Jack & Jill Center, the longest-running nonprofit provider of early childhood education in Broward County, has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Kislak Family Foundation, Inc. This generous funding will support the Center’s NAEYC-accredited Early Education Program, which serves children from six weeks of age through VPK-4, as well as its state-of-the-art Madelaine Halmos Academy (MHA) private elementary school. The grant aligns with the Center’s mission to strengthen families and children through innovative education, community engagement, and supportive programs.
For over 80 years, Jack & Jill Center has helped more than 30,000 children and families in South Florida. The Center provides quality early childhood and elementary education to working families, ensuring that every child has the resources needed for success.
The Kislak Family Foundation has a long history of commitment to community service and philanthropy. It continues the legacy of Jay I. Kislak by supporting leadership and innovation in education, arts, humanities, animal welfare, and environmental preservation.
“We are grateful to the Kislak Family Foundation for their $200,000 grant,” said Amy Jewell, CEO of Jack & Jill Center. “This funding will enrich the lives of children and families, giving them the tools they need to succeed in school and life. With this support, we will continue our two-generational approach to help our children and families achieve successful outcomes.”
Tom Bartelmo, President and CEO of the Kislak Family Foundation, expressed the organization’s commitment, saying, “We are honored to support Jack & Jill Center in its mission to promote childhood education where it’s needed most.”
Jack & Jill Center’s Early Education Program offers year-round education focused on emotional, physical, and social growth in a safe environment. It serves children aged six weeks to five years and is open Monday through Friday.
The program, accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), has met high standards for quality early childhood education. It provides a safe and healthy environment, employs well-trained teachers, offers excellent teaching materials, and supports a challenging yet developmentally appropriate curriculum.
The Madelaine Halmos Academy, which expanded from Jack & Jill Center’s Early Education Center, opened its new facility in June 2021. MHA creates a safe, academically robust, and supportive environment for all learners. The school is currently seeking accreditation and incorporates research-based best practices.
Unique features of MHA include a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum, dedicated staff with low student-to-teacher ratios, engaging extracurricular activities, integrated classroom technology, and individualized instructional methods. Additional offerings include interactive field trips, extended day programs, healthy meals, family support services, health services, and on-site counseling with therapy dogs.
Students who graduate from fifth grade and continue their education through high school are eligible for college scholarships from the Jack & Jill Center Opportunity Scholarship Fund. Since 2022, 98 students have received these scholarships, funded by Steve and Madelaine Halmos through their endowment at the Community Foundation of Broward.
Currently, MHA serves over 175 students in kindergarten through fifth grade and has the capacity to enroll 220 students in total. All children and families at Jack & Jill Center have unrestricted access to the HEALTH Program, which includes an on-site school nurse. This program plays a crucial role in the Center’s holistic approach, providing health assessments and services that positively impact student and community wellness.
Jack & Jill Center also offers a comprehensive Family Program that supports families with intensive parent education, case management, referrals, and other services. This includes financial coaching, counseling, and access to resources that help families increase self-sufficiency and promote their children’s healthy development.
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