Latest news with #TheChildren'sTrust
Miami Herald
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
The Children's Trust: Program allows parents to get a pass for summer
While our children often experience summer with wide-eyed excitement - picturing endless playdates, pool days, and screen time - parents often brace themselves for the real summer marathon. Gone are the structured school hours that gave parents precious windows to work, run errands or simply breathe. With school out, routines can easily fly out the window as well and, for many, stress can fly in. Summer may feel like a season of leisure for kids, but for parents, it's often a three-month juggling act with no intermission. Summer can be filled with long, unscheduled days without meaningful activities if parents and caregivers don't prepare. Plus, fewer than half of American families will take a summer vacation this year, according to recent studies. For many, the classic summer getaway is more a fantasy than a plan. It's enough to make parents yearn for a break - a pass, even. And now, they just might get one. The Children's Trust is offering a refreshing new initiative as part of its already popular Parent Club aimed at supporting parents exactly when they need it most. It's called the Parent Club Pass, and while it won't give you a literal time-out, it offers something even better: family rewards and recognition for parents who take an active role in growing their parenting skills and connecting with others. Here's how it works: By attending three different Parent Club workshops, parents qualify to receive a Parent Club Pass. This pass unlocks free access to local family-friendly outings like theater or sports events, movie nights, or admission to popular attractions like museums and parks. It's a small gesture with big impact — a way of saying, 'We see you, parents, and we appreciate what you do.' These aren't dry lectures either. Parent Club workshops are offered in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, and they're designed to be welcoming and practical. The sessions cover topics for parents and caregivers of children at every developmental stage, into the teen years. Parents who attend in-person workshops at some locations benefit from free child care for kids ages 3 to 12, snacks and a chance to win raffle prizes. For those who prefer the comfort of home, virtual workshops are available too. The program not only equips parents with real-life tools for handling everyday challenges — from tantrums to teen troubles — but also fosters a sense of community. That's crucial in a time when parenting can feel incredibly isolating. For many, the Parent Club is as much about connection as it is about education. Credits toward the Parent Club Pass are earned by attending different workshops and completing a short survey. Once you've racked up three credits, The Children's Trust will send you a notification to redeem your pass. It's that simple. For more information and to sign up for a workshop, visit And the support doesn't stop there. Parents can also take advantage of The Children's Trust's upcoming 2025 Family Expo, happening August 2 at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds. This free, family-centered event offers everything from school supplies to games, entertainment and connections to helpful local child and family programs. It's a great one-stop-shop to prepare for back-to-school season while also having some fun. Learn more at Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County Public Schools is also offering its Parent Summer Academy, a series of webinars and watch parties in July designed to build community and share valuable resources. It's another way to plug into learning, support, and shared experiences— without leaving your house. Visit Parenting in the summer may not always be easy, but with programs like the Parent Club Pass and other family-friendly initiatives, this season can be a time for connection, growth, and a bit of joy. So here's to making the most of the sunshine months — not just for our children but for ourselves, too. Let's turn this summer into a time where we all get a little something back. Director of Programs Bevone Ritchie, M.S., oversees a wide range of parenting and family development programs across the county for The Children's Trust. For more information, visit
Miami Herald
30-04-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
From hospitals to warnings: Eight ways healthcare is changing in Miami
