Blog Assignment: Sharing Web Resources
The Harlem's Children Zone is a program aimed at serving not
only children but the community. They work to help children succeed in school
as well as life. They are a support system from early on, through college and
onto employment. The program covers over 100 blocks in Central Harlem. Their
goal is to lead by example surrounding children and parents with support from
highly qualified and goal-oriented leaders. The HCZ project offers parenting
classes for parents of children ages 0-3. They also offer developmentally
appropriate early education programs, before and after school programs, and
social and health services for children and families. The HCZ serves children 0
through college age and their families.
One current issue/trend that the Harlem’s Children Zone has
listed on their website is the Harlem Armory which is a fitness center focused
on healthy choices. The children or
participants are educated about exercise and healthy eating. The armory is a
gym where the children have exposure to sports, games and large motor play. The
children have the opportunity to run, jump and play like all children should
get to do. Many children in the program have limited space for large motor
activities and the armory is a welcomed addition the HCZ project.
The Harlem Children’s Zones is working to help children in
generational poverty. They have different programs that help children of all
different diverse backgrounds. For example they have a program focused on
helping teenage boys beat the odds despite their neighborhood situations. They
have another program that helps families living in low-income apartments buy
the apartments and turn them into co-op owned living quarters they can be proud
of. They offer a program to help families with mental health issues. They serve
families with different backgrounds and encourage them to come together for the
good of all people in their community.
The website for Harlem Children’s Zone is:
The name of this organization reminded me of Proximal Zone Development also known as ZPD. Lev Vygotsky, a Russian psychologist, introduced the concept of a zone of proximal development. It focus on the gap between the learner's current developmental level as determined by independent problem-solving ability and the learner's potential level of development as determined by the ability to solve problems under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers.
ReplyDeleteJosie,
ReplyDeleteHarlem Children's Zone was also my top choice!I love that all the programs are free and the staff has the motto:"Whatever it takes"! After all the issues that have confronted, they still feel the same way and it is inspiring!
Hi Josie,
ReplyDeleteThe Harlem Children's Zone sounds like a great program. I really like the Harlem Amory, this is so important at a time when childhood obesity is at an all time high. We are struggling with that here in Cayman too, and a similar program has been put in place in our secondary schools. Thanks for sharing about this great organization, I am definitely going to check out their website. Delores