Shalini’s Story

Shalini is a young woman who knows exactly where she’s headed. A chance experience tutoring young children as a high school student while in SCO’s foster care program ignited her passion for teaching, and now guides her every step.

With a razor-sharp focus on achieving her goals, Shalini has mapped out her immediate and long-term plans. First, she’ll graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree in early education. And then it’s off to graduate school to earn her master’s in teaching. A few years ago, these might have been considered lofty goals, but with the right supports in place, Shalini is well on her way.

Shalini was placed in SCO’s Foster Care program after the death of her father 9 years ago. While safe and well-cared for by her foster family, she was angry and worried about the future. “I needed a team to support me and advise me, and give me the right tools to succeed,” she reflects.

And a team is exactly what she received. SCO provided the resources, services, and guidance she needed to become her best self. During high school, a team of education and mental health specialists helped Shalini overcome obstacles and helped her to realize she “did not have to transition to adulthood alone.” She participated in mentoring programs, made new connections, and built relationships with other young adults in care. As her confidence grew, Shalini began tutoring children from a nearby elementary school as part of her program with SCO. That was the “aha” moment that shaped her future. She fell in love with teaching!

When it was time for college, SCO’s staff helped Shalini complete applications, navigate financial aid, and apply to the Dorm Project, which enables her to live in a college dorm all year round. Her SCO coach remains a constant presence and is even helping Shalini work towards getting a driver’s license.

Today, Shalini is a rising junior at Hunter College, and we have no doubt she will achieve all she sets out to accomplish.

Brooklyn Early Childhood Programs – Register Today!

SCO helps get children off to a healthy start with center-based programs for young families. Our Early Childhood Education Centers in Brooklyn have immediate openings! We offer high quality, full day instruction. Our programs support English and dual-language learners, and children with IEPs. Our warm and welcoming programs encourage families to become active partners in their child’s academic growth and language development.

Program Highlights

Year-round, full day 3K, Pre-K, and extended day options
Free or low-cost child care for eligible families
Enhanced safety measures including daily health screenings and temperature checks
Literacy and math activities prepare children for success in kindergarten
Outdoor play space, plus art, music, and drama
Healthy breakfast, lunch, and snacks
NYS Certified Teachers

Want to learn more? Complete the form below

Name*
First Last
Email Address*
Phone Number*
Address*
Street Address City ZIP / Postal Code
Child's Name
First Last
Child's Date of Birth

Programs in Brooklyn

FirstStepNYC: 225 Newport Street, Brooklyn, NY 11212

FirstStepNYC is a state of the art early education center providing high-quality education services and parenting support to pregnant women and families with children six weeks to five years old. The center is co-located with PS/IS 41, a K-8 elementary and middle school in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Learn more»

Morris Koppelman Early Childhood Center: 774 Saratoga Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11212

The Center in Brownsville, Brooklyn offers a full-day academic program for children 2.9 to 5 years of age. The program fosters children’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional development, giving all children the tools they need to succeed in school and meet their full potential. Learn more»