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Beginning a new school year can often be exciting and stressful for children and parents. However, in Miami-Dade County, families have a dependable ally to guide them through this journey: The Children’s Trust. With many Trust-funded programs and initiatives, families can find the support they need to ensure their children have a safe, educational, and enjoyable school year.
Help finding the right after-school program
Though parents know their children are safe and learning at school, finding the right after-school program to care for them while at work is another way to ensure they are engaged, social, and having fun. This time is essential to the healthy development of children and youth. Studies like one published by the Rand Corporation on the Value of Out-of-School Time Programs show that unsupervised children from working families are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. Without proper supervision, kids are also less likely to do homework or engage in learning activities that help develop academic and social skills.
To help children and caregivers find the right after-school program for their needs, The Trust, together with Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS), Miami-Dade County, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), have partnered to create the More After-School Choices initiative. Parents can access a comprehensive list of after-school programs by visiting www.211Miami.org/AfterSchool or calling 211. The website allows parents to browse over 500 after-school programs alphabetically or by location, making finding the right program for their child easier.
The initiative empowers thousands of families seeking suitable options, giving them a central location to look over hundreds of low or no-cost after-school programs that meet their needs. More After-School Choices is built upon the achievements of the More Summer Camp Choices collaboration, which resulted in a surge of 211 online inquiries – from 200 in the prior summer to more than 36,000 this year.
Bringing medical and mental health into schools
At The Children’s Trust, we know how essential our children’s physical, social, and emotional wellness is to their development. Through our partnership with M-DCPS and the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, our funding makes it possible to have health professionals at 145 school-based clinics. This investment enables six health care agencies to offer nursing, social work, and mental health services across elementary, K-8, middle, and senior high schools. With an average of 112,000 students benefiting from these clinics every school year, we’re proud to contribute to their overall well-being.
Support for children and families in need
The Trust’s commitment also extends to families going through difficult times. For those facing housing crises, mental health concerns, interactions with the juvenile justice system, and other challenges, The Trust invests in Family and Neighborhood Support Partnerships. This initiative funds 22 providers who work in the community to provide essential care coordination supports to stabilize families facing specific challenges across Miami-Dade. Parents can call 211 for help accessing programs and organizations that partner with The Trust.
While the school year provides a fantastic platform for children’s academic, social, and physical growth, families often need an additional helping hand as they care for their children. The Children’s Trust is proud to step in and provide resources and support where and when it is needed.
