Carver is excited to announce the expansion of the “Kick Off to Kindergarten” summer program in close collaboration with Bridgeport Public Schools (BPS). This program is being conducted this summer at Geraldine Clayton Magnet Academy, Waltersville School, Interdistrict Discovery Magnet, and Cesar Batalla School.

Carver’s summer program in Bridgeport engages 10 to 15 children in each school in enriching activities designed to prepare them for their first year of school by introducing them to their first days of school!

The “Kick Off to Kindergarten” program focuses on social-emotional skill development, academic exposure, literature, and enrichment activities. Running for four hours a day (including breakfast and lunch) over 19 days in July, the program is tailored to offer a comprehensive early childhood education experience. Certified BPS teachers, alongside paraprofessionals with early childhood credentials, implement the program. All staff are highly qualified BPS employees dedicated to early childhood education.

Carver is making it possible for more classrooms to be engaged in the program this summer. The aim is to make the program more accessible to families throughout the district. The initiative, launched by BPS last summer, provides a school experience to children who have had little or no exposure to a school environment before beginning Kindergarten. Recognizing the success and impact of the initial program, BPS requested Carver to expand it further this year.

Carver could embrace this new opportunity because of the generous support of the John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation. The foundation's contributions have significantly bolstered Carver’s work in Bridgeport over the years. Thanks to the foundation's commitment, we have provided transformative programs that uplift and empower our many youth.

The partnership between Carver and Bridgeport Public Schools has been growing strong since the development and implementation of the Classical Studies Magnet Academy Extended Day Program in 2018. This collaboration has been instrumental in fulfilling Carver’s mission to help each child reach their fullest potential as a student and individual. The “Kick Off to Kindergarten” summer program aligns perfectly with the mission of BPS’s Early Childhood Department, which strives to create lifelong learners who are valued members of the school community.

Pre-kindergarten education sets a strong foundation for lifelong learning and development. It helps children develop essential social-emotional skills, such as cooperation, empathy, and self-regulation, which are vital for their success in school and beyond. Academic exposure during these early years fosters a love for learning, curiosity, and critical thinking, preparing children for the structured kindergarten environment. Furthermore, early literacy and numeracy experiences enhance cognitive development, ensuring children enter kindergarten with the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Investing in pre-kindergarten education benefits individual children and contributes to communities' well-being and future success.

With this expanded summer program, Carver continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing valuable educational experiences that lay the foundation for a successful academic journey. The partnership with Bridgeport Public Schools exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts in enhancing early childhood education and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.