Health Care From hospitals to warnings: Eight ways healthcare is changing in Miami Miami's healthcare landscape is rapidly changing, bringing both innovation and new concerns. Hospital collaborations like the Nicklaus Children's and Broward Health partnership will give kids better access to specialty care, while upgrades like Nicklaus's new surgical tower introduce advanced tools such as robotics and virtual reality. The region is also seeing a wave of neighborhood expansions, with the University of Miami Health System and Baptist Health opening new outpatient centers in growth areas like Doral. At the same time, warnings about patient safety have surfaced, like the elevator malfunctions at the Miami VA or threats to maternity care at Palmetto General Hospital. Rising parental stress is a growing issue, prompting resources from groups like The Children's Trust, as families juggle access, affordability, and quality in a healthcare system facing worker shortages and infrastructure challenges. Nurses train to use the equipment of the operating room in the new Kenneth C. Griffin surgical tower at Nicklaus Children's Hospital on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Miami, Fla. The operating rooms of the new building are 800 square feet and among the biggest in the country. NO. 1: 'HOSPITAL WITHIN A HOSPITAL.' NICKLAUS CHILDREN'S OPENS NEW SURGERY HUB WITH SPECIAL TECH Here's what we know | Published November 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante The Children's Trust offers help to parents facing excessive stress. NO. 2: U.S. SURGEON GENERAL ISSUES ADVISORY ON PARENTAL STRESS; CHILDREN'S TRUST CAN HELP U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says today's parents have more to deal with than ever. | Published November 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Bevone Ritchie Florida has experienced an outbreak of measles, including among children in Broward County. NO. 3: NICKLAUS CHILDREN'S AND BROWARD HEALTH TEAM UP FOR CARE. WHAT IT MEANS FOR PATIENTS The initiative will give Broward Health pediatric patients access to certain Nicklaus specialists. | Published November 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa is a stunning escape for wellness lovers. NO. 4: THIS YEAR, RESET YOUR MIND AND BODY AT THESE SERENE FLORIDA WELLNESS DESTINATIONS Dreaming of pure relaxation? Discover Florida's top retreats for spa days, Turkish baths and serene escapes that will leave you glowing inside and out. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Caraway-Carlton The Miami VA Hospital By Miami Herald File NO. 5: 'LIKE PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE.' PLUNGING ELEVATORS SCARE, HURT PEOPLE AT MIAMI HOSPITAL 'A place of healing ... is not supposed to have death trap elevators.' | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante Three employees leave Palmetto General Hospital through the emergency entrance on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Hialeah, Fla. By Sophia Bolivar NO. 6: CAN THIS MATERNITY WARD BE SAVED? DOCTORS, NURSES SOUND ALARM AT A MIAMI-AREA HOSPITAL "If the maternity unit closes, I have no idea where I will give birth.' | Published February 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Verónica Egui Brito Michelle Marchante Recently installed air-conditioning units at 2840-2842 NW 10th Avenue in Miami, Florida. Federal housing doesn't require air-conditioning, but Miami-Dade County is funding new A/C units for hundreds of public housing apartments. By Jose A. Iglesias NO. 7: ON SWELTERING MIAMI SUMMER DAYS, IT CAN BE HOTTER INSIDE HOMES THAN OUT, STUDY FINDS 'Everyone in Miami has AC. The question is does it work and can you afford to use it?' | Published March 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Harris An external view of the new UHealth Doral Medical Center during its grand opening event on Thursday, November 21, 2024. By Alexia Fodere NO. 8: A GROWING MEDICAL HUB IS CHANGING HEALTHCARE IN MIAMI. WHAT'S DRIVING THE NEW PUSH? 'Every major system is expanding. The whole area is hot now.' | Published March 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Miami Herald
14-04-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Get started early to avoid the summer slide for your child
The 'summer slide' is an academic regression that happens when children take a break from studies during the summer. A Brown University study of summer learning loss concluded that 'some students maintain their school-year learning rate throughout the summer, while others can lose almost as much ground as they had gained in the preceding school year.' Not every child will experience this phenomenon, but parents can proactively help avoid it by keeping children's brains engaged on those long summer days in various ways, including hundreds of free summer camps across Miami-Dade County. Though kids are still in the last months of the school year, the time to start making preparations for summer learning is now! A Summer of Learning for All Many young children at risk of falling behind are not provided with meaningful summer activities to help them preserve or expand upon their learning during the school year. That is why The Children's Trust is proud to fund thousands of activities for children of all ages year-round, not only during the academic year. Additionally, Children's Trust-funded youth development programs ensure that children and youth living with disabilities across Miami-Dade County can participate in summer camps. On the other hand, if your teenager prefers the sound of a 'summer of earning' to a 'summer of learning,' sign them up for the Summer Youth Internship Program. The Children's Trust also helps fund this paid internship program available to rising 10-12th graders. Organizations and companies in a multitude of industries will keep them busy for five weeks with real work, during which they'll earn a $1,500 stipend and learn crucial life skills. Learn more at Sign Up for the Perfect Summer! Summers don't have