from cradle to
career Education opens up a world of possibilities and is instrumental in breaking the cycle of poverty. Various programs have been put into place to support children and families at each academic step for success.
Supports extend into kindergarten to sixth grade with in-school and afterschool tutoring, Chula Vista College Institute, age-appropriate college and career related activities, and parent workshops about college savings, financial aid, scholarships and other resources.
All students at Castle Park Elementary also receive in-school music instruction and all fourth to sixth graders are practicing on
Research proves that quality early learning programs not only prepare children for kindergarten but give them a better chance of success later in school. But not everyone can afford these programs, which can run about $8,000 to $12,000 annually. In the Castle Park community, door-to-door surveys found that 62% of preschool age children were not enrolled in any preschool program.
Education opens up a world of possibilities and is instrumental in breaking the cycle of poverty. Various programs have been put into place to support children and families at each academic step for success. 18 O U R HOMETOWN • MARC H 2 0 15
More staggering was the data from Child Welfare Services, which showed that this neighborhood had the county’s highest rate of removals and severe physical abuse. So, CVPromise developed a comprehensive Early Learning Network which includes newborn home visits, parenting support, specialists who work with home caregivers, a preschool specially designed for English language learners, kindercamps and various workshops. In addition, children affected by abuse or domestic violence and their families have resources from SBCS including a direct connection to Mi Escuelita Therapeutic Preschool.
stringed instruments. In just one year and six months, the percent of Castle Park Elementary third-grade students reading at or above grade level increased from 25 to 35. In mathematics we saw amazing movement from 6.5 percent to 36.9 percent proficiency for third grade students and 9.8 percent to 15.7 percent at or above grade level for fourth grade students. Castle Park Elementary sixth-grade chronic absenteeism declined from 11 percent to 3.4 percent. For our younger children from birth to kindergarten, parents report an increase in reading three or more times a week from 53.5 percent to 67.8 percent. For our middle and high school students, various supports are on campus for students and families to support their academic achievement and plan for higher education goals. Because a high percentage—92 percent of Castle Park High and 76 percent of Hilltop High students—are the first in their family to go to college, the idea of college can be intimidating, confusing and even feel completely unattainable. Parents of these students may not know how to offer guidance or what questions to ask when meeting with teachers.