Here at Horizons, we close the learning and developmental gap for young homeless children. Early childhood education creates lifelong positive effects, both for individual children and our society as a whole. Research shows that early education is critically important; children who lack access to these programs are far more likely to experience developmental delays, learning disabilities, health problems, and other challenges.
Through our state-of-the-art early education center located in Roxbury we provide access to a stimulating and nurturing early education experience – the kind that every child deserves. Our program produces happy, confident children who are poised for success and able to keep pace with their peers. Watch our virtual tour below:
Our early education center operates year-round from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Every Horizons classroom has a bilingual teacher and support staff that is specially trained to address the unique circumstances children experiencing homelessness face. While the children are in the classroom, Horizons’ Family Advocates work closely with parents to help get them back on their feet by providing services ranging from parenting and financial literacy classes to connections with educational opportunities.
Based on the standard Quality Rating & Improvement System (QRIS) rankings used by the Department of Early Education and Care, our center has a Level 3 ranking, which puts Horizons among the top five percent of programs statewide. Our programs are fully accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Our curriculum is further strengthened by enrichment activities in topics ranging from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines to music.
Through our Next School Initiative in our Family Partnership Program, we maintain partnerships with the Boston Public Schools and local Catholic schools to facilitate kindergarten placements when kids transition out of our program.
If you’re interested in becoming a classroom volunteer, we have a limited need in our early education center. The requirement is two hours each week for six months. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer please contact Lynne Gaines.