Early Childhood Initiative (ECI)
Early Childhood Initiative (ECI)
Preparing Our Youngest Learners. Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities.
At the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA), we believe that a strong start in life builds the foundation for lifelong success. Through Building for Tomorrow (BFT), AMHA’s nonprofit arm, our Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) ensures that children ages 0–5 living in AMHA housing are prepared for kindergarten and beyond.
Launched in 2007, ECI was created to support the more than 3,000 children under age five living in AMHA communities and to empower parents as their child’s first and most important teacher.
Our Commitment
ECI is grounded in AMHA’s vision that adequate resources and a strong sense of community empower families to become independent, educated, healthy, and self-sufficient.
Our programming incorporates comprehensive early childhood content areas recommended by the State of Ohio and utilized by Summit County’s First Things First initiative.
We focus on:
- Kindergarten readiness
- Early literacy and cognitive development
- Physical and behavioral health
- Parent education and engagement
- Connecting families to supportive services
Our Programs
The Early Childhood Initiative includes two evidence-based home visitation programs that prepare children for kindergarten:
Parents as Teachers (PAT)
A nationally recognized home-visiting model that supports parents in understanding child development and building strong parent-child relationships.
Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK)
A kindergarten readiness program designed to ensure four-year-olds are academically and socially prepared for school.
Through these programs, families receive personalized guidance, developmental screenings, hands-on learning activities, and connections to community resources.
Our Impact
ECI continues to make measurable differences in the lives of AMHA families:
- 403 individuals participated in Early Childhood events in 2022
- 20,205 diapers distributed to support growing families
- 62.5% of SPARK four-year-olds reached eight lessons and successfully transitioned to kindergarten
These outcomes reflect more than numbers — they represent children entering school confident, prepared, and ready to thrive.
Integrated Support for Families
ECI is part of AMHA’s broader Resident Services framework, which connects families to education, health, financial stability, and supportive resources.
By aligning early childhood programming with housing stability and family support services, AMHA ensures families receive comprehensive, wraparound care that addresses both immediate needs and long-term success.
Why Early Childhood Matters
Research consistently shows that the earliest years of life are the most critical for brain development and long-term academic and social outcomes. By investing early, we:
- Strengthen school readiness
- Improve long-term educational achievement
- Support healthier families
- Promote generational self-sufficiency
- At AMHA, we do not simply provide housing — we build foundations for the future.
Get Involved
If you are an AMHA resident interested in enrolling in the Early Childhood Initiative or learning more:
Resident Services: 330-376-9699
Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
100 West Cedar Street
Akron, OH 44307
Together, we are preparing children for kindergarten, empowering parents, and building stronger communities — one family at a time.