Generations Early Learning & Family Center

Generations Early Learning & Family Center (Generations or the Center) is a division of the St. Francis Foundation (the Organization), a nonprofit corporation established in 1985. The primary purpose of the Center has always been to provide a unique early childhood education program within a residential care facility, which will benefit the residents, children, families, and staff members through mutual interactions and continuing relationships.Early Learning and Early Intervention Quality early childhood care and education programs allow parents to engage in work and other activities with the assurance that their children are in a safe environment that promotes health, happiness, and wellbeing. The Organization partners with the Early Learning and Family Services (ELAFS) branch of the Opportunity Council (a local nonprofit) to provide additional services to eligible families within the program, through the early childhood education assistance program (ECEAP) or head start. To receive these services, children must be age eligible and families must be income eligible. Additional staff, resources, curriculum, and support are provided to classrooms by ELAFS. This benefits all children in the program, whether they are enrolled in ECEAP/Head Start or not. The curriculum is based on what the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) deems developmentally appropriate. The Organization believes that children learn social values such as cooperation, and the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior through their play activities and interactions with others. In the process, children discover their own interests and strengths. The curriculum empowers children to engage in creative and meaningful play. By thoughtfully observing children playing and learning together, the teachers assess the specific needs of the children in their groups. With assessments done using the ages and stages tool, teachers develop objectives and activities based on the needs shown by the assessment, and in partnership with families. Since self-regulation, emotional expression, and positive social relationships are key goals in the program, the organization uses the Second Step curriculum. Teachers incorporate these lessons to promote optimum social and emotional development. The Center is a print rich environment that promotes early literacy skills. Quality children's literature is shared every day between children and staff members. The classrooms also integrate other early education curriculum, including Letter People, DECA, David Matteson Literacy Program, Second Step, I Am Moving I Am Learning (IMIL) and Kiddikins. The curriculums, assessment tools, and commitment to family engagement allow the Organization to track children's development throughout their time in the program. By doing so, the Organization can determine whether any child or family in the program needs additional services or support. The aim is for every family to leave the program with the tools and confidence for continued success in their education and life. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:00pm. The Organization serves approximately 80 children and has 60 children in their care at all times, offering full and part-time services. There is an active waiting list of approximately 300 people.Intergenerational Program Modern society's institutions can often unintentionally isolate in ways never planned. Typically, childcare facilities place comparably aged children under the supervision of trained professionals and supportive parents. In a similar way, nursing centers place residents under the care of trained professionals and supportive families. Neither age group can readily experience the joys that can be provided by the other. The elderly miss the opportunity to watch children grow and develop. Young children miss the benefits found in the wisdom that comes with many years of living. Existing as a dramatic counterpoint to this trend, the Center blends these two types of institutional cultures to produce a marvelous result, a multigenerational living-learning environment. The Center provides intergenerational interaction between the children in our program and the residents of Mt. Baker Care Center and Summit Place Assisted Living. These interactions benefit the children by providing "grandparents" for daily contact and support, and by encouraging the child's sense of self-worth through this extended family concept. This intergenerational model also benefits the senior citizens in the community by giving them enhanced socialization, emotional support, and stimulated learning.