Programs

The Agenda for Children creates and implements plans to improve the lives of Cambridge children and families. Currently, the Agenda is focused on two initiatives: Literacy that seeks to ensure that all Cambridge children and families can read. Out-of-School Time that seeks to ensure that all Cambridge children and youth have equal access to safe, stimulating, nurturing, and healthful out-of-school-time activities. Both initiatives have taken innovative approaches to meet their goals. Independent program evaluations show that the two initiatives are achieving desired results. Literacy Initiative: All parents want their children to succeed in school. But many parents-especially those with limited English proficiency or low literacy skills-are unsure what they can do to help their children learn. The Agenda for Children Literacy Initiative educates parents and caregivers of children newborn to age 7 about how to support their child's language and literacy development so their child will enter school ready to learn. The initiative also provides children with free books and materials for essential practice and learning. Out-of-School Time Initiative: The Out-of-School Time Initiative is dedicated to improving the quality of after-school programs throughout the city. To help after-school programs achieve the highest national standards, directors and front line staff take part in extensive professional development. Professional development is supported by on-site coaching for staff as well as leadership training for site directors. The Initiative also provides moderated discussion groups for clusters of programs as they work to implement new practices.