As a school community we hope to foster active citizenship in our students. We, as adult community members, model what it means to be an active citizen. The school community will be a resource for the larger West Philadelphia community, doing activities that include, presenting workshops, open to all, about nutrition, health resources and issues, education, parenting, self care, and child development. The backbone of our community is the Whole Parents Council. This council is made up of the parents of the children at the CCS. This Council fosters parental involvement, by matching parent skills and interests to community goals and inviting parents to contribute to the curriculum, school, and community on an annual basis. Additionally, The Elders Project matches the school’s vision and classroom needs with the skill and interest set of community members who are retired, elderly, and/ or in assisted living.
Education, especially early education, is often cost prohibitive to families. The CCS integrates a work study program that matches parent or caregiver skills to the school’s vision and classroom needs, to provide work study options. This supports parents who wish to continue to utilize their professional skills while taking time away from a traditional work life to be a primary caregiver. Additionally, the school will develop a scholarship fund.