According to a recent New York Times Op-Ed article, ” The make-or-break factor for prekindergarten is quality, …. What makes for quality? A full-day program, staffed by well-trained teachers, supported by experienced coaches and social workers, who know how to talk with, not at, youngsters; a teacher for every 10 or fewer children; a challenging curriculum backed by evidence; and parental involvement.” For several years now, NOC has been working hard to provide a quality Pre-K program for children in the low-income neighborhoods that it serves — a program that offers many of these “quality” ingredients.

Read the complete article here: How To Make Pre-K A Success

 

Last week, there was much excitement at NOC’s six Learning Centers ( 2 in HHI, 2 in Bluffton, and 2 in downtown Beaufort) as more than 280 children successfully completed the After-School Fall Session. The children radiated an air of confidence because they knew that they had accomplished their goals. They came to the Learning Centers regularly to complete their homework and spend time on laptops connected to school-approved internet learning software, mastering skills in math, reading, and English language, while receiving support from teachers from their schools and friendly volunteers. The Leaning Centers have become a safe learning environment for the children, who can walk to the centers without having to worry about transportation. They regularly receive healthy snacks provided at the centers. The children are challenged by NOC’s incentive programs that recognize them for academic performance, attendance, and personal behavior.

Parents, guardians, and friends were proud to see the children celebrate the end of a successful session as they received certificates of achievement and report cards.  The celebration was extra special with outside visitors, including principals, teachers, NOC staff, and Board members in attendance.  Lastly, special treats and gifts provided by many supporters of the program gave the children reason to be happy and excited.  They knew that people in the community care about them and want them to be successful.

The children are already looking forward to the winter/spring session, which will begin in early January 2016.

 

In May 2015, NOC opened two new Learning Centers North of the Broad in Beaufort. Following a very successful Virtual Summer Learning Program, both centers are now in full swing, bringing education support to children living in the Marsh Pointe and Parkview Apartment complexes.

 To learn more, read the “Beaufort Fall Newsletter”:

Beaufort newsletter Fall 2015

This year, NOC is making a special effort to introduce incentives that encourage students to excel in the after school learning sessions. Students who score high on Compass Learning exercises and attend classes regularly are recognized for their efforts and performance. Students earn the right to pick prizes  from the “Jelly Bean” Treasure Chest by accumulating 20 jelly bean points when they score 100% on their Compass Learning skill building tests. Each student who earns 20 jelly bean points has a star placed on the Jelly Bean Board. Students love this recognition and work hard to earn jelly bean points. Each month, attendance awards are presented to the students for perfect attendance.

Other NOC program centers have also instituted incentive programs for children for attendance and performance.