Jack and Jill Children's Center

Jack & Jill Center employs the two-generation (2gen) approach to address the interconnected needs of children and their parents simultaneously, breaking cycles of generational poverty. This transformative strategy combines evidence-based practices and culturally responsive programming to create opportunities, dismantle systemic barriers, and foster long-term stability. The whole family continuum, a cornerstone of this approach, integrates education, economic stability, and social capital development to support families as cohesive units. Structured around six key components- early childhood education, k-5 education, health and wellness, economic assets, postsecondary pathways, and social capital-this holistic framework ensures children gain a strong foundation for academic success while parents access tools to enhance their financial and personal well-being. Guided by five core principles, including equity, innovation, and family- driven goals, Jack & Jill Center delivers measurable, intergenerational impact, paving the way for brighter futures and fostering a legacy of prosperity in broward county. This year, we made significant strides thanks to the tremendous generosity and support from our funders and community members. Madelaine halmos academy is now in its fourth year operating in the elementary school building, serving kindergarten through fifth grade with a strong focus on steam (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Our robust program nurtures the whole child by integrating academic, social-emotional, and wellness elements to provide a highly effective and well-rounded educational experience. Key program features include a project-based curriculum, technology integration, wellness activities, engaging extracurricular opportunities, comprehensive support services, and interactive educational field trips. These elements work together to develop lifelong learners, preparing students for bright and prosperous futures. This year, we achieved a significant milestone by increasing enrollment at the academy from 146 to 176 students for the 2024-2025 academic year. The out of school program at madelaine halmos academy supports social, emotional, and cognitive learning beyond the academic day. We are in the second year of the most grant through the Children's services council, which provides funding for children to attend the aftercare program, enabling us to expand our programming. The early education Center at Jack & Jill Center now serves 135 students, ranging from infants to vpk, and is accredited by the national association for the education of young children (naeyc). This accreditation reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality early childhood education through a safe, healthy environment and a developmentally sound, appropriately challenging curriculum. Our program incorporates the research-based creative curriculum, fostering exploration and discovery, while conscious discipline, an evidence-based initiative, equips children with essential life skills. This year, with the support of a pwc grant, we expanded an innovative steam program into our outside classroom. The comprehensive family program engages and supports families by providing intensive parent education, case management, referrals, and an array of other support services, including one-on-one financial coaching, therapeutic services, counseling, family resource room/computer lab, and emergency assistance funds. The family program also assists with resume writing, job searches, goal setting, and family budgeting. Through this program, families gain the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to increase self-sufficiency and foster their child's healthy growth and development. The health program was started four years ago with a united way grant, providing comprehensive and integrated health services in collaboration with community resources for the children, families, and faculty of Jack & Jill Center. This program was designed using the cdc's whole school, whole community, whole child (wscc) model. Through comprehensive assessments, provision of health services, preventative healthcare, and community partnerships, this program has a significant positive impact. One of the unique features of the health program is our therapy dogs. We have two therapy dogs, fenway and quinzy, who work with our children in our early education and elementary programs. We were able to incorporate telehealth into our health program after receiving a grant from cvs/aetna. We are excited about this opportunity to remove barriers to healthcare for our children and their families. Our early education and madelaine halmos academy students and families not only receive a top-notch education but also access to our health and family programs, as we believe in addressing the needs of the whole child and their family. We believe every student in broward county should have access to high-quality education, healthcare, necessary therapies, healthy food, and family programming. By addressing the needs of the whole child, we can remove roadblocks to learning, allowing children to flourish. By addressing the needs of whole families, parents gain knowledge and confidence in their skills, while their children perform and behave better at home and in the classroom. Ultimately, Jack & Jill Center was able to provide services and programs for children, families, and community members to help them reach their greatest potential in a safe, nurturing, and loving environment.