Each American Family Inn offers a continuum of educational services for
children, from infant development to adolescent dropout prevention. The
core of our child programming is made up of preschool programs,
accelerated after-school education, and constructive recreational
programming. These central components create a continuous, stable, and
quality service that is family-based and tailored to the specific needs
of homeless children. 
The
on-site Child Development Centers give children aged six months to six
years the opportunity to begin their educational development in a
stimulating learning environment. The Centers use a variation of the
High/Scope curriculum, a child-centered and child-directed method of
learning created by the University of Michigan.
This
enriched, accelerated, after-school program for children aged 5 to 12
is designed to complement public school education, enhance academic
growth, foster self-esteem and encourage children's sense of control
over their lives.
To learn more about this curriculum...
Designed
specifically for homeless teenage youth, this after-school program
emphasizes academic achievement, conflict resolution strategies,
healthy lifestyle choices, and development of technology skills.
To learn more about this curriculum...
Each
summer, Camps Lanowa, Kiwago, and Wakonda, located in Harriman State
Park in upstate New York, provide a two-week retreat for 1,000 homeless
children ages 6 to 13. These camps allow children to explore the
outdoors and enjoy a break from inner city life.
Educational
and culturally sound recreational programs are critical to a child's
overall development. Through partnerships with outside organizations
and businesses, children at the Inn attend cultural arts, theatre and
sports events. They also participate in organized softball and
basketball leagues. Most of all, they have time to enjoy being children.
