Holistic early childhood education: The Primary School's Birth to Three program

Two teachers from the Primary School sit on the floor with children

The Primary School is not your typical educational institution.

It is a nurturing environment that recognizes the crucial role played by all adults in a child's life, including parents, educators, and health care providers. Their journey begins years before kindergarten, a pivotal stage in a child's development.

They offer comprehensive services, such as developmental screenings, to identify and address a child's needs early on. Moreover, they connect families to early intervention services, effectively reducing the need for more intensive interventions later in life.

Their Birth to Three program has the potential to break the cycle of trauma and adversity for countless young children.

Empowering parents

At the heart of The Primary School's philosophy is the empowerment of parents.

They believe that parents are a child's first and most important teachers. Through coaching, information sharing, and referrals to community resources, The Primary School works collaboratively with parents to set goals for themselves and their children.

This holistic approach not only supports the child's development, but also equips parents with the knowledge and skills to actively engage in their child's growth, health, and education.

A multidisciplinary approach

One of the distinguishing features of The Primary School is its integration of health, education, and family support. Taking a multidisciplinary approach to each child's full spectrum of needs, they leverage experts, collaborate with community-based organizations, and employ data-driven strategies to ensure families receive support and services tailored to their unique circumstances.

Mitigating the impact of trauma

Understanding the profound impact of trauma on a child's brain and learning abilities, The Primary School places a strong emphasis on promoting resilience and mitigating the effects of trauma. Support services are designed to address trauma directly, offering children and families the tools they need to heal and thrive.

Being a parent of a toddler can be a lonely experience, especially for those in communities with low incomes where accessing quality services is a challenge.

Studies indicate that, nationwide, up to 70% of developmental delays go undetected until kindergarten.

The Birth to Three program aims to change this by providing dual-generation support for toddlers and their parents, primarily focusing on social-emotional learning and language skills.

Real impact

The results speak for themselves.

Children who participated in the Birth to Three program over one summer showed significant improvements in social-emotional, language, and independent functioning skills. Parents also experienced growth in self-efficacy and feelings of social support and connectedness.

The Primary School’s Birth to Three program is not just educational; it's a lifeline for children and families facing adversity.

By identifying and addressing developmental delays early, promoting resilience, and fostering an inclusive environment, The Primary School is shaping a brighter future.

In an era when adverse childhood experiences cast long shadows, The Primary School is a beacon of hope, showing that with dedication and innovation, we can break the cycle of adversity and transform families’ lives.

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