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The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School: A New Kind of Charter

by | Oct 8, 2024 | Education, News

The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter SchoolThe Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School (TCGDC), founded by The Children’s Guild, opened its doors in Washington, D.C. in 2015 with a mission to provide a unique and personalized educational experience for every student. As we gear up for the new school year, we’re excited to reintroduce our school and highlight what makes TCGDC a standout choice for families in the District of Columbia.

A Student-Centered Approach

At TCGDC, Every Student Matters, and Every Moment Counts. Our approach is centered around the belief that education should be about more than just academics; it should be about developing caring, committed, and contributing young people who are prepared to engage in a cause bigger than themselves.

Our curriculum is designed to celebrate the unique talents of every child, offering a personalized learning environment that adapts to each student’s needs. By focusing on each student’s strengths and interests, we foster a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

Admissions Made Easy

The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School is a tuition-free, publicly funded charter school open to all students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Our admissions process is fully online, making it convenient for families to apply and join our community. We welcome all students, without the need for testing or screening, ensuring that every child can benefit from our innovative educational programs.

Apply Now for the 2024–2025 School Year!

For more information, connect with our Admissions Team:

Meal Programs and Free Transportation

TCGDC is committed to supporting our students’ well-being in and out of the classroom. We offer three different types of transportation options to ensure all students can attend school without barriers:

  • School Bus Transportation: Convenient and reliable for students in all grades
  • Special OSSE Bus Transportation: Tailored for children with special needs to ensure safe and comfortable travel
  • Bus Cards for Metro Public Transportation: Free Metro bus cards for students who prefer using public transportation

We are also proud participants in the National School Breakfast Program, the National School Lunch Program, and the After-School Snack Program. Our school is part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which means all meals are free of charge for every student.

Meal Programs Include:

  • Breakfast: Offered in the classroom during in-person learning
  • Lunch: Served in the cafeteria
  • After-School Snacks: Provided as part of our extended day program

Additionally, TCGDC participates in the Fresh Food and Vegetable Program (FFVP), providing students with access to fresh produce and nutritious meals daily.

A Family-Oriented School

TCGDC stands out as a family-oriented school that serves students in grades K-8. We provide rigorous and supportive settings for all students, from general education to self-contained special education. Our broad-spectrum approach allows families to educate all K-8 students in one school, making us a truly unique educational option in the District.

Best Practices in Education

The Children’s Guild combines the most effective educational and behavioral practices to create a unique hybrid model that defines our schools. Our educational model is built on five foundational practices:

  1. TEACCH Structures: Developed at the University of North Carolina, these structures provide a framework for supporting students with autism and related disorders, ensuring an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
  2. Project-Based Learning: We integrate strategies and tools that engage students in real-world problems, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration.
  3. Character Development: Our multi-dimensional approach emphasizes the development of strong character traits, helping students become responsible and ethical members of their communities.
  4. Arts Integration: We believe in the power of the arts to enhance academic rigor. By integrating arts into our curriculum, we support students in expressing their creativity and understanding complex concepts.
  5. Diagnostic and Evaluation Center: Our state-of-the-art center uses highly skilled professionals to identify the programs and services each student needs to reach their optimal academic potential.

Join Us at TCGDC

As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student. We invite new and returning families to join us for the 2024–2025 school year and become part of our vibrant school community.

Together, let’s inspire a love for learning and prepare our students to make a positive impact on the world.

Connect With Us Today!

Visit our website or contact our Admissions Team to learn more about how The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School can be the right fit for your family. Don’t forget to follow us on social media @TCGDC on Instagram, Facebook,  X, and  The Children’s Guild YouTube. We look forward to welcoming you!

The Children’s Guild District of Columbia Public Charter School

2146 24th Place NE
Washington, DC 20018

202.774.5442

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected] 

Our Successful Annual Golf Classic: Meeting Tangible Needs for 17 Years

by | Oct 8, 2024 | Events, News

At 9 am on Monday, September 16, 115 golfers cheered as The Children’s Guild’s 17th Annual Golf Classic kicked off with a shotgun start at Renditions Golf Course in Davidsonville, MD.

“We were excited to be at Renditions Golf Course for our 17th Annual Golf Classic! This event will help us meet immediate needs in our classrooms, in counseling sessions, and for students and families who need unique and nontraditional resources for special education support,” says Paul Hoyer, 2024 Annual Golf Classic Chair.

Golfers competed at a new course this year for the annual event. Renditions Golf Course gave golfers the opportunity to play replicas of legendary holes throughout the world, adding an extra element of excitement and challenge to their round. Jean Blosser, 2024 Annual Golf Classic Chair said, “There was a new thrill at this year’s tournament with this new course. It was exciting to watch my fellow golfers react to it!”

