VOCEL Child Parent Academy (VCPA)

VOCEL’S flagship program is a dynamic, two-generational early learning accelerator where young children (0-4 years) and their parents learn side-by-side. Through interactive, play-based classes for little ones and their caregivers, Caregiver Discussion groups that range topics from early brain development to managing stress, and resources for families, the VCPA aims to support communities and help children thrive. VCPA stands with the adults who care for babies and toddlers to build their early childhood development knowledge and skills and foster a supportive environment connecting adults from across the city to learn from and lean on each other.

Building Early Learning Leaders (BELL)

We believe that schools must prepare for young children just as much as children should prepare for school. That’s why VOCEL has established a job-embedded networked improvement community for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) school leaders that increases leaders’ early childhood content knowledge and strengthens instructional leadership through group-based learning and individual school coaching and consultation rooted in research and relationships.

Powered By VOCEL

Following demand for the Child Parent Academy and seeking to leverage the great talent that already exists in each school community, using a “train the trainer” approach, VOCEL is equipping parents and community members at select CPS elementary schools to implement the Child Parent Academy at their home schools with coaching and support from our expert staff. Powered by VOCEL works with Parent Leaders to plan and lead Child Parent Classes for the families in their communities. Parent Leaders work with a VOCEL staff member to receive training, supplies, and ongoing coaching and support, as well as connect with Parent Leaders at other Powered by VOCEL sites to build a network of peer learning and support.

Other initiatives include:

• “Fam-Bam Summer Jam,” a summer program that offers a flexible schedule and a host of activities for families to choose based on their interests. Some activities include music classes, stretching, art, storytimes, and park play-days. For the 2021 Summer, FamBam is completely virtual, except for park play-days.
• Counseling for parents and children in partnership with VOCEL’s Family Support Manager under the supervision of an LCSW from Children’s Research Triangle.