Intergenerational Program Database

Kendal Early Learning Center (KELC) is a leader in person-centered intergenerational programming in Ohio for the children of Kendal at Oberlin staff members and families from the surrounding community. KELC will unite generations with relationships that have lasting positive effects on the lives of their children and residents. This will be accomplished using an educational curriculum focusing on the needs and interests of each child and on the interests and talents of each resident according to Kendal’s person-centered philosophy. KELC will maintain an environment that is aligned to NAEYC’s quality benchmarks and adheres to our mission to develop fiscal viability through community and philanthropic resources.

Keyword: Shared Site

Keyword: Shared Site

Intergenerational Painting Programs are designed to give participants across the life span the opportunity to come together through art. Programs are held at nursing homes and senior centers in Hancock County and Allen County. Facilities are responsible for scheduling the class for their residents/ members, while the children/ students are responsible for registering via the AMA Studio or website.

The Avon Child Care Center has been serving the community since 1985. We were one of the first daycare centers in Ohio to have an intergenerational program. Intergenerational Child Care is based on the premise that it is natural for children to encounter people of all ages as they grow and to participate in activities with them.

The Intergenerational School (TIS) is a successful community public school located in Cleveland, Ohio. In this elementary school adults of all ages participate as co-learners in supporting life-long learning and spirited citizenship. The recipient of many local, national and international awards the model is now being replicated in Cleveland (Near West and Lakeshore Intergenerational Schools) and elsewhere. Studies demonstrate the value of the model for both children and elders, including those with cognitive challenges like dementia. The school has developed innovative programs in literacy, environment, health, information technology, and the arts. The school fosters collective wisdom in service of a sustainable future. Keyword: Shared Site

Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is an award-winning, evidence-based, intergenerational art-making program for people with dementia. Its failure-free program provides opportunities for creative self-expression and social engagement for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of neurocognitive disorders. Developed at Miami University’s Scripps Gerontology Center, the program is grounded in person-centered care principles with a mission to build bridges across age and cogni¬tive barriers through art. OMA sessions are led by trained facilitators. Each elder is paired with a trained volunteer who provides guidance during the art-making process but who makes no aesthetic decisions for the artist. The art-making sessions culminate in a gallery exhibition celebrating the art¬ists’ accomplishments while educating the public about the creative capacities of people with dementia. Awards: • Designated as a “Program of Distinction” by Generations United • Endorsed by the Ohio Department of Aging as a Quality Improvement Project • Best Practice award from Leading Age Ohio Keyword: Shared Site, Program of Distinction

One of our most successful relationships has been cultivated with Judson’s Daily Enrichment Center where adult daycare participants with developmental disabilities are so excited and appreciative to have TIS students join them for craft projects and learning based enrichment activities. These visits were 2-3 times more frequent than our traditional facility visits, and facility staff confirmed that there was a significant increase in resident involvement and participation when TIS students were working with them, along with a notable reduction in stress. TIS students were among hundreds in the community and thousands across the country serving through this program. TIS students chose to visit local assisted living facilities to talk with seniors as part of the Business Volunteers Unlimited Global Youth Service Day. Students as teachers is where TIS students worked with National Black Caucus clients who were trying to reenter the workforce, but needed basic computer skills. Our students taught the seniors how to navigate the internet, create a resume in Word, and set up and use an email account.

You can change a life by providing the individual attention that helps children build confidence and success. Opportunities are available in Akron Public Schools and 18 other U. S. cities. OASIS volunteer tutors are paired with children in grades K-3 who would benefit from a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Tutors are trained to work with kids using a proven approach to literacy that emphasizes reading, talking and writing. They meet with their students at least once a week throughout the school year, providing a caring, supportive environment where reading and language activities, keyed to the child’s interests, spark curiosity and learning.