Information about Scottdale Early Learning: scottdale.org or 404-294-8362.
For almost 40 years, teachers at the Scottdale Early Learning center have focused on a key mission: to make pre-schooling available to many youngsters who, for a variety of reasons, might not have access to a program that directly impacts school preparedness, and in so doing strengthen families and communities.
“Our goal is to provide a high-quality early learning experience, regardless of a parent’s ability to pay,” said Maryum Lewis, the center’s executive director for the last three years. “We help their children meet all developmental milestones and prepare to start kindergarten on time, and we support their families and the surrounding community at the same time.”
Funded by gifts from private foundations, contributions from corporations and individuals and government grants such as the United Way, the nationally-accredited center takes a multifaceted approach to early childhood education by offering the Parents as Teachers Program and by operating the Clarkston READY school as well as the Scottdale School for children up to age 5. Regardless of the program, the school’s founders recognized early on that cost is often the leading factor that keeps kids out of pre-K classrooms.
“So we have a variety of programs that allow low-income families to take part,” said Lewis. “For instance, we have early Head Start where parents don’t have to bring anything but the baby and a change of clothes; we provide formula, diapers and everything else from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. And we have scholarships if there are financial issues.”
It’s not just finances that keeps kids away, said Lewis. The DeKalb communities the center serves have a diverse refugee community that often lacks transportation and language skills to learn more about the programs that are available. To meet those needs, the center sends teachers directly into the home to explain other options.
“A lot of times, there may be cultural reasons why parents want the child at home or with a relative during the day, so we talk to them about items in the house that can help child development,” said Lewis. “We can also do assessments to make sure children are on track to start kindergarten. If not, there are systems in place to get them the help they need.”
Last year, the center partnered with the Clarkston Development Foundation to establish an outreach in an apartment complex of mostly Arabic-speaking children. About 20 children ages 3 and 4 now attend free readiness sessions three afternoons a week.
“At that age, they’re beginning to grasp the language, but we found it was hard for many of the parents to access a center,” said Lewis. “Many can only walk to get places or can’t afford to send a child all day. So we found an Arabic-speaking teacher in the community, and we all came together to make this happen. Our goal is always to have all children get an introduction to early learning and strengthen the community and families as well.”
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