In fall 2012, our listening process revealed widespread concern for reading levels and the lack of availability of education for at-risk 4-year-olds in our families, congregations, and community. Our research revealed a waiting list of 280 students for the current CCSD program.
At the annual Action Assembly in April 2013, with 1,500 people present, CAJM secured commitments from the superintendent and Charleston County School Board Members to open 280 more seats for preschool education for at-risk 4-year-olds and to implement a research-based reading curriculum.
Both the seats and curriculum were made available at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. Since 2013, over 1,500 children have received early childhood education because of our work.