to be about learning loss. In fact, they're a great opportunity for kids to find something new to love, to explore specific subjects that they are already passionate about and to make new friends. The Children's Trust invests the largest portion of its budget in youth enrichment activities, including summer camps. From STEM classes with a focus on coding and technology, musical programs and dance-focused summer camps, or sports-centered programs, there are a whole host of low-cost and free programs across Miami-Dade County that offer something for all interest. Finding the Right Activity Finding the right activity to suit your kid's unique needs and interests can be overwhelming. Before settling on a camp, consider whether the location, hours, staffing, safety protocols and activities sound like a good fit for your child - and, for older kids, get them to help with the selection process. A recent analysis of a study into the impact of structured summer programming found that 'many marginalized children do not participate in summer programming' and 'many children do not engage in summer programming, and among those who do, the attendance rate is low.' One reason families don't sign up for available programming is that they don't know how to find the right one. For the third year, The Trust continues joining forces with Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Jewish Community Services of South Florida for the More Summer Camp Choices Campaign. Families needing help finding the right summer camp or activity can call the 211 helpline or visit to see many great programs in one place. Parents can also go to to find a program. Climb the Summer Slide Together The summer can be a great opportunity to build new family habits. If you can't be together during the day, set aside time to connect as a family in the evening. Consider working on a shared project like building a model, cooking new meals together or playing board games as a family. These practices turn attention away from screens and help keep your child's brain engaged at home during the summer. An evening reading routine is also beneficial for the whole family. For parents with newborns up to 5 years old, The Children's Trust Book Club provides age-appropriate books in English and Spanish delivered every month for free. This practice can foster a better relationship with your child and help with childhood language and cognitive development. Yvette Thompson-Echevarria, Associate Director of Programs at The Children's Trust, joined The Children's Trust in March 2021. She has extensive program management experience working with nonprofit and community-based organizations focused on education and family engagement.
CBS News
03-03-2025
- General
- CBS News
Free book programs inspire young readers across South Florida during Read Across America Week
It's Read Across America Week, a time to celebrate and encourage literacy and some local programs are determined to create the next generation of book lovers and the books they offer are free. Valeria Amaral-Gomez shares her love of reading with her daughter, 16-month-old Alessandra. "It's something that you teach. It's not something that's just innate. And I wanted to make it a priority for her," Amaral-Gomez said. "We've been going to the library at least 3 times a week. Different libraries across Miami have different programs depending on age group," she said. "She's been able to talk a lot and says a lot of words and I really believe that's because we read at least 2 to 3 times a day. The average children's book costs between $8 and $10, but most of the books in Alessandra's collection were totally free! Alessandra is part of the Book Club, a program offered through The Children's Trust in Miami-Dade. Kids from birth to 5 years old can get one free book a month to keep. Alessandra gets books in both English and Spanish. "We're engaging children around a love of reading and then a love of learning later in life," said Daniella Barreras, the Associate Director of Community Engagement for The Children's Trust. "It's also about building that home library and that exposure at home so that by the time a child walks into kindergarten, they are ready for whatever is going to come their way." As a former educator, Barreras said some children are not ready to read in time for school. "I spent a lot of time in classrooms, and one thing that will resonate with me for the rest of my life is working specifically with kindergartners and when I distributed the books for our reading time, there were children in our classroom that didn't know which way to hold those books. And so from a very early point in my career, this concept of access and exposure to books is key for a child's success," she said. Each book delivery also comes with an activity sheet for parents and children to do together. Fifty thousand local children, including Alessandra, currently receive this special delivery. "I've shared it so much with all of my other friends that have kids and they were blown away," said Amaral-Gomez. So many people didn't know. I feel like it's such a great resource that so many people don't know about." Learn more about the Children's Trust Book Club here. Broward has a similar program called " Broward Bookworms."
