All children can learn, when surrounded by knowledgeable and caring adults in a safe, clean, and intellectually stimulating physical environment.

Children’s self-esteem grows out of being listened to and treated with respect, having opportunities to learn about the rightness of their own culture and heritage, and participating in activities that serve the community.

Children unlock the doors to their own unlimited potential when they learn to love to read.

Parents are essential partners in their children’s education.

The curriculum focuses on culturally relevant reading, critical thinking, active listening, conflict resolution, cooperative problem-solving, the performing arts, decision-making, community service and social action.  Students engage in fun, cooperative activities including reading to each other, role-playing, and games that promote analytical thinking.  African American culture and heritage are emphasized through books, music, dance, arts, and leadership activities.

College students staff the program as teachers (interns) assisted by high school students (servant-leaders).  These young adults provide the children with positive role models and lie at the core of the program’s success.  Interns accept small stipends to attend one to two weeks of training and then work more than full-time for five weeks.  They are responsible for preparing lesson plans, teaching Monday through Friday, visiting each student’s family, arranging weekly workshops for parents, and bringing members of the community into their classroom.  Senior citizens (primarily grandparents and retired teachers) volunteer in the program as readers, storytellers, classroom aides, and activity leaders.  These volunteers are looked to for nurturance, character and wisdom.  Experienced administrators from Kwanzaa Community Church provide ongoing oversight.

Program staff acquaint parents with the curriculum and daily schedule at registration and ask them to commit to attending weekly parent workshops and meeting one-on-one as needed with the teachers about their children’s progress.  The parent workshops, for which dinner, transportation and childcare are provided, combine social time, updates on the program, parent feedback, and discussions about aspects of childrearing.  Parent workshop topics have included Beyond the Boundaries of Parenting, Anger Management in Parenting, Conflict Resolution, and Labeling of School Age Children.