Welcome to West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!
Since 2014, the West Philadelphia Action for Early Learning (AFEL) Initiative has sought to create more equitable access to quality early childhood education (ECE) by (1) improving the quality of ECE in the community through AFEL’s Alliance of Childcare Providers, as well as (2) increasing families’ access to high-quality ECE, while building awareness of the importance of quality ECE through AFEL’s Family Ambassador Program. AFEL is a Drexel University-led collaboration of social service and education agencies, and community stakeholders working to create an education support system for children and families in the West Philadelphia Promise Zone, a federally designated high-need, high-poverty area. AFEL’s goals for children are: (a) kindergarten readiness and (b) reading at grade level by the end of third grade, so children are successful in school and beyond.
AFEL is partnering with SSIC to implement Sesame Street Supports Early Learning in West Philly or “The AFEL Sesame Project Pilot” to pilot SSIC’s trauma-informed strategies to support social emotional development for children’s Kindergarten readiness.
Explore below to learn more about our work in West Philadelphia!
Community Onboard Year: 2021
Community Focus Topics: Traumatic Experiences | Resilience | Exploring Emotions | Offering Comfort | School Readiness | Literacy
Creating a Circle of Support for Children and Families through Social Emotional Learning
