Child Opportunity Zones -- Rhode Island’s Full Service Community Schools Model
Overview
Rhode Island’s Child Opportunity Zones (COZs) are a full service community school model
of school-linked family centers that bring schools, families and communities together
to promote success in school for all children and youth. COZs are welcoming places in
or near schools where families can access education, health and social service programs,
supports and referrals to address barriers to student achievement at the highest levels.
Each COZ bases its coordinated system of services, programs and supports on the
individual needs and resources of its schools, families and community.
Things to Know About Child Opportunity Zones
- COZs are guided by a set of Program Performance Standards and Indicators.
- COZs are part of Rhode Island’s education strategy to support student success;
- COZs are overseen by governing bodies, including principals, school personnel, families, community agencies,
and other community members;
- COZs integrate and coordinate education, health and social services with community partners;
- COZs are designed to maximize resources and avoid duplication by linking families to COZ programs and
to existing school and community resources;
- COZs strive to remain responsive to their school communities as they grow and change.
Examples of Services Offered
The following list provides examples of the kinds of services, programs and supports are offered by COZs:
- Before and after school programs
- Early childhood programs
- Adult education, including GED, ESL, basic literacy, etc.
- Health screenings
- Legal aid
- Referrals to social service and health service agencies
- Family engagement activities to support families involvement in their child’s school or
child’s educational process
- Parent leadership training and opportunities
COZ Locations and Contact Information
The Child Opportunity Zones are an initiative of the Rhode Island Department of Education
and form a statewide network of 10 COZ sites in the following communities: Bristol Warren;
Central Falls; Cranston; Middletown; Newport; North Kingstown; Pawtucket; Providence;
Westerly; Woonsocket.
For contact information,
click here.
Resource Links
Program Manager Contact Information
Jackie Ascrizzi, EdM, COZ Manager
Rhode Island Department of Education
255 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903
401-222-8953
Jackie.Ascrizzi@ride.ri.gov