Age: K-8 and 9-12+
The School-Age committee has been subdivided into two committees to support the different needs of children and youth from K-12. The K-8 committee will focus on program, activities, and other supports for children in K-8th grade. The 9-12+ committee will focus on youth grades 9 and post high school. Both committees should identify existing offerings available in schools as well as out of school programs to address the full range of needs of children. Working together, members should look to establish linkages with other providers; jointly promote offerings in the community, explore opportunities to pursue additional funding and to encourage the use of evidence-based curriculums among the various providers. Based on data reports provided by EMCC, both committees should monitor the progress students participating in their respective programs. If necessary, the committees may propose new programs to address programming gaps in the community. In addition to programming, the committees should look to ensure support services such as tutoring, financial literacy, mentoring, counseling are available and accessible for families. Indicators have been established for this committee. Proposed activities should align with the given indicators.
For the 9-12+ committee, there is the added responsibility of developing strategies that provide career paths for students beyond high school. Partnerships with corporations, vocational training schools, and colleges/universities should be established to provide support for students during and after completing high school. Other activities this committee for consideration include helping students develop strong financial literacy skills, opportunities to help parents understand resources to help with college selection and scholarships, as well as vocational training opportunities and requirements for entry.
Parent Engagement
The Parent Engagement committee shall take the lead in developing and deploying strategies to help parents become more involved in activities in the school as well as the broader community. Activities suggested by community voice or parents may be proposed to help ensure parents understand the progress of their children are making in the schools and if necessary, improve the communication throughout the community as to available activities that can help supplement their child’s learning. This committee should also consider implementing social capital events in the community that provide opportunities for parents and their children to participate throughout the year. Indicators have been established for this committee. Proposed acctivities should align with the given indicators.
Family Stability
The Family Stability committee has been subdivided into two categories: Workforce Development and Housing. The Workforce Development committee will be responsible for executing strategies to help parents to acquire the necessary skills to become employed or increase their level of income. This committee may also work with the youth 9-12+ to explore strategies to help older youth secure employment during the school year as well as during the summer time.
The Housing committee is responsible for helping to create a seamless pipeline of housing supports for MBEZ families experiencing challenges with housing. The committee should explore new partnerships to encourage the building of additional affordable housing units and continue leading the way relative to the MBEZ Housing Village project. Indicators have been established for this committee. Proposed activities should align with the given indicators.