Community School Projects at PS 503/506 and PS 1

The Community School 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 school-based 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 Community School Projects offer:

• A five-day-a-week School Age Child Care/Afterschool 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.
• 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. 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 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.
• An Advisory Council advises and supports each program 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. The Advisory Council is comprised of Center for Family Life staff, youth representatives, school personnel, and parents.