Learning Never Ends- Neither do Dreams

As some of you may know, we (Jessamine and I) attempted to open the Rainbow Farm School in the Fall of 2009. While the school is not officially in session, the dream has not died. Our dream of an alternative school for children is alive and well and in process, as I type.
The current plan involves creating a clear vision, mission statement, curriculum, and business plan. A Starting Small Project is part and parcel with the school as one of the main tenants will be "creating tools for building awareness and acceptance" within ourselves and the community in which we live.
At this juncture, the goal would be to open in the Fall of 2011 as a Homeschool and Community Resource Center. The Center would provide classes for families interested in homeschooling, helping families with the paperwork needed to become homeschoolers and classes based on topics of interest.
I know there has been some interest in extending the age range, as we were focused on K-6th before, and with this transition we would extend through high school.

To meet these very big, but very important goals, I will need input. In the coming months, I will survey the Chautauqua County community asking for input and ideas. I am also taking advantage of a very important resource, AERO, Alternative Education Resource Organization. They have been helping provide resources, support and information as to how the start and run an alternative school.

Roots of Empathy

"Roots of Empathy is a powerful idea whose time has come. An evidence-based classroom program, its mission is to build caring, peaceful, and civil societies – child by child – through the development of empathy in children."

A like minded mother gave me the link to Roots of Empathy.
When I have a free moment, I would like to read their book and research their program. From what I have read, this is a sensible and accessible way to teach empathy.

Poverty and Children

Marion Wright Edelman of the Children's Defense Fund

"When people talk about the "achievement gap" at-risk children face, they often think of it in terms that apply to school-age children -- but that gap can start much earlier than most people might guess. A recent report by the nonprofit, nonpartisan research group Child Trends showed that disparities actually begin appearing before children's first birthdays. The report, "Disparities in Early Learning and Development: Lessons from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study - Birth Cohort," was funded by the Council of Chief State School Officers. It found that gaps in children's development are already apparent when babies are just nine months old, and grow even larger by 24 months. These disparities in infants' and toddlers' development can be measured across cognitive, social, behavioral and health outcomes."

To see the whole article