The 2024 tournament was made possible by our generous sponsors. Five Ways Forward, a coaching, consulting, and wellness company focused on helping individuals, managers, executives, teams, and organizations move forward to achieve their success – at work and in life, was this year’s tournament sponsor. “The Children’s Guild’s mission is inspiring to see in action,” says Colin McLetchie, President of Five Ways Forward. “It was so exciting to be this year’s event sponsor to help children and families in the Baltimore and D.C. area.” Other sponsors included:

“Our Annual Golf Classic is an exciting and special event,” says Victoria Davis, Manager of Corporate Partnerships for The Children’s Guild. “The money raised from this event goes directly to our programs and services to make a tangible difference in the lives of the families and students we serve through the education and services we provide. We love being able to share The Children’s Guild mission and vision with our golfers and encourage them to be ambassadors of our organization and keep coming back! Their support is making a difference across Maryland and Washington, D.C.”

We had a fantastic time on the links and captured the day through photos and videos. Check out the library of photos here.

Congratulations to all the winners of our 17th Annual Golf Classic!

  • First Place Team: Marc Bolotin, Michael Dackman, Josh Gochnauer, Keith Miller
  • Second Place Team: Arin Nicholson, Robert Davis, Joshua Moran, Michael Moran
  • Third Place Team: Patrick Curley, Dan Jamison, Dylan Asay, Nick Mafale
  • Longest Drive: Matthew Pica and Katie Gugliotta
  • Closet to the Pin: Dylan Viacava
  • Putting Contest: Andrew Hahn and Sam Walton

This year, golfers helped us raise over $73,000, which will make an immediate impact in the lives of those we serve. There is still time to donate and make a difference; help us make a difference in the lives of those we serve!

We also want to extend a special thanks to all employees and board members of The Children’s Guild who came out to support this event by volunteering or golfing. We are grateful for your continued support in events like this!

Next year, we are excited to return to Renditions Golf Course for the 18th Annual Golf Classic on Monday, September 15, 2025. Save the date and get notified when registration opens next year here.

Protecting Your Kids Online – What Is Even Possible?

by | Sep 5, 2024 | Mental Health, News, Parenting, Special Education

Potential risks for your kids are everywhere today, with social media, virtual worlds, gaming, internet sites, inappropriate online content, and security. We know you are concerned, and that every day you are working hard to balance their screen time and your safety concerns.

And if your child has special needs, technology can be an essential tool in their communication and learning – so limiting access is not always an option. Children with ADHD, mood disorders, and other conditions that manifest with impulsivity, may have an even harder time making good choices and following the family rules online.

How can parents navigate this, especially with school starting, new friends entering the picture, and their kid’s online worlds constantly expanding? There are plenty of safety and awareness measures you can take to help mitigate the risk, even if you can’t remove it completely from their lives.

The Children’s Guild (TCG) has always been concerned about the proliferation of cell phone use and the potential impact of the Internet on children. Several years ago, TCG started reminding parents and other concerned adults to educate, discuss, and monitor phone use to help young people sort out their relationship with their devices.1

So much has changed, but even five years ago when this article was first published—an eternity in the world of technological progress—there were significant concerns about kids and the internet. With the rapid advancements in technology, we know your concerns have only grown, as the digital landscape continues to grow at an incredible pace.

Today we recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to keeping kids as safe as possible online. Over the years, we have constantly monitored the evolving digital world and adjusted our recommendations to address new habits and trends.

The U.S. Surgeon General has even issued a “youth mental health crisis” stemming from social media. Another recent article delves into the topic of phone usage and the mental health issues that are attributed to social media, and cites that “parents should be doing more to engage their child in ways that don’t involve technology so when they get home from school, they’re less incentivized to get right back on their phones.”

As technology continues to advance rapidly, here are some key considerations for monitoring your child’s behavior online:

1. START A CONVERSATION – AND KEEP IT GOING

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start the conversation about social networking, privacy, phones and tablets, computer security, and dealing with cyberbullying. Kids may push back against your reminders, cautions, and questions. But it’s still critical that you talk about it all. Discuss inappropriate conduct online. Have a conversation about people online who may have bad intentions, like bullies, predators, hackers, and scammers. And let them know how you feel about content, like pornography, violence, or hate speech.

Children with ADHD or special needs may have difficulty understanding social cues or recognizing unsafe situations online. It’s crucial to tailor conversations to their comprehension level. Break down topics into smaller, manageable discussions and use clear, concrete examples. Role-playing different online scenarios can help them better grasp the concepts and practice safe behavior.

