District 33's Birth-Three Program Awarded First National Quality Endorsement Certificate

District 33's Project HOPE, a birth-three educational program, was awarded the first national Quality Endorsement Certificate in Illinois and nationwide, from Parents as Teachers National Center, a nationally recognized center which provides research, assessment and evidence based curriculum for birth-three educational programs.

In 2012, Project HOPE was chosen by Parents as Teachers national center as a pilot site for affiliate quality endorsement and was awarded the first national Quality Endorsement Certificate in Illinois, as well as nationwide. Project HOPE “was recognized as a program that continues to cultivate significant community relationships, maintain a capable and committed staff that is well suited to serve families in the community, and provide valuable services to these families that will promote the growth, development, and learning experiences for all children”. As a result of the certification, Ms. Batchelor, Project HOPE supervisor, was asked to present Project HOPE at the Parents as Teachers National Conference that took place October 2-4, 2013 in Atlanta. “I was most pleased to represent District 33 and share the commitment the district has to all children and families.”

Project HOPE was developed in District 33 to address the needs of at-risk families with children ages 0-3 years, as well as prenatal families. The staff supports these targeted families by providing services in their homes using the curriculum from Parents as Teachers. “The mission and vision of Parents as Teachers is tied closely to the beliefs of District 33, and we use their curriculum foundation for our birth-three program. Targeting and supporting these families with young children ensures that more children in West Chicago develop a strong foundation for learning,” stated Ms. Batchelor.