November 2022

Market Street is a hub for Wilmington’s cultural assets, with The Grand, The Queen, and the Playhouse on Rodney Square all located on five city blocks. Anchoring this lineup is the Christina Cultural Arts Center (CCAC), an integrated arts and academic program that uses the power of art to promote school success for Wilmington’s youth, the most crucial asset for the city’s future.

A part of CCAC’s work is teaching and caring for the community’s youngest members through the Early Childhood Education Arts Academy. The program serves three-year-olds through five-year-olds and employs the fine arts to teach educational concepts.

“Art is another teaching tool,” said Shysheika Edwards, the program’s educational director. “We know the brain is developing quickly during the early years. Drama, dance, music, and art help us better address and connect with a child’s potential.”

This integration plays out in a lot of different ways. For example, educators use rhythm sticks to teach math, counting, and music concepts/notes. They utilize songs to teach social and emotional skills by acting out scenarios. When singing the “Going on a Bear Hunt” song, children express curiosity and fear while exploring movement and learning sequences.

In addition to the activities throughout the day, students participate in dedicated music and art classes during the week, culminating in three performances to celebrate Kwanza, Black History Month, and graduation.

“These performances teach children to work in larger groups, build confidence, and follow directions,” said Shysheika. “The shyest students find their voice.”

Equally as important, the celebrations bring together the community. The academy provides its students a quality education with family engagement at the heart of their work. Their enrollment includes ECAP slots which provide state funding to programs, helping families living in poverty.

ECAP funding requires the program to work toward Head Start standards. These standards, in part, focus on family engagement. Shysheika partners with Daphne Edwards, family services coordinator, who supports families though home visits.

“We empower parents through many initiatives,” said Daphne. “Parents participate in the policy council, so they are invested in the program. We want them to know that their presence matters in children’s lives.”

To this end, the academy builds partnerships with the families that often extend to many generations of the same family.

“We serve as a resource when a family has a need,” said Daphne. “We are who they call.” Shysheika’s echoes her thoughts. “We build a bond with a purpose. They know we are here to build community founded on respect.”

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