    2. BE SMART WITH SMART PHONES

    There are no set rules for when kids can have cell phones. Consider their age, personality, maturity, and your family’s circumstances. Cell phones are available with limited internet access, or you can turn on web filtering. Most phones have privacy settings and child safety controls built-in. GPS can be a blessing and a curse – allowing you to know where your kids are and inadvertently broadcasting their location to others. Encourage kids to think about privacy before they share photos and videos. Set rules on when they can and should use their phone. Your child’s school may do the same. In fact, many districts in our area are looking to prohibit use during school hours.

    If managing impulsivity is a challenge for your child, consider using apps that provide reminders and prompts to think before sharing personal information or making posts. Encourage them to pause and reflect before responding to messages or sharing content. Regular check-ins can help reinforce these habits.

    3. PARENTAL CONTROLS

    Especially if you have elementary school kids, there are digital tools to keep them safer and not exposed to harmful content online. You can elect to filter and block certain sites, words, and images. These can apply to websites, email, chat, and IMs. Software can prevent kids from sharing personal information online, in chats, or by email. Monitoring tools will alert parents to online activity without blocking access—with or without a kid’s knowledge. Take a look at Aura Parental Controls, Net Nanny, and Bark Premium, to start. There are many more options.

    Tools that offer visual and auditory alerts rather than text-based warnings might be more effective for a variety of neurodivergent learners.

    4. SUPERVISING USE AND LIMITING TIME

    There’s software to limit your child’s time online and set the time of day they can access online. You can also do this in person, just like you would read a book together, or play games. It’s a great way to talk to kids about the Internet and share your values about using it.

    Some children may struggle with time management and may need more structured time limits for online activity. Consider using a visual timer or scheduling specific periods for internet use to help them manage their time better.

     5. SOFTWARE AND SITES DESIGNED FOR KIDS

    There are many browsers and websites specifically designed for kids that may filter words or images that are inappropriate for them. Child-oriented search engines allow limited searches or screen search results for sites and material more suitable for kids of different ages. Here’s a list of free educational websites and apps for kids to learn at home.

    Also check out websites and apps that are specifically designed for children with special needs or ADHD, such as Funbrain, Do2Learn and GoNoodle. These websites and apps provide tailored support that can help children with special needs or ADHD develop essential skills, manage their behaviors, and engage with content in a safe, structured way.

    6. KEEP READING, LEARNING AND SHARING

    Online safety for kids is a moving target and an ongoing concern. So, continue to learn about tips and tricks that work for your own family. Kids are innocent, curious, and want independence and you want to nurture that in them. So be involved, set rules, talk to them, and warn about dangers. There’s plenty of guidance available online from reputable sources. 

    NEW LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CHILDREN

    Legislators are very aware of internet safety for kids. In July 2024, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill to protect kids online and make tech companies accountable for harmful content. Congress hasn’t passed a law to protect children on the internet since 1998—before Facebook and the iPhone. The bill was written by members of both sides of the Senate and pushed by parents whose children died by suicide after online bullying or were harmed by online content in other ways.

    1. (“Educate Your Adolescent Before Labeling Them as ‘Addicted’ to Their Cell Phone” by Frank J. Kros, MSW, JD)

    Empowering Young Minds: A Day in The Children’s Guild Extended School Year Program

    by | Aug 1, 2024 | Education, News, Special Education

    At The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore, summer learning continues with their Extended School Year program! Beginning every July, this initiative supports children in achieving their IEP goals and smooths the transition back to school in the fall. Each year features a unique theme; this year’s focus is “Community Helpers.” The program blends fun activities with essential subjects like reading and math. Students participate in various hands-on activities, such enjoying field trips like  visiting the pool, where they engage with community helpers like lifeguards.

    Mrs. P, a teacher at The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore, explains that the “Community Helpers” theme is designed to teach students the significance of internal and external helpers. “We’re helping students understand where their community is, how we build our community, and how we enrich our community. It is very important for us to develop that sense of community, especially considering the background of many of our kids.” She further describes how students in the classroom “respect each other, are kind to each other, and protect each other.”

    Will, a 9th grader, shared that he has learned how to clean up not just his school and home but everywhere in his community. He helps his grandmother around the house and enjoys playing games with his friends. Will loves the Extended School Year program because it allows him to continue his education and spend a lot of time at the pool.

    Brianna, an 11th grader, shared that she likes to help people “who are sick, alive, and those who respect themselves.” This summer, Brianna has spent a lot of time playing outside and practicing piano. She explains that she is contributing to her school community by collecting trash and sweeping the floors.

