CARE: Compassionate Arts Remaking Education

CARE is a research-based, best practices theatre education program for students in grades K-12. Using the principles of trauma-informed care and culturally relevant teaching, CPH teaching artists develop and implement a replicable, theatre education model that deepens children's emotional competencies in a safe and constructive environment. Best practices in literacy learning are intentionally interwoven into the curriculum to positively impact children's academic performances as well.

Rationale

All CARE programs are designed to foster social emotional learning (SEL) skills in a trauma-informed environment and reduce the adverse effects of chronic trauma in all students. In Cleveland, 65.3% of children have experienced one or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), more than 18% higher than the national average. (Childhood Health and Management Initiative, 2018) Cleveland's children are 5% more likely to witness domestic violence, 10% more likely to face extreme economic hardship or have a family member in jail, and 15% more likely to be the witness of neighborhood violence.

Approach

Teaching Artists (TAs) participate in a rigorous professional development led by highly trained CPH staff before being placed in the classroom. They are mentored throughout their tenure and participate in an ongoing, continuous improvement plan that includes data decision making. Teaching artists are assigned to a community or school building where they are embedded on a full-time basis. Children attend CARE lessons with their classmates once a week for 60 minutes during the school year. Fifty percent of children participate in additional CARE programming during the summer months or in an afterschool setting.

Locations

• Cleveland: 7,075 children weekly across 23 locations.
• Lorain, Ohio: 532 children weekly
• Western New York: 2,400 children weekly across six locations.
• Clark County, Nevada: 2,400 children weekly

Meeting Times

Monday through Friday, in both in-school and out-of-school-time learning spaces.

Funding Sources: State Grants, Federal Grants, Contracts, and Ohio Arts Council