YWCA of Greater Cleveland
Economic Mobility - Education
Mission
YWCA Greater Cleveland is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Program Description: Five-Star Trauma-Informed Early Learning Center for Families in Homelessness
YWCAโs Five-Star Trauma-Informed Early Learning Center for Families in Homelessness is the only center in Cuyahoga County for families who have experienced homelessness or other significant trauma. Informed by a community need for a center specifically for families and children under five who were disproportionately impacted by homelessness, YWCAโs goal is to address poverty at the root.
YWCA’s Early Learning Center Program incorporates a therapeutic approach and two-generational model to best serve children aged 3 to 5. This innovative trauma-informed model will assess and identify the social-emotional needs of the children, work with families to create case plans, achieve goals, prevent re-occurrence of homelessness, and empower families to achieve and maintain the highest level of self-sufficiency. All staff have regular training in trauma-informed care.
The Early Learning Center is a Step Up to Quality Five-Star rated early learning center and emphasizes self-determination and a no expulsion policy. Experienced educators teach a child-centered curriculum, and children learn to celebrate differences from a young age.
Margaret Mitchell, president and CEO of YWCA Greater Cleveland, speaks about the approach of the YWCA’s Early Learning Center and its goals.