Beacon Programs at PS 503/506 and PS 1

The Beacon program model aims to make schools the hub of enriching, supporting, and inclusive activities that bring together children, youth, and adults from our diverse community. Center for Family Life’s Beacon programs use social group work methodology and purposeful activities to involve participants in group experiences that promote individual growth, support family life, and create a sense of community.

Both Beacon locations offer:

• A five-day-a-week School Age Child Care/After-School Program for youth, ages 5 - 13. All children in the program receive a daily snack, academic enrichment /homework assistance and weekly instruction in creative/visual arts, performing arts, literacy, and sports/games. Weekly “club” discussion groups provide age-appropriate team-building, conflict resolution, and social learning activities. Older children engage in community service projects and self-selected Option activities. Program-wide community-building events include two annual shows and special event days.
• A six-week Summer Day Camp, for youth, ages 10 - 13, provides 3 days of onsite activities in visual and performing arts and literacy, as well as 2 days of educational, cultural, and recreational field trips. Special events include theme days and an all-camp final show for parents and the community.
• A Youth Leadership/ Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for youth, ages 14 and older, offers volunteer work experiences, training, and academic and personal support, while providing a context in which teenagers and younger children can enjoy the mutual benefits of intergenerational relationships. CITs earn on-the-job experience as assistants to Group Leaders and Activity Specialists, participate in a weekly “club” discussion group that addresses personal, academic and career-related themes, and prepare for future employment through career exploration workshops. CITs receive monthly stipends based on their participation.
• The Neighborhood Center is a year-round program for youth and their families that provides a variety of cultural, educational, and recreational activities – indoor and outdoors – depending on the weather. Activities include games and sports (basketball, soccer, volleyball, wiffleball), a lending library and creative arts/literacy activities, performing arts groups, a play yard for young children, and a family lounge with reading and homework tables. The program is open six days/week at PS 1 and seven days/week at PS 503/506. Neighborhood Center also offers special events, including Community Nights, where participants have the opportunity to present their work and everyone can join in a variety of intergenerational activities.
• Community Collaborations/Co-Locator Programs include Girl Scouts, a GED program, ESOL classes, and other activities provided by community-based organizations.
• A Parent Involvement Program offers family nights, special events, a sewing group, cultural outings, and volunteer support. Regular outreach to and problem-solving with parents around issues of behavior, academic performance, and social development helps sustain the large number of youth and fosters parental trust in the program. The Parent Advisory Council collaborates with staff on program planning, review, and development.
• A Beacon Advisory Council advises and supports the Beacon in fulfilling its mission to be a safe haven and multicultural environment for children, youth, and families. It supports the development of programs through new initiatives, expanding existing programs, and fundraising and provides a forum for community interaction and fosters a spirit of volunteerism in the community-at-large. The Advisory Council is comprised of representatives of Center for Family Life, Youth Council members, school personnel, and parents.