Our children:
Unstoppable
Early childhood education can be the difference between being left behind and leading the way. At SouthSide, we’ve been helping kids become unstoppable for over 130 years.
Our Approach
A child’s developing world is a complex thing. In the earliest years of life, more than 1 million new neural connections form every second. How we interact with, respond to, and nurture children feeds or starves these connections, directly impacting brain development.*
We utilize brain research like this to develop holistic strategies to teach and care for our children at SouthSide.
Our Mission
At SouthSide, we know that early childhood education can be the difference between being left behind and leading the way. We are an early childhood center that creates equitable and inclusive learning opportunities and support services for all children and families. We work alongside families to eliminate bias and actively strive for an antiracist approach to all our practices, programs, policies, and platforms.
Today, we do this through education, health, connection, and thought leadership. This is how we create unstoppable futures.
Our Programs
SouthSide serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years and their families. While little ones are playing, napping, and discovering their world, their brain architecture is being developed, determining so much more than we can imagine. We help families understand critical developmental milestones—and help them achieve their own goals.
At SouthSide kids and their families thrive.
Early Childhood
The foundation of our early childhood program is the Creative Curriculum. Each day children take part in carefully planned experiences that promote their interest and growth in literacy, art, mathematics, science, social studies, music and movement.
family support
Stable families are essential to healthy early childhood development. At SouthSide, families—however they are defined for our children—are our partners in their children’s education, social development and growth.
Our Team
We are driven by the real and incredible opportunity to have a hand in reshaping the future. We put our aspirations of equity into action by advocating for opportunity—by helping children who have been disadvantaged by society or circumstance unleash their potential. One day at a time, one child at a time.
Get Involved
We don’t do this alone—our wide network of supporters makes amazing things possible. Join us.
Volunteer
Give your time, give your heart. SouthSide offers volunteer opportunities for middle, high school, and college students, as well as groups and individuals.
Meet our supporters
Our Board members and Young Friends are some of our greatest allies and advocates. Help us further our mission with your passion and expertise.
Stay Informed
Our work is ever-evolving—keep up with the latest in our Media Center. Check out additional Parent and Advocacy Resources, and connect with our Community Partners.
donate
High-quality birth-to-five programs for disadvantaged children can deliver a 13% per year return on investment.*
"Why aren't we making investments in life-changing early childhood development for disadvantaged children? Two things: unfounded doubt, and fear of doing things differently."
—James Heckman, Nobel Laureate in Economics
Your donations help children and their families thrive. Thank you.
