Many children who attend public school find it difficult to maintain motivation and focus on their studies. This unfortunately results in poor attendance, substandard scholastic achievement and a lack of self-esteem. The Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island has sought to address this issue through its Educational Support Systems, which provides a variety of services to both elementary school students and their parents:

• Case Management Services – Students with behavioral problems are given a professional support system that helps them manage routine personal challenges at school and home.

• Tutoring / Homework Assistance – In an extended school day program, certified teachers offer additional math and reading assistance, instruction in study skills and test sophistication, and guidance in how to cope with homework activities.

• Personal Development / Art Appreciation - Youngsters develop increased self-esteem through specialized classes in dance and basic choreography.

• Outreach Home Visits – Sensitive professionals meet parents at home and actively engage them to improve their children’s school attendance.

• Workshops – Parents learn how to assist children with schoolwork, understand school performance standards, relate to teachers, and improve their own eligibility for employment.

• Multi-Lingual Parents’ Center - A bi-lingual specialist and English literacy classes help parents improve their abilities to interact effectively with their children’s teachers and other school personnel.

The Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island’s Educational Support Systems program has given numerous youngsters the motivation to attend school regularly and the self-esteem to excel in their studies, thus helping ensure their future success as productive members of society.