Our
context is Camden, NJ, a small city of approximately 77,000 that is challenged
by the complex interplay of poverty, violence, racism, environmental
degradation, and poor education. Camden ranks nationally as one of the most
impoverished as well as most dangerous cities in the nation, with staggering
rates of shootings and homicides. The 2010 census data reveals that nearly
fifty percent of households with children live in poverty. Less than half of
students graduate from high school, and 23 of 26 schools in the city perform
within the lowest five percent statewide, which prompted a state takeover of
the dysfunctional school system in March 2013. Tragically, the children of
Camden do not have access to the quality of education they urgently need and
deserve.
Families raising young children in contexts like Camden face numerous stressors that negatively affect their health and well-being. For children, these stresses can contribute to low academic achievement, behavioral and socio-emotional problems, physical health problems, and developmental delays. Early childhood (birth to age six) is the most critical period of life for cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development for all children. Thus, high quality education in early childhood has the greatest impact on helping children and families overcome the negative effects of the challenges they face and gives them a strong foundation for future success.
Families raising young children in contexts like Camden face numerous stressors that negatively affect their health and well-being. For children, these stresses can contribute to low academic achievement, behavioral and socio-emotional problems, physical health problems, and developmental delays. Early childhood (birth to age six) is the most critical period of life for cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development for all children. Thus, high quality education in early childhood has the greatest impact on helping children and families overcome the negative effects of the challenges they face and gives them a strong foundation for future success.
