| Our early childhood education programs focus on the whole child. In other words, our early childhood professionals attend to a variety of needs of the children we serve – by promoting the growth of social, developmental, emotional and physical skills and capabilities. In order to further enhance the social development of children, two of CHSFS’ early childhood education centers will participate in the Primary Project in Hennepin County. These centers are located in the Cedar Riverside and Whittier neighborhoods of Minneapolis.
Year after year, Children’s Home Society & Family Services has reaffirmed its commitment to help children succeed by offering developmental early childhood education services. In Fiscal Year 2004, 1,149 children received high-quality early childhood education services through CHSFS.
The Primary Project, an initiative of Hennepin County’s Youth Coordinating Board, is sponsoring five sites at which the project will take place. Two of these five sites are CHSFS Early Childhood Education Centers.
The Primary Project is a nationally recognized program that helps preschool students feel more confident and comfortable in the classroom by spending one-on-one time, twice a week with a trained adult. The goal of the project is to promote school success by creating a safe, nurturing relationship with a caring adult. Staff will receive ongoing training on the Primary Project from staff at Washburn Child Guidance Center.
“Preschool children are in an extraordinary time of learning about themselves, their friends and the ever-expanding world that they live in. Developing significant and successful relationships in school has proven to facilitate and enrich a child’s ability to take in new information. The Primary Project supports and facilitates a child’s development of social skills thus opening the door wider for learning new ideas and concepts,” said Carol Dunsmore, Director of CHSFS’ Early Childhood Education Center in the Whittier Neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Play is how children relate to the world, and toys are their words. By spending time with a caring teacher two times a week for 12 weeks in play, a child learns to build a trusting relationship. Children also learn how to handle their fears and frustrations, gain confidence, and feel more a part of their surroundings. Once this type of positive relationship with adults is formed, children are better able to stay focused on learning.
Sixteen children will be selected by their teachers and parents to participate in the Primary Project at CHSFS centers.
If you would like to help promote early childhood education, please consider making a contribution to the program or volunteering one-on-one with a child. Please click on the links above or contact our development department at 651-646-7771 for more information. | 
