Impactful programs & initiatives grounded in data, research, and relationships.
Together with parents, educators, and community partners, we are catalyzing a network of change agents to bring quality early learning to every child.
Programs
VOCEL Child Parent Academy (VCPA)
VCPA offers a dynamic and free learning experience for children aged 0-4 and their parents or caregivers. They engage in interactive sessions, either virtually or in person, where they learn together through various enjoyable activities in a safe and nurturing environment.
Participants have the option to join sessions virtually or attend in-person classes held at schools across Chicago.
Leveraging the latest research in early learning and adult capabilities, the Child Parent Academy is intentionally designed for both young children and their parents/caregivers. VOCEL believes that young children can build a foundation for future academic learning by ensuring that their parents/caregivers have the knowledge, social capital, and support to help their children succeed.
Powered by VOCEL (PbV)
Motivated by a strong demand for group-based early learning and family support, Powered by VOCEL is spearheaded by parent leaders, as opposed to VOCEL staff. They cultivate informed and enthusiastic proponents for developmentally suitable practices in early childhood education within the communities they aim to assist. Simultaneously, they are capable of providing top-notch programs to families at a reduced cost compared to the conventional Child Parent Academy.
Through the training of school personnel and members of the community to administer the Child Parent Academy curriculum, VOCEL extends its reach to a wider spectrum of families. This also fosters a stronger foundation within both the school and local communities, leading to a lasting impact year after year.
Building Early Learning Leaders (BELL)
VOCEL holds the belief that schools should ready themselves for young children just as diligently as children prepare for school. To facilitate this, VOCEL has developed professional development resources aimed at aiding a group of leaders within Chicago Public Schools in formulating their vision for achieving excellence in early learning.
BELL, structured as a cohort-based initiative, is specially designed for school leaders and administrators. Its purpose is to fortify their leadership in overseeing early learning initiatives within their respective schools. This is achieved through the identification and adoption of robust early learning practices.
Distinguished coaches in early learning leadership, affiliated with VOCEL, work in close partnership with these leaders. Together, they identify the most crucial challenges in their early learning programs and craft a customized action plan. This collaborative effort is geared towards supporting the implementation process and enhancing outcomes for the youngest learners in their care.
Early Educators for Thriving Children Fellowship (EETC)
VOCEL’s EETC Fellowship offers support to teachers working with pre-K through second grade students. It guides them in understanding and applying developmentally appropriate techniques, with a focus on mental health supports, play-based learning, and social-emotional development. Within the fellowship cohort, teachers will collaborate with a supportive community to develop actionable plans aimed at enhancing critical areas within their schools.
Through this fellowship, teacher leaders will be empowered to transform their expertise, aspirations, and objectives into tangible actions. They will have the backing of a coach and a group of peers, all committed to supporting one another, and ultimately, fostering the success of each other's students.
Initiatives
All In For Kids is an initiative built for Chicago Public Schools, and generously supported by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
All In For Kids is a two-year pilot that layers VOCEL’s programs in six school communities in the Englewood and Little Village neighborhoods to establish an ecosystem-wide vision for early learning excellence. By training and supporting parents and caregivers, teachers, and school leaders, VOCEL will strengthen Chicago schools and their capacities to help their youngest children thrive