I have always believed in having a robust program of before- and after-school opportunities for our children to receive academic enrichment and recreational activities. During my time as superintendent at Akron Public Schools, we supported these activities and our students through the Akron After School Program with a variety of out of school time (OST) providers.
When I started at SEI, I participated in discussions on how these OST programs could be expanded in our community. Although SEI collects and analyzes data submitted through our OST portal and completes evaluations of some OST program providers, one thing was clear to me - SEI does not have the capacity to oversee the expansion of this work. We partnered with the study committee led by Ellen McWilliams-Woods, Ph.D. to develop the plan to establish Youth Success Summit (YSS) as a separate entity. YSS is devoted to expanding opportunities for our youth to access enrichment programming before and after school and during the summer months. We will continue to collect data through our OST portal and provide analyses to YSS related to program outcomes.
Over the past year, we have assisted in the transition planning to YSS by providing our input into the data that will be collected from OST providers and the evaluation of that data.
SEI looks forward to its continued collaboration with YSS under the leadership of Executive Director Rachel Tecca to expand OST opportunities in our community.
David James, Ed.D.
2024 School Readiness Summit
After careful consideration, we are cancelling the 2024 School Readiness Summit, scheduled for Oct. 18 at the John S. Knight Center. This decision is part of SEI’s broader strategic plan which involves evaluating our programs and initiatives to ensure they align with our organizational goals and objectives. We apologize for the inconvenience and for any disruption to your plans. This decision was not made lightly and is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the impact and effectiveness of our initiatives. We look forward to sharing updates on future initiatives and opportunities that align with our renewed strategic direction.
Early Childhood Learning Sites
The research and data team continues to build evidence in support of our community’s early childhood learning efforts. This month, we released two interactive maps showing the locations of the Ohio Department of Education and Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services early childhood learning sites in Summit County and Akron. We are inspired by our community’s dedication to ensuring all young people have access to critical early learning opportunities that impact their ongoing educational success! Check out the maps here.
VIP Evaluation
We recently completed the inaugural report of the City of Akron’s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Strategic Plan evaluation. The report includes the results of SEI’s process evaluation work completed to date with twenty-one organizations including logic models, interview summaries and the application of a developmental assets framework. Thank you to all of the amazing grantees who have collaborated with us so far! Check out the executive summary here.
Introducing First Things First
First Things First is a dynamic collaborative comprising organizations, providers and regional partners that are committed to strengthening the comprehensive early childhood system in Summit County. The shared mission is to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive, learn and succeed on their journey from birth to career.
The collaborative includes three networks: The Pre-K to Kindergarten Network, The Language and Literacy Network and The Quality Early Learning Network. Each month we will be highlighting a different network.
The Language and Literacy Network
This collaborative action network is dedicated to boosting language and literacy skills in incoming kindergarteners, ensuring a smooth transition to formal education. The network leverages data-driven insights to identify students with acute literacy needs and devises strategies to involve families in nurturing reading abilities. Its focus includes enhancing communication among schools, families and libraries while specifically targeting literacy disparities among Black boys in Summit County.
Summit County Youth Coalition
High schoolers with the Summit County Youth Coalition work together to set goals and advocate for changes they want to see in their schools and beyond. March 15, the group met at Urban Air to jump over hurdles and brainstorm solutions for the obstacles they face in their everyday lives. This group is ready to climb walls and break down barriers!
Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Summit County Children Services is hosting events throughout the month to help raise awareness about the importance of child abuse and neglect prevention. Learn more.
Collaborative Action Network meetings
Summit County Parent Coalition: April 20
Summit County Youth Coalition: April 26
Pre-K to Kindergarten Transition Network: May 9
Quality Early Learning Network: May 16
Language and Literacy Network: May 21
Interested in joining one of our network events? Register here.
Save the date
CLASS Act Scholars Breakfast, May 4, Graystone Hall
First Things First Breakfast, May 14, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Their Success Is Our Success event, Sept. 18, Greystone Hall
