Independent National Evaluator Praises Early Learning Program Excellence

For HIV/AIDS-affected pre-school children, The Children's Place Association Early Learning Program is effectively laying the foundation for long-term academic achievement, according to a recent study funded by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

 “…The data…is overwhelmingly supportive of the Early Learning Program's efficacy as a preparation site for the education of young children at increased risk for education challenge,” wrote evaluators Nancy Soro, Ph.D. and Kimberly Harris, Ph.D.

Specifically, the study revealed development skills growth—cognitive, language, motor and social behaviors—was achieved for 90% of our pre-school students, exceeding even the upper threshold - 80% - of the evaluators' model. Particularly, the speech and language therapy track improved these skills for 93% of students.

And crucially for HIV/AIDS affected kids, the report noted, “Had [these students] attended another Chicago early education center, it is unlikely to completely improbable that they would be met by staff who are so thoroughly educated about HIV and its medical and socials [effects].”

The study attributed the pre-school program's results to teaching staff, nursing care, nutritious meals, classroom physical conditions, and transportation availability. They even noted unique components such as integrating the program's van drivers in program meetings to glean as much information regarding the child's daily routine as possible.

“[The Children's Place Association]…coordinated care teams are unduplicated in the most financially exclusive pre-schools. It is a rare pre-school that courts learners who present with such a wide range of significant impediments to educational achievement, and then surrounds the learner and their family with advanced interventions…with no tuition or board costs to famies.”

Commenting on the report's findings, CEO Cathy Krieger, said “We are proud of our pre-school students' learning achievements. Our program proves that will and commitment can overcome nearly all obstacles to early learning excellence for all children, including those affected by HIV/AIDS."