    We invite you to engage with our vibrant community. Consider becoming a community helper in your own neighborhood by participating in local clean-up events, volunteering at community centers, or simply spreading kindness in your daily interactions. Let’s work together to inspire and empower the next generation of community helpers! Share your own community helper experiences with us on Facebook or Instagram @TCGBaltimore. 

    The Children’s Guild Welcomes New Chief Human Resources Officer And Announces Three New Senior Level Promotions

    by | Aug 1, 2024 | News, Our People

    Ellen Meyer Joins The Children’s Guild Board of Directors

    The Children’s Guild, a leading Mid-Atlantic nonprofit human-services and education organization is thrilled to announce the appointment of Holly Webb as the new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Holly brings over 20 years of experience in driving organizational success through strategic HR initiatives. As the Chief Human Resources Officer at The Children’s Guild, Holly will leverage her expertise to foster high-performance teams, enhance employee engagement, and maximize organizational efficiency.

    Throughout her career, Holly has held key HR leadership positions for companies worldwide. Her accomplishments include designing and implementing service-oriented HR functions, creating metrics-driven processes, and leading workforce planning and development efforts that have resulted in significant cost savings and improved organizational performance.  Holly holds an MBA from the University of Indianapolis and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

    “Holly Webb is a dynamic leader who embodies our core value ‘Our People Matter’,” said Jenny Livelli, President and CEO of The Children’s Guild. “We are looking forward to working closely with Holly to align HR strategies with organizational goals, promoting a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring that our people and teams are optimally positioned to support our mission of transforming the lives of children and families.”

    The Children’s Guild is also proud to announce the promotions of the following three prominent staff members:

    Mark Rapaport is the new Vice President of Business Development: In his previous role as the Managing Director of Autism Services, Mark was instrumental in opening The Children’s Guild School – Transformation Academy located in Baltimore, MD. This facility serves students with autism and related disorders, providing a comprehensive and tailored educational experience. Mark’s leadership led to the successful implementation of innovative programs that improved student outcomes and satisfaction. In his new role as Vice President of Business Development, Mark will be working to expand current business lines as well as identify market growth opportunities and new business ventures to enhance The Children’s Guild’s service offerings.

    Ronesha Estep-Franklin is the new Vice President of Program Operations: In her former role as Managing Director of School Operations, Ronesha Estep-Franklin oversaw the daily operations of our charter schools and preschool. Her leadership was pivotal in improving program operations, leading to enhanced educational experiences for students. Ronesha introduced several innovative practices that streamlined operations and boosted program efficiency. As Vice President of Program Operations, Ronesha will now oversee all program operations for The Children’s Guild, including nonpublic schools, charter schools, and preschools located in Maryland and Washington, DC, along with treatment foster care and behavioral health services, ensuring high-quality outcomes and program sustainability. 

    Kelly Schwalbert is the new Vice President Chief of Staff: Having served as the Managing Director of Mission Advancement, Kelly Schwalbert was instrumental in building systems to improve operations across multiple departments. She developed and launched the first centralized grant department and expanded marketing services throughout the organization. Kelly’s strategic vision led to the creation and development of new departments, enhancing organizational capacity and efficiency. In her new role as Vice President Chief of Staff, Kelly will continue to support fundraising efforts while working closely with Jenny Livelli, President and CEO, as well as the Board of Directors and key stakeholders, to drive organizational strategy and growth.

    In addition to these new staff positions, Ellen Meyer has been appointed to The Children’s Guild Board of Directors. Ellen is a Human Resources leader with over 36 years of comprehensive experience. She is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development, and follows in the footsteps of her late mother, Louise Goldberg, who was also a reading teacher at The Children’s Guild and a former Board Member.  For two generations, the Meyer family has been a huge champion of The Children’s Guild. Their unwavering dedication and support have not only shaped the lives of children in need but have also woven a rich tapestry of love, commitment, and community spirit.

    “A heartfelt congratulations to Mark, Ronesha and Kelly all who have been instrumental in building on the success of TCG and all who are well deserving of their new roles,” added Jenny Livelli. “We are also honored to welcome Ellen Meyer to our board, she and her family have built their legacy on compassion, service, and an unyielding belief in the power of education and care. I am excited for the future of our organization with such a dynamic leadership team in place.”

    The Children’s Guild (TCG), founded in 1953, focuses on helping students and families find success socially, emotionally, educationally, and developmentally through special education, school-based mental health services, treatment foster care, autism services, family mental and behavioral health services, and workforce development programs.