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“In America, education and quality of life are directly related. Lacking a good education means lacking, among other things, access to the very doorway that leads to a wholesome life-style. Education is not a luxury in modern American society—it is essential for survival.” — John M. Perkins
SENT Prep Academy celebrates 3 years of serving the community this April! We’re excited to share our growth and the positive impact we’ve made on early childhood education in Avondale East. After Kennedy Academy decided to close during the Pandemic in 2020, SENT Prep Academy was born to fill the void and become a healing balm to our community.
Studies show that if a child doesn’t learn how to read by the end of the first grade they will never catch up in their academic career. According to Professor Heckman’s newest research, early childhood education strengthens families and can break the cycle of poverty. Within a 10-minute drive radius of Avondale East, the statistics look bleak.
- Only 22% of kids ages 0-4 have access to early childhood education.
- 91% of students at Ross Elementary receive free or reduced-price meals
- 89.9% of students at Eisenhower Middle School receive free or reduced-price meals
- The average Black kid is slated to have a household income of $22k at the age of 35.
- The average Hispanic kid is slated to have a household income of $25k at the age of 35. *
- The average household spends 27% of its income on childcare for 2 children.
Wholistic Care
In July of 2023, SENT initiated a significant change by integrating Case Management services into SENT Prep’s offerings, extending support to the entire family and addressing their diverse needs. This integration has fostered a more cohesive approach among our teachers and other impact arms of SENT, enabling seamless referrals to mental health, housing, substance use disorder, and case management services. Rather than merely informing families about potential eligibility for DCF assistance, we actively guide them through the process. Families enrolled in SENT Prep receive priority access to additional programs such as Beat The Heat, aimed at providing air conditioning units to those in need, and partnerships like Affordable Christmas. Moreover, we have streamlined our administrative processes by making all interest and enrollment forms accessible online, simplifying the entire procedure.
Talent, Acquisition, and Retention Benefits
We’ve implemented significant improvements in our recruitment and onboarding procedures. Candidates now undergo a structured process, beginning with a phone screening upon submission of their resume and application. Following this, they participate in a comprehensive 2-hour onsite shadowing session, culminating in an in-person interview where the board chairman, acting as interim center director, conducts the assessment.
Additionally, we’ve established a robust training and onboarding plan, meticulously documenting all standard operating procedures. With the elevation of qualifications, we’ve also enhanced benefits and compensation packages. Assistant teachers now earn between $12 to $14 per hour, lead teachers between $15 to $17 per hour, and facility leads $19 per hour.
Furthermore, our teachers enjoy a range of benefits, including a 30% discount for their children enrolled at the center, a $200 monthly medical coverage reimbursement stipend, access to a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and opportunities for paid professional development.
Currently, we’re actively working on establishing a retirement fund for our staff and have arranged for a mental health therapist to be available twice a month during their planning periods, offering support free of charge to help them navigate life’s challenges.
Facility Upgrades
We’re upgrading our center with new technology in classrooms, including MacBooks and iPads, along with new furniture and learning aids. Our playground and kitchen have also received enhancements. A new surveillance system is being installed for added security. Despite ongoing construction, we’re at full capacity with a waitlist, but expect more infant and toddler spots once completed, increasing our capacity to 80 students.
Is it working?
With guidance from the Children’s Cabinet and support from organizations like the Capitol Federal Foundation, Topeka Community Foundation, The Redbud Foundation, Southern Hills Mennonite Church, Fellowship Hi-Crest, the Blanche Byrden Foundation, Go Topeka, Shawnee County Licensing, and Childcare Aware of Eastern Kansas, we’re making significant strides. Operating at full capacity for the first time ever, and with February 2024 marking the milestone of covering our costs with revenue, our momentum is strong.
In an industry known for high turnover, our staff tenure is increasing, with part-time employees transitioning to full-time roles and becoming lead qualified. We’ve even welcomed some parents into our staff.
However, there’s still room for growth. Securing funds to renovate the floors in Building Two and making critical infrastructure upgrades are priorities. We’re also in the process of introducing trauma-informed occupational therapy services, filling a gap in Shawnee and Douglass County.
As we prepare for capacity expansion, we’re seeking to hire 9 more team members by the end of May. Interested individuals can apply at senttopeka.com/careers.
Seeking long-term partnerships to ensure the affordability of our services amidst growing needs and inflation, we welcome involvement from individuals, churches, and businesses. For those interested, please reach out to johnathan@senttopeka.com.
Warm Regards,
Johnathan Sublet
Interim Executive Director