August 2023
“A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste,
but a Wonderful Thing to Invest In”
United Negro College Fund
Every year of a child’s life is precious, but when it comes to development, the first “five” are the most important. This is when a child becomes the person they are going to be. It is when they learn appropriate behavior, boundaries, empathy, and many other important social skills that will remain with them for life.
I recently read an important article authored by Dr. Jack Shonkoff which states that a “child’s early years can have lifelong physical, social, and emotional impacts…positive experiences and environments can set up a young child on a stronger life-long path.
Early childhood experiences “overall” from birth to age eight affect the development of the brain’s architecture, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health. A solid foundation helps children develop the skills they need to become well-functioning adults.
In particular, the time between birth and age three is a period of rapid brain development when billions of connections between individual neurons are established. Mechanisms and interventions to support that development must be available beginning at birth.
The experiences children have early in life play a crucial role in the development of the brain. Exposure to positive factors, especially stable and responsive relationships with parents and other adults, and safe and supportive environments promote positive development.
TCH’s Early Childhood Center leadership report that “when brain development in infants and young children is fully supported, they are more likely to reach milestones critical to future individual and community success.” These include:
• Third grade reading proficiency
• High school graduation and postsecondary education
• Gainful employment
• Lifetime physical and mental health and well-being
• Avoidance of substance use disorder and crime
As we celebrate The Community House’s Centennial 100-Year Celebration, we also celebrate the 100-Year celebration of The Community House’s “Early Childhood Center Program.” Conceived by our founders, including Ruth Shain, the importance and impact of caring, educating and tending to the needs of children in our “community” was primary. It was noble. It took a village. We salute the brave and courageous women of the St. James Altar Guild. We are immensely proud of the early childhood foundation they built for us 100 years ago. Together, let’s continue to carry their vision and mission forward into our next 100 years.
In that spirit, The Community House’s Early Childhood Center is pleased to announce we have a “few” remaining spots available for our Fall Preschool Program. With the use of the nationally recognized Highscope curriculum our amazing teachers are ready to set the foundation of your child’s academic success. Our curriculum uses a whole-child approach to learning, where the child is encouraged to make a plan and execute their plan through hands on classroom exploration. Our program encourages independence, decision-making, and conflict resolution and students graduate from The Community House’s ECC ready for kindergarten with confidence and the ability to creatively problem solve.
New to the ECC this Fall is our Community Scholars Program exclusively available to children already enrolled in our school. The Community Scholars programs give children the opportunity to grow even further than in the traditional classroom setting. Parents can support their child’s individual needs and interests with additional focus on Phonics, STEM, Music, Yoga, Nutrition, etc. all while they attend their normal school day.
In addition, we are delighted to announce that the TCH Early Childhood Center has created a new advanced school program to help fill an educational need in our community. Our first-ever Junior K+ Program will launch this September. Our new Junior K+ Program will enrich and challenge young five students that have completed Pre-K but may be “not quite ready” to start kindergarten. Junior K+ stops the regression of repeating a second year in a program by providing and exclusive environment with enhanced focus on phonetic awareness and sound blending, developing sentence building, independence and self-help skill sets, science exploration, and critical thinking skills.
For more information about our Preschool, new Community Scholars, or new Junior K+ Programs, please reach out now to secure your child’s enrollment - before enrollment is filled for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Please note: There are extremely limited spaces available for your child. For more information, schedule a tour or secure a spot, please contact Ms. Sarah Schuster, Head of School, at 248-594-6411 or via sschuster@communityhouse.com. Together, let’s leave no child behind.
New: Bourbon and Wild Game Dinners
Register now. Please join us on October 12th or November 9th, for a rare and unforgettable evening at one (or both!) of our new Bourbon and Wild Game Dinners. Delight in the perfect fusion of rich flavors and refined spirits as our award-winning culinary team, under the direction of our award-winning Corporate Executive Chef, Ryan Friedrich, takes you on a wild adventure for your senses. Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary experience as we feature an impressive selection of carefully curated bourbons, ranging from smooth and mellow to robust and smoky. But the bourbon is just the beginning. Our talented chefs have crafted a tantalizing menu that celebrates the allure of wild game. Indulge in an array of expertly prepared dishes that are sure to captivate your palate and leave you craving more. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon connoisseur or a curious foodie looking to expand your horizons, this event is a must-attend for all enthusiasts of fine spirits and exceptional cuisine. Limited to 20 guests.
34th Annual Birmingham House Tour
Register now. Have you registered for the Birmingham House Tour? The House Tour, now in its 34th year, allows attendees to explore unique private homes in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area. This renowned event attracts dedicated home enthusiasts from all over metro Detroit. Each house on the tour will have knowledgeable docents providing insights and highlighting design features. The self-guided tour allows guests to start at any featured home and enjoy a delightful lunch prepared by our esteemed Corporate Executive Chef at The Community House. Sponsorships are still available. To learn more and/or register, please go to communityhouse.com/event/birmingham-house-tour-2023.
2023 Classical Brunch Series
Register now. On June 11th the treasured Community House and our long-time musical partner, 90.9 WRCJ classical and jazz station, hosted its first performance of a three-part Classical Brunch Series. It was an exquisite early afternoon event - from the outstanding brunch to the captivating live classical music performed by members of the esteemed Detroit Symphony Orchestra in an up-close and intimate setting. Continuing on into October and November, audiences will have the chance to experience a (now) two-part series featuring a string trio and a harmonious harp and cello duo performances respectively. These incredibly talented DSO musicians not only play for attendees, but also lead interactive discussions to foster a deeper connection between the performers and audience members. The remaining two events (now a two-part series or reserved individually) are not to be missed. To learn more and/or to register, please go to communityhouse.com/event/classical-brunch.
