Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools
Claflin University, through its operation of the nationally tested Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools program, provides young children and their parents with enhanced academic and social enrichment experiences that will result in overall improved learning and greater civic/social engagement.
Responding to the Children’s Defense Fund mission of ensuring every child A Healthy Start, A Head Start, A Fair Start, A Safe Start, and A Moral Start in Life; the program at Claflin focuses on a trilogy of planned components that include:
- An Integrated reading Curriculum (IRC)… Engaging scholars in intensive reading of selected books that promote critical and analytical thinking.
- Decision Making Experiences… Engaging scholars in problem-solving activities that promote the desire and power to choose the “right path.”
- Visionary Leadership Training…Engaging scholars in activities/experiences that promote creative and futuristic thinking.
These components are uniquely connected, as they respond to the very important needs of three special groups: the scholars, young adults, and parents.
Beyond these connections, another critically needed goal is woven into this program that is sure to result in enhancing the way we view teaching and learning. Teachers in training at Claflin and other institutions of higher education across the state will be invited to observe and participate in the program’s civic/scholarly/hands-on experiences. Thus, the art of teaching and the science of improved classroom management skills will take place wherever these teachers go…propelling education to a new level in South Carolina and beyond.
This program will leave no child behind as it takes scholars, parents, young adults, and teacher interns to a new level of commitment in addressing the needs of our community/society.