CHICAGO, IL (October 6, 2008) -- The Columbia College Chicago Harris Center for Early Childhood Education (ECE), in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services (CYS), has been awarded a grant in the amount of $600,000 from the McCormick Foundation to advance program quality in ten community-based Head Start programs.
The 18-month “Relay” project, which was designed and will be managed by Columbia ECE faculty member Karen Haigh, will engage education coordinators and site coordinators from participating Head Start agencies in an active and innovative program that will build skills necessary to more effectively manage staff, design curriculum and ultimately provide a better learning environment for both children and teachers.
The Relay, or “Reflective Learning in Action,” initiative uses the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. This approach, which is the guiding philosophy of Columbia’s ECE program, draws on a long history of learning theory and practice led by its founder, Loris Malaguzzi, who was influenced by the work and ideas of John Dewey. The project focuses on dialogue, reflection, collaboration and multiple perspectives. The engaged participation of both “teacher” and “learner” are key to the “reflective practice model” of the Reggio approach.
The Relay project, which begins in October, is comprised of six key components: organizational review; professional development retreats; professional development projects; monthly cohort meetings; individual mentoring; and progress update meetings. Participating Head Start agency managers will also engage in learning tours, curriculum planning, documentation and lectures.
Project Manager Karen Haigh has more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education including 15 years as director of child development for Chicago Commons. She holds a Master’s degree from the Erikson Institute and is currently completing her doctoral dissertation on professional development in a Reggio-influenced program at the Union Institute.
“I commend Professor Haigh and Dr. Carol Ann Stowe, director of our Early Childhood program, as well as their excellent, committed colleagues in ECE for developing and sustaining an outstanding, student-centered program with dedicated graduates – all individuals who have contributed to our success in receiving this important award,” said Dr. Deborah Holdstein, dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “The importance of the educational foundations built during a child’s early years cannot be overstated. The process is collaborative and demands the best from all participants – teachers, administrators, parents and community. The Relay project will help maximize the skills of key participants and provide a best-practices model for years to come. Columbia College Chicago is thrilled to be part of this critical work.”
The McCormick Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening our free, democratic society by investing in children, communities and country. Through its five grantmaking programs, Cantigny Park and Golf, and three world-class museums, the Foundation helps build a more active and engaged citizenry. It was established as a charitable trust in 1955, upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The McCormick Foundation is one of the nation’s largest charities, with $1.2 billion in assets. For more information, please visit www.McCormickFoundation.org
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