COMMUNITY EDUCATON NETWORK IT TAKES A VILLAGE FAMILY OF SCHOO
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Mission Statement
The mission of It Takes A Village Family of Schools is to provide high-quality, culturally responsive education and life-empowering social services that inspire staff, students, and families to positively transform and advance their communities, nation, and world.
About This Cause
The Community Education Network (CEN), operating as "It Takes A Village Family of Schools" (ITAV), is a distinguished not-for-profit social justice organization established in 2004 in Chicago. Its founding was driven by a group of African American professionals committed to addressing educational inequities in low-income communities, especially for Black youth. CEN's approach is holistic, focusing on providing comprehensive educational services from infancy through adulthood, with a strong emphasis on social justice and racial equity. Key Programs and Initiatives: Holistic Early Childhood Education: - The ITAV Family of Schools is the cornerstone of CEN’s early childhood education, serving about 700 children daily. - It features a robust curriculum encompassing social-emotional, developmental, and health screenings, and personalized learning activities. - Remarkable success rates are noted, with students performing exceptionally well in readiness tests. Comprehensive Family Case Management & Support Services: - Annually assists over 400 families with services like parent education, goal setting, and referrals for various needs. - A high success rate in families achieving their stated goals. Elementary Education (ITAV Leadership Academy - ITAVLA - formerly Village Leadership Academy (VLA)): - A K-8 private, independent social justice school educating 350 students yearly, predominantly from low-income backgrounds. - The curriculum is culturally responsive, focusing on academic rigor and social justice. - Students engage in grassroots campaigns and international experiences through the World Scholars Program. Youth Development Programs: - Includes an afterschool Youth Violence Prevention Initiative and the Chicago Explorers Summer Camp. - Focus on social-emotional learning, academic enrichment, and various recreational activities. College and Career Readiness (Illinois College Options Program): - Assists over 500 young adults with college applications and admissions, especially targeting low-income African American students. Workforce Development: - Addresses teacher shortages, guiding aspiring educators through credentialing and licensure processes. - Successfully recruits, trains, and retains early childhood educators. - Offers other training programs in technology and solar energy. Summer Workforce Development: - Partners with other organizations to provide employment opportunities for young adults, particularly in the Chicago Explorers Summer Camp. Distinctive Features: - ITAV and ITAVLA: They stand out for their comprehensive birth-to-eighth-grade learning pathway, founded and run by mission-driven African American women. - Focus on Empowerment: Emphasizes instilling confidence and compassion in students to act as changemakers. - Social Justice Curriculum: Includes innovative grassroots campaigns where students tackle local community issues, like the "Change the Name" campaign. - Cultural Responsiveness: VLA's curriculum is rooted in liberatory education, encouraging critical thinking about social inequities. Community Impact: CEN's programs have led to significant community engagement and change. The "Change the Name" campaign is an excellent example of students impacting local policy and societal perceptions. CEN's initiatives are not just about academic education but also about empowering students to become active, informed, and compassionate members of their communities. Online Presence and Resources: To understand CEN's impact and methodology, the organization recommends visiting their schools or exploring their online resources. Their website, www.itavschools.org , offers insights into their programs. Additionally, various videos and documentaries are available online, showcasing their initiatives and student experiences. Conclusion: Community Education Network, through its ITAV and ITAVLA arms, has established itself as a beacon of social justice and educational excellence in Chicago. Its commitment to holistic education, family support, community engagement, and empowerment of the next generation positions it as a transformative and innovative institution in the field of education and social justice.