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A community learning center is a philosophy, a place, and a set of partnerships between a school and other community resources. Resources are provided not only to students but also to entire families with the objective of empowering and supporting parents to be engaged in the education of their children, while also addressing their own barriers. The integrated focus on academics, services, supports, and opportunities leads to improved student learning, stronger families, and healthier communities. A model community learning center consists of: High quality core instructional programs Educational and life skill enrichment for children and families Social service supports to remove barriers to learning for children and families
As part of our Community Learning Centers initiative, four pilot schools have been selected to receive grants and staffing support for the establishment or expansion of local community learning centers. Why community learning centers Community learning centers in Utah For more information or to get involved, contact Brian Guyer, Community Impact Manager, at (801)736-7715.
____________________________________________________________________________ A model community learning center consists of: High quality core instructional programs including A committed principal and staff High quality curriculum and teaching methods Educational and life skill enrichment for children and families including Parent empowerment, leadership development, and civic engagement Early childhood education and parenting classes Adult basic education, ESL, and advanced education Workforce preparedness/life skill classes Mentoring programs Before, after, and between school programs Entrepreneurial education and community-based economic development Social service supports to remove barriers to learning for children and families including Health and dental services Mental health and other social services Education and coordination related to crisis preparedness and response Why community learning centers Community learning centers combine the best instructional practices of a quality school with a range of vital youth and family development programs to support learning as well as health and social services designed to reduce barriers to learning. Community learning centers involve long-term partnerships between school personnel, parents, and community agencies and offer a wide range of supports and opportunities to children, families, and communities—before, during, and after the regular school day Our 2004 and 2007 Community Assessments identified barriers to education as one of four core issues having the greatest impact on significant community needs. A Change Council, made up of community leaders and education experts, was convened to identify potential strategies to achieve changes in community conditions related to the four core issues and to create the school, community, and family conditions for all children to learn their best. Community learning centers in Utah Many schools in Utah have implemented some elements of the community learning center model. Typically, these are after-school programs, parent resources centers, and parent involvement initiatives. In a few instances, schools and communities have implemented a more comprehensive approach. Typical barriers to full implementation include lack of sustainable resources and in some instances, lack of support from the surrounding community.
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