Make an Impact
Sponsorship
- Sponsoring a child in our Early Learning Center helps provide high-quality education and care for children experiencing homelessness.
Early Learning Center
- Our Early Learning Center offers a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive, free of charge.
Our Trauma-Informed Approach
Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters
Children who have experienced homelessness often face instability and adversity, which can impact their sense of security and ability to learn. A trauma-informed approach creates a foundation for healing, resilience, and growth by focusing on:
Essential Life Skills and Resilience
- Through hands-on activities like food preparation, self-care, and problem-solving, children build independence and confidence. These skills help them navigate daily life and develop a sense of control over their world.
Stability & Security
- Predictable routines and well-organized environments help children feel safe and grounded. This sense of order is vital for reducing anxiety and supporting healthy brain development after trauma.
Returning to the Heart of Child-Centered Education
Our approach honors the original spirit of progressive education, meeting children where they are, empowering them through independence, and creating spaces that foster joy, curiosity, and belonging.
Impact on ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
- Research shows that trauma-informed classrooms can help buffer the effects of early adversity. By combining sensitivity to each child’s experiences with an environment built on trust and respect, we create conditions for healing and growth.
Fostering Belonging and Community
- Children who feel disconnected from peers need opportunities to collaborate and build relationships. Our classrooms focus on cooperation, emotional safety, and inclusion, ensuring every child feels they belong.
Trauma-Informed Care
Our trauma-informed practices ensure that each child's unique needs and experiences are recognized and addressed with sensitivity and care.
Impact on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
In creating an optimal learning environment for children experiencing homelessness, it's crucial to consider the impact of early childhood education on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Research shows that a trauma-informed early childhood classroom can mitigate the effects of ACEs.
Commitment to Trauma-Informed Learning
Pathways Early Learning Center is dedicated to providing a trauma-informed environment, recognizing that many children we serve may have faced adversity.
Fostering Belonging and Community
Children experiencing homelessness may feel isolated or disconnected from their peers. By fostering collaboration, cooperation, and social interaction, our trauma-informed environment offers students a sense of belonging and community.
Sponsorship Levels
Bright Future
$10,000
Provides 1 year of childcare
Breaking the Cycle
$5,000
Provides 6 months of childcare
Planting a Seed
$1,000
Provides 2 months of childcare
Donation to Dreams
$500
Provides 1 month of childcare
Jumpstart to Success
$100
Provides funds for supplies and other needs for Pathways’ Early Learning Center
2023 Early Learning Center Impact Report
Stepping Stones offers overnight emergency shelter to unaccompanied women and mothers with children. The program can house up to 25 women and children nightly in a residential living space.
4,436
Meals Offered
111
Guest Served
18
Referrals to Christ Health
2,218
Days of Childcare
148
Clothing Boutique Visits
314
Hours of Case Management
65
Children enrolled in the Early Learning Center
4,001
Diapers Given From Bundles of Hope
4
Quality STARS through Department of Early Childhood Education
93
Women and Children moved into permanent housing
Our Around the World Curriculum
January
Practical Life: Winter Wonderland
Culture, Science, Geography: Europe
Color: Red
Donation ideas: Snow, penguins, polar bears, hibernation, artic
February
Practical Life: Valentine's Day
Culture, Science, Geography: North America
Color: Orange
Donation ideas: Hearts, Valentine's Day items, friendship, Lunar/Chinese New Year
March
Practical Life: Botany and Birds
Culture, Science, Geography: South America
Color: Pink
Donation ideas: plants, birds, rainbows
April
Practical Life: Easter and Spring
Culture, Science, Geography: Life Cycles
Color: Purple
Donation ideas: Flowers, insects, Earth Day
May
Practical Life: Mother's Day
Culture, Science, Geography: Asia
Color: Yellow
Donation ideas: Chopsticks, soy sauce containers, mothers, kindness
June
Practical Life: Music
Culture, Science, Geography: Africa
Color: Green
Donation ideas: Safari Animals, instruments, Father's Day
July
Practical Life: Fourth of July
Culture, Science, Geography: Solar System
Color: Blue
Donation ideas: planets, stars, American Flags
August
Practical Life: Dr. Maria Birthday
Culture, Science, Geography: Oceans
Color: Blue
Donation ideas: Sea creatures, birthday items
September
Practical Life: House & Grace and Manners
Culture, Science, Geography: All about me
Color: Gray
Donation ideas: Lock and keys, kitchen items, tools, dining etiquette, human anatomy, and emotions
October
Practical Life: Halloween
Culture, Science, Geography: Prehistory
Color: Black
Donation ideas: Pumpkins, Halloween items, dinosaurs, volcanos, prehistoric animals and things
November
Practical Life: Thanksgiving/Fall
Culture, Science, Geography: Australia
Color: Brown
Donation ideas: Leaves, animals, Thanksgiving
December
Practical Life: Christmas
Culture, Science, Geography: Antarctica
Color: White
Donation ideas: Christmas decorations, snow
Sponsor A Child Today
Your donation will help us achieve our mission of empowering women and children on their path out of homelessness.