GALLERY
Milestone Achievements: ECF Graduates Pioneering New Frontiers in Caregiving
ECF Caregivers Support Program™ Graduating Class
In an inspiring culmination of dedication and learning, 22 individuals have recently graduated from ECF Caregivers Support Program™, a comprehensive 16-week initiative designed to empower caregivers with a wide array of crucial skills. This diverse group of graduates hail from the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, New Jersey, and New York (Queens and Long), bringing a rich variety of backgrounds and experiences to the table, which enriched the learning experience for all involved.
The Disturbing Reality
- “Non-Hispanic Blacks/African Americans have 2.4 times the infant mortality” – Office of Minority Health (2022)
- “In mathematics… [among early adolescence, there was a] 13-point score decrease among Black students…in 2023.” – The Nation’s Report Card (n.d.)
- “Nearly all of the Black-White reading gap and over 80 percent of the Black-White math gap at the beginning kindergarten can be explained by differences in socioeconomic status and observed family background characteristics” – US Department of Treasury (2023
- “Estimates for … diagnosis among children aged 3-17 years, in 2016-19 [were] ADHD 9.8% (approximately 6.0 million), anxiety 9.4% (approximately 5.8 million), behavior problems 8.9% (approximately 5.5 million), and depression 4.4% (approximately 2.7 million).” – CDC (2023)
- “… among Black students, those who were suspended for a minor infraction during the first year of the study had significantly lower grades both one and two years later than students who weren’t suspended.” – American Psychological Association (2021)
References
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/infant-mortality-and-african-americans
https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/post-5-racial-differences-in-educational-experiences-and-attainment
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2021/10/black-students-harsh-discipline
https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/highlights/ltt/2023/
https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html
References
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/infant-mortality-and-african-americans
https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/post-5-racial-differences-in-educational-experiences-and-attainment
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2021/10/black-students-harsh-discipline
https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/highlights/ltt/2023/
https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html
ECF Training and Research Institute meticulously organized this training program to address every facet of childcare, ensuring that graduates are not only proficient in fundamental caregiving skills but are also well-versed in specialized areas critical to child development and safety. Over the course of the program, participants delved deep into topics such as child development, nutrition, and safety, gaining insights that are immediately applicable and immensely beneficial in their daily caregiving roles. ECF’s program also provided extensive training on developing and nurturing relationships with parents and guardians, which is crucial for creating a supportive and understanding environment for the children.
ECF Caregivers Support Program™’s inaugural graduation ceremony was held on June 27, 2024 with Dr. M. M. Mullings and Dr. C. M. Brown serving as the masters of ceremony. Drs. Mullings and Brown delivered powerful and uplifting messages that resonated deeply with both graduates and attendees. Their speeches underscored the significance of perseverance, innovation, and gratitude, inspiring the new graduates to face future challenges with optimism. The compelling narratives shared by the speakers not only celebrated the accomplishments of the students but also motivated everyone present to strive for excellence in their own endeavors.
The impact of our caregivers’ support program was profound. Graduates emerge with a heightened understanding of the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of children, enabling them to foster environments where children can thrive. The emphasis on nutrition and safety informed caregivers on how to handle emergencies and maintain healthy routines, while lessons in communication and relationship-building equip them to manage and resolve conflicts effectively, ensuring a cohesive and supportive atmosphere.
ECF’s 2024 graduation ceremony was a heartfelt showcase of the hard work and commitment demonstrated by each learner. It featured testimonials from several graduates who shared moving stories about how the program has transformed their approach to caregiving. Please view and listen to our graduates directly here:
The success of ECF Caregivers Support Program™ highlights the undeniable value of investing in specialized training for caregivers. As our 22 graduates return to their respective communities, they carry with them the knowledge and skills that will ripple outwards, positively affecting the lives of countless children and families. ECF Caregivers Support Program™ not only elevates the standard of childcare but also underscores the importance of professional development in nurturing the caregivers who shape our future generations. This initiative is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of education in transforming lives and strengthening communities.