Education & Family Programs
Educating Children
Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center offers a comprehensive program of school-readiness training, fine and performing arts, recreation, health and nutrition, social development and field-trip enrichment specifically designed to prepare at-risk children to begin public school on equal footing with their classmates.
We Are:
Accredited by: The National Accreditation Commission (NAC)
Recognized as: Gold Seal School of Excellence by the Florida Department of Children & Families
Pre-kindergarten training can change a child’s life. Children who have completed high quality pre-schools demonstrate greater academic and social competence during their academic careers than those who have been deprived of the experience.
Opportunity’s outstanding early education programs provide economically disadvantaged parents the ability to make the most of their children’s immense learning potential during their formative, pre-school years. The Opportunity program enables the children to be well prepared for entry into Kindergarten, and provides a foundation for success in school and ultimately in life.
Studies* show that children who attend a high quality preschool:
- Spend 1.3 fewer years in special education classes.
- Are twice as likely to have positive relationships with their families.
- Have a 44% higher high school graduation rate.
- Produce 50% fewer teen pregnancies.
- Are 46% less likely to serve time in prison.
By providing excellence in education, a professional, nurturing and caring staff, as well as an environment conducive to learning through discovery and creativity, Opportunity's children are prepared for a lifetime of positive learning. Since 1939, we have provided thousands of children in our community the benefit of learning, laughter and hope.
Facts About Opportunity
- Incorporated January 25, 1939
- Approximately 5000 children have attended Opportunity since its founding
- Opportunity received Charity Navigator's highest rating-- 4 stars
- Opportunity has a Gold Seal of Excellence from The Florida Department of Children and Families
- Opportunity is a Strong Minds Network Provider: Children's Service Council of Palm Beach County
- Average tenure for an Opportunity teacher is approximately 7 years.
- Children go on approximately 20 field trips each year.
- Opportunity's programs meet the Florida Early Learning & Developmental Standards. Opportunity follows a comprehensive teaching cycle to meet and exceed all Florida early learning standards using a curriculum encompassing state-of-the-art tools, individualized planning and implementation, and continual observation and assessment of instructional techniques and student achievement.
- Opportunity has consistently run at capacity for the last 4+years.
- Opportunity routinely has a waiting list of approximately 300 children.
- Opportunity is one of the first 6 schools in Palm Beach County to participate in the Gold Online Pilot Program conducted by the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County.
- Opportunity is one of 3 schools in Palm Beach County to participate in the S.T.E.A.M. project. This PNC Bank funded project incorporates science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics into all aspects of the learning environment.
- All parents are required to work and contribute financially to their child's education
- All parents are required to complete volunteer hours at the center and participate in seminars
Success Stories
Opportunity offers a hand up, not a hand out.
When a parent enrolls their child at Opportunity, they become our partners in helping their child succeed. We require that at least one parent is working. Tuition is determined on a sliding scale based on income levels. Parents are also requird to complete workshops and volunteer hours each school year. Our goal is to not only offer the best possible education to our students, but also encourage their families to improve their lives.
Opportunity is a village
Through collaboration with other organizations, families at Opportunity are provided with support to work through the obstacles of medical expenses, child care, transportation and other basic needs.
Opportunity Early Childhood
Education & Family Center
4171 Westgate Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
