Fristers, a nonprofit that assists teen moms to become self-sufficient, has added a new school-readiness program for children of their clientele.
The Kidsters Childcare and School-Readiness Program in Newport Beach is offered simultaneously with the life coach program offered teen moms.
Teen mothers rarely can afford preschool, though studies show there are great benefits.
Children who attend preschool are less likely to require special education, more likely to graduate from high school and, as adults, enjoy higher earnings. Children who attend preschool gain a sense of self, increase self-control, and build confidence. Today’s kindergarten curriculum focuses on academics early. Without preschool, many children struggle to adapt.
More than 600 young mothers and children are served annually through Fristers, which helps young moms learn how to first love and respect themselves while learning how to love and take care of their children. Fristers provides a full array of classes on topics from self-esteem to parenting, and helps teen moms set and achieve goals that will improve their lives and the lives of their children.
Orange County ranked fifth in the state in teen births, with 2,479 in 2010.
“We have a crucial window of opportunity to directly invest in the lives of these children while their mothers entrust them to us during the LifeCoach program,” according to Ali Woodard, executive director of Newport Beach-based Fristers, which was established in 2008.
For more info: contact Ali Woodard at 949-675-3935 or visit the website at www.fristers.org.
