Educational Support for Children in Foster Care: Closing the Achievement Gap

Education is a powerful tool for transforming lives, but for children in foster care, accessing a stable and supportive learning environment often comes with unique challenges. At Burlington United Methodist Family Services, we’re committed to addressing these challenges head-on, ensuring that foster children and at-risk youth have the resources and support they need to succeed academically.

The Achievement Gap for Foster and At-Risk Youth

Children in foster care often face barriers that can hinder their academic progress, such as:

  • Frequent School Changes: Moving between homes often leads to disrupted learning and loss of progress.
  • Emotional and Behavioral Challenges: Trauma and instability can impact focus and classroom behavior.
  • Attendance Issues: Chronic absenteeism due to family instability or lack of support.
  • Limited Resources: Access to technology, tutoring, and after-school programs is often restricted.

These factors contribute to a significant achievement gap between children in foster care and their peers, making targeted educational support critical.

How Burlington’s Programs Make a Difference

At Burlington United Methodist Family Services, we are dedicated to closing this gap through innovative programs like the Student Attendance Assistant (SAA) Program in Monongalia County. This initiative emphasizes early intervention and proactive strategies to combat truancy and boost attendance among at-risk kindergarten through fifth-grade students.

Here’s how the program works:

  • Daily Monitoring: The SAA team tracks attendance patterns at both the school-wide and individual student levels on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
  • Positive Incentives: By implementing engaging programming and rewards, the program motivates students to attend school regularly.
  • Collaboration: Social workers partner with school administrators, teachers, and parents to create a support system that addresses the root causes of absenteeism.

The SAA team includes experienced social workers like Nicole Stolzenbach, MSW, LCSW, and Michelle McGilton, MSW, LGSW, who bring their expertise to fostering positive outcomes for over 4,000 elementary school students.

The Role of Attendance in Academic Success

Consistent attendance is one of the most significant predictors of academic achievement. When children are in the classroom, they:

  • Build stronger relationships with teachers and peers.
  • Develop critical skills and knowledge.
  • Gain access to additional support services like counseling or tutoring.

By addressing truancy early, the SAA Program not only improves attendance rates but also lays the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Ways to Support Educational Initiatives

Closing the achievement gap for foster and at-risk youth is a community effort. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Volunteer: Offer your time to mentor or tutor a child.
  • Donate: Support programs that provide school supplies, incentives, and resources for students.
  • Advocate: Raise awareness about the importance of educational stability and support for children in foster care.

At Burlington United Methodist Family Services, we believe every child deserves a chance to thrive in school and beyond. Through programs like the Student Attendance Assistant Program, we’re working to break down barriers and ensure brighter futures for children in our community.

Together, we can make a difference.