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About Bridges
http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy-dc.org /2007/bridges_public_71963.htm Mission Our mission is to provide a free, exemplary early childhood educational program for all preschoolers, with and without special needs. Our developmentally appropriate, family and child-centered educational program nurtures students and expands their skills and abilities, building a foundation for life-long learning. Philosophy At Bridges we believe in the value of an educational experience shared by students of different backgrounds, interests and abilities. An inclusive education is beneficial to all of the students who have the opportunity to participate. Inclusion builds compassionate relationships among students, develops self-esteem in individuals, and develops the awareness that everyone has strengths and challenges. Ideally 50% of our student body will be typically developing, and 50% will have special needs. Bridges is an inclusive preschool and pre-Kindergarten program for children ages 3-5 years old. Inclusion supports the right of all children, regardless of their diverse abilities, to participate actively in natural settings within their communities. A natural setting is one in which the child would spend time had he or she not had a disability. Such settings include, but are not limited to, home and family, play groups, child care, nursery schools, HeadStart programs, kindergarten, and neighborhood school classrooms. (from The National Association for the Education of Young Children’s position statement on Inclusion.) History The founding group consists of three DC residents with a combined professional experience in education, advocacy and commitment to the education of young children. From our professional experience, we found a need in the DC community for additional child and family-centered early learning programs that focus upon early intervention to ensure future school success. Location
1250 Taylor Street NW Staff
Olivia Smith - Founder and Director / Curriculum Coordinator
Board of Trustees Bridges' Board of Trustees is composed of a diverse group of people who are concerned about preschool education and children with special needs. They are volunteering their time and skills to help the school as it establishes itself and begins serving families. Additionally, two parents will be elected by the families who attend the school to the Board of Trustees so that parents have a voice in the governance and on-going development of the school.
Betsy Centofanti Amy Dunn Vello Kuuskraa Brooke Moskovitz Ursula Richelieu Sanat Shankardass Olivia Smith Tina Smith Isabel M. Tumblin Kelly Young Advisory Board (Information to be added soon).
Featured in the Catalogue for Philanthropy 2007-08. View our profile!
http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy-dc.org/2007/bridges_public_71963.htm |
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