Early Childhood Care & Education Services

     St. Stephen’s Christ Child-Child Care Center is one of the first early childhood programs to earn accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)-the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.

     To earn NAEYC Accreditation, St. Stephen’s Christ Child-Child Care Center went through an extensive self-study process; measuring the program and its services against the ten new NAEYC early childhood standards and more than 400 related accreditation criteria. NAEYC accreditation has become a widely recognized mark of high quality early childhood education.

     St. Stephen’s Christ Child-Child Care Center’s NAEYC accreditation is a sign that they are a leader in a national effort to invest in high quality early childhood education, and provide critical elements needed to give their children a better start.

     Organized in 1991, St. Stephen’s Christ Child Center provides quality care for children of parents who are working, receiving job training, or attending an educational program. It is our goal to provide programming in the areas of: physical & motor development, social & emotional development, language development, cognitive development and general approaches toward learning. In an atmosphere of acceptance and affirmation, we work to maximize each child’s natural ability to feel competent and confident, with a positive self-esteem and to be successful in future educational experiences.

     Tuition is assessed on a sliding fee scale. 90% of our families qualify for State subsidized funds through Block Grants and TANF dollars. Additional Funding is provided by the United Way, The Christ Child Society, individuals, and private contributions.

Neighborhood Services

     The Neighborhood Services Program provides individuals and families with basic material needs (emergency food and assistance with obtaining utilities/prescriptions) on an as needed basis. Two certified Benefit Bank counselors are on site to assist individuals & families gain access to public benefit programs.

     Christmas Care/One New Toy- program is provided annually in partnership with the Central Ohio Labor Council as well as a coalition of schools, organizations, businesses, civic groups, government, and over 900 volunteers. We, along with our partners, try to ensure that families registered in this program receive food for a week and at least one new toy for children newborn to fourteen, living in the home.

     Living Well In Linden Initiative- this initiative focuses on providing health & wellness services to the Linden community. The three components started in April 2010

Family Services

     The Family to Family Initiative provides support services to families, focusing on keeping families together as well as building strong healthy families. SSCH is the lead agency in this partnership with 4 other settlement houses working towards the same goal with Franklin County Children Services.

Senior Services

     Working together to help our senior residents maintain independence and self-sufficiency. Our program provides comprehensive services to senior citizens in the Linden community and outlying areas including zip codes:

Services Include:

Youth Services

     The target population is high risk youth ages five to eighteen years of age and their families. Staff emphasizes developing age-appropriate social skills, enhancing academics, increasing positive peer interactions and nurturing family relationships through group work, individual and family support services and school visits.

After-School Programs

     Two sites provide after-school and summer programming to students held on-site at SSCH and Windsor STEM K-6 Academy. The program focuses on academic enhancement as well as prevention and developmental activities.

Tutoring

     The Tutoring Program focuses on providing the resources and support that enable youth to achieve academic success. Tutoring is facilitated in small group settings with volunteers acting as tutors as well as positive role models for youth.

21st Century Community Learning Centers

     St. Stephen’s partners with St. Vincent’s Children Center and South-Western City Schools to provide after school programs in two schools located on the southwest side of Columbus. Our services focuses on ensuring academic scores are increased.

Learn to Succeed Employment Program

     In collaboration with Columbus Urban League, youth ages 14-18 years were provided with work readiness skills, paid internships and case management services for six weeks during the summer months.

STEM LA (Linden Area)

     In collaboration with Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation, Battelle and Linden McKinley STEM Academy (LMSA), LMSA students were provided with paid internships at local Linden businesses and agencies. Weekly mentoring sessions were provided to students by STEM professionals.

SEEK Camp (Summer Engineering Experience for Kids)

     In collaboration with a number of partners (including Ohio STEM Learning Network & Battelle), SEEK Camp enrolled 300 Columbus City School youth ages 10-13 years for 8 weeks of summer programming. The camp focused on introducing youth to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) principles through hands-on, engaging activities.

     Since 1965, St. Stephen’s has focused its service in the Greater Linden area, weaving itself into the fabric of the community. In doing so, St. Stephen’s strengthens its families with intentional civic and social service programs, empowers their youth through mentoring, tutoring and entrepreneurship and nurtures their children with quality childcare and education. This holistic approach strives to support the physical, social and emotional needs of the Greater Linden Community. As a hub for advancing self-sufficiency, we continue to Brighten Lives in Columbus through five core areas.