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| Mercy
Learning Center offers two core programs - part-time, one-on-one
or group Tutoring and full-time, classroom-based Intensive Study. The
Center is open year-round for tutoring and computer classes.
However, the full-time classes follow the ten-month Bridgeport
school system calendar, beginning in September and ending
in June, so as to reduce conflicts for women with children
in the public school system.
INTENSIVE
STUDY PROGRAM
If a woman's skills and readiness are appropriate for small
group instruction, and her schedule will permit full-time
attendance, she is placed in the Intensive Study Program.
Students admitted to the Intensive Study Program receive four
hours per day of basic instruction, five hours of computer
instruction each week, and Enrichment sessions that take place
periodically on specialized topics including financial literacy,
parenting and family life, gardening, immigration and cultural
issues, health and well-being, and employment and college
preparation. In addition, the Center offers weekly extracurricular
classes throughout the program year, in topics such as sewing,
quilting, cooking, exercise, and art.
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| TUTORING
PROGRAM
Students in the Tutoring Program receive individual basic
skills instruction from trained volunteer tutors in two-hour
sessions twice a week. For many women, individualized instruction
builds a level of trust and intimacy with their tutor, and
fosters an ideal environment for learning and personal growth.
In addition
to basic skills instruction, tutored students are strongly
encouraged to attend computer classes, and to participate
in extracurricular activities and enrichment workshops. |
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| SUPPORT
SERVICES |
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The
Computer Lab is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Our state-of-the-art lab is equipped with 24 workstations
and a variety of software, ranging from beginner keyboarding
programs to Microsoft Office. MLC's computer curriculum offers
women the opportunity to learn both basic and complex material
related to technology in a self-paced environment. Keyboarding
is taught to women who have never learned how to type or to
those who wish to improve their speed and accuracy. In addition
to basic typing, lessons include ESL support, Internet research,
and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Students
gain essential skills needed to further their education, obtain
and sustain post-minimum wage employment, and compete in a
technology-savvy workforce. |
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| Learning
Specialist - All students have access to the Learning
Specialist, who works to assess the varied and
multi-faceted barriers to learning that many of our participants
face. She is utilized for her skills in identifying these barriers,
which allows instructors and tutors to focus on individual strengths
and weaknesses in learning styles and to adopt appropriate techniques
to facilitate learning in each student. She is key to a small
population of students who upon testing are identified as having
a learning disability, as well as to a larger population of
participants who face challenges due to cultural and/or language
issues. |
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Social
Services - Because of the nature of the student population,
counseling is essential. An on-site, certified Social Worker and/or Case Manager
identify potential areas of conflict, provide individual counseling
and make referrals to outside agencies when necessary. These
professionals are available to students as needed and are
instrumental in helping students address the issues that could
potentially keep them from reaching their educational goals.
Educational Child Care - To further reduce
potential barriers to consistent attendance and/or learning,
Mercy Learning Center provides free, on-site care for infants
and toddlers while their mothers are in class. In 2005, a
toddler pre-literacy and school readiness program was introduced.
Mothers and their children meet weekly to attend an intergenerational
class designed to model parent/child reading activities. A
special bond between mother and child develops as they build
a love of reading together. Youngsters also benefit from the
learning centers and age-appropriate exercises that prepare
them for kindergarten.
Mercy's Closet - Generous donations of "gently
used" women's and children's clothing are displayed in the
Center's clothing boutique called "Mercy's Closet."
Students are able to "shop" for clothing for themselves and
their children, if needed. Women who are preparing for a job
interview are encouraged the visit the Closet to select appropriate
business attire.
Mercy's
Pantry - Students in need of assistance meet with
the MLC Social Worker and/or Case Manager to determine needs. In addition to receiving
non-perishable food items, they receive budget counseling
and, if appropriate, are referred to outside agencies for
ongoing assistance. |
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