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Miami Herald
10-02-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
The Children's Trust: What to do when your child needs more academic help
From pressure from grades and exams to stress and difficulty, there are many reasons why a child may need academic support beyond the classroom. Parents and caretakers who haven't had to solve algebraic equations since grade school or have to work more hours to cover household costs, also face additional strain, leaving less time to help children study at home. If you notice signs that your child needs additional help, remember that this doesn't reflect your parenting style or effort. One study published in the National Library of Medicine examined the effect of extracurricular tutoring on adolescent students and concluded that 'the cognitive ability level of teenagers who participated in extracurricular tutoring was significantly higher than those who did not participate in extracurricular tutoring,' which begs the question: Why not bring in the experts to help with algebra so you don't have to try to remember it? When is it Time to Seek Help? It's not always apparent that your child needs help to reach their academic potential. Here are some telltale signs that you can look out for: Grades dropping: The most obvious sign that a child may need more help is if grades start dropping in certain subjects. Avoiding homework: If your child is avoiding doing homework, this could indicate that they don't know how to do it and need help. Stressed or disorganized: Organization and development of study habits are a key part of academic success. If your child doesn't seem to know how to study for an upcoming test, isn't aware of upcoming assignments, or is repeatedly losing assignments, this could indicate that they need to develop specific skills to help with organization and study (you or your child): We aren't all natural mathematicians or writers. It's okay to seek outside help if you stare at your kid's homework and can't figure it out. Homework Help & Tutoring Program Finding someone to help your child reach their academic goals doesn't have to affect your monthly budget. Since 2018, The Children's Trust has partnered with the Miami-Dade County Public Library System to offer the Homework Help & Tutoring Program, which provides free online and in-person tutoring by certified teachers in reading, math, and science. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the program conducted more than 40,000 sessions for Miami-Dade County students between K-12th grades. The program is available online on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and in person on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 29 public library locations throughout the county. Students can sign up for the program at More Helpful Programs High-quality summer and after-school programming can have lasting positive effects on children's quality of life. The Children's Trust funds various programs for all ages of students that include K-5 classes with general group literacy activities, and small-group literacy instruction for children reading below grade level, as well as STEM, arts, and specialized programming for children with disabilities. For grades 6-12, the focus shifts to academic success, social and emotional learning, career skill-building, as well as arts, STEM, civic engagement, sports, entrepreneurship, and college readiness. Miami-Dade County Public Schools offers public elementary and secondary grade students help in English, math, science, and more with the Pop n' Prep free homework program online, Monday through Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Students can register from 3-8 p.m. for sessions up to 24 hours in advance. They will need access to Microsoft Outlook and Teams and can visit to schedule a session. Individual schools also offer tutoring and homework help and students can contact them directly for more information. While there are many ways to improve academically during the school year, it's essential to continue learning during the summer. If students don't, they could experience a 'summer slide' where academic performance stalls or declines, with patterns even stronger for disadvantaged children.' In 2022, the portions of Miami-Dade fourth graders scoring proficient or above on the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) indicated significant racial disparities, with 21 percent of Black, 40 percent of Hispanic, and 64 percent of White students reaching this achievement. Summer camps can protect against learning loss (especially in reading) while school is out. Find a program near you at The Children's Trust is proud to fund these exceptional programs that give families across Miami-Dade access to more academic help after the bell rings. However, if your budget allows, private tutoring services are also available. This type of tutoring is usually one-to-one and more focused on specific areas a student is struggling in. How to Talk to Your Child About Tutoring One stumbling block parents may encounter in their journey towards better academic outcomes for their children is resistance or lack of interest. That's why it's essential to approach the subject positively with care and compassion. After all, your child may feel shame or embarrassment if they start slipping academically. Be positive about areas they are doing well in before asking them if there's anything they think they need additional help with. Invite them to help choose a tutor and a time that works for them, so it feels more like a group decision and less like a punishment. This additional support may make a significant difference for your child as they continue their academic progress toward success. Danielle Barreras, Associate Director of Community Engagement for The Children's Trust, is an advocate for children & families, and a subject matter expert on literacy initiatives and partnerships. As an educator for over a decade, she is a community connector with a track record of developing collaborative efforts that positively impact children.
