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n nearly every child’s classroom in America hangs a chart. These charts vary in size, shape, décor, and even in the content of the data they measure. Some represent good behavior or kind deeds; others may gauge academic accomplishments or completed assignments. These charts are indeed public records, intended to provide visual accountability and encouragement, but they are also deeply personal for any child whose name appears on one of the rows – because those rows are meant to be filled with gold stars. Some children see an empty row next to their name at the beginning of the school year and see hope, possibility, and potential. These children know that it’s only a matter of time before the teacher will peel star after star from a shiny sheet of stickers to reward their success. There are some children, however, who have never seen a gold star by their names. For these children, this chart can be an unfamiliar and intimidating reminder that perhaps gold stars aren’t meant for them. Many children living in poverty in Eastern Kentucky believe that gold stars aren’t meant for them. Due to various circumstances, including fractured family units, unidentified special needs and learning disabilities,
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christianapp.org/MtSpiritGive | SPRING / SUMMER 2017
lack of access to basic resources and support systems, unstable home environments, and parents with limited levels of education, some of these children are facing overwhelming challenges before they ever set foot in a classroom. The high school completion rate in some Eastern Kentucky counties is as low as 64 percent, much lower than the national average of 86 percent, which means that many children are born into a generational cycle of academic stagnation. In spite of the educational obstacles facing children in need in Appalachia, Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), through its Child and Family Development Centers, is making sure each of them know that gold stars are meant for them. CAP operates two Child and Family Development Centers (CFDC) in Eastern Kentucky – Eagle CFDC in McCreary County and Family Life CFDC in Rockcastle County. Central to the myriad of interconnected services provided by these centers are their highly commended preschools. Over the course of the past few years, the staff and volunteers of these preschools have worked diligently to become the top early-care and education programs in their respective counties. In May 2017, both centers achieved the highest possible rating
