At ECS4Kids, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed—regardless of their circumstances. That’s why we combine high-quality early education with wraparound family support to not only prepare children for school, but to empower entire families to break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures.
This summer, we launched our Summer Bridge program in Clay & Duval County, expanding a successful model first piloted in Alachua County in 2023in partnership with the Children’s Trust of Alachua County. Thanks to generous private support and strong community partnerships, we were able to offer an additional seven weeks of early learning to children who need it most.
Why Summer Bridge Matters
In Duval County, more than 13,000 children under age five live in poverty. Research shows that children from low-income families can begin experiencing language and vocabulary delays as early as 18 months—leading to a school readiness gap of up to 60% by kindergarten. While our full-day school year program helps close these gaps, funding limits us to a 10-month school year.
Summer Bridge fills that gap. By extending learning into the summer months, we help children maintain and build on their progress—preventing summer learning loss and accelerating school readiness.
A Holistic Approach to Learning and Family Support
ECS4Kids’ Summer Bridge isn’t just about academics. It’s about supporting the whole child—and the whole family.
- Full-day care at no cost to parents helps working families maintain employment.
- Nutritious meals and snacks address food insecurity, a growing concern in our community.
- Weekly take-home books and family engagement activities strengthen the bond between school and home.
Each child receives individualized instruction through structured classroom activities and digital learning tools like Hatch Ignite, a play-based platform tailored to each child’s developmental needs. Learning continues at home with tablets and teacher-assigned activities, ensuring that every child has access to enriching experiences beyond the classroom.
Real Results, Real Impact
This year, participation in Summer Bridge across Alachua, Clay, and Duval counties increased 144% over our pilot year.
- 100% of children maintained or improved their scores in literacy, math, social-emotional, and physical development.
- 100% of parents said their child enjoyed the program.
- 98% of parents saw clear learning gains.
- 78% of families reported they would not have had access to summer learning without Summer Bridge.
One parent shared, “Everybody is like family here. My child had fun while learning.” Another added, “I love how they always give feedback on my children’s progress.”
Looking Ahead
ECS4Kids’ Summer Bridge is more than a program—it’s a promise. A promise to our children, our families, and our community that we will continue to innovate, expand, and advocate for equitable access to early education and family support.
Together, we’re creating lasting change—one child, one family, and one community at a time.
