“These resources help close the gap of experiences that aren’t readily available to us. That creates real equity.”- ChaVonne McGowan

ChaVonne McGowan, Director of Seeds of Knowledge Creative Learning Center, has held positions over the last 20 years as a teacher, dean of students, and even principal in Metro Detroit, making it almost second nature to her to create a curriculum that prepares both students and their parents for grade school.

Seeds of Knowledge first received a grant from Community Connections Grant Program in September of 2020 and hit the ground running with a yoga program specialized for young children and families. A young woman of color serves as the yoga instructor, creating a greater sense of representation among students and parents at the Early Learning Center.

Seeds of Knowledge Creative Learning Center takes an interesting approach to early childhood learning in the City of Detroit. The program supports children from the age of 6 weeks to 5 years of age to make healthy choices and practice coping mechanisms, aimed at creating self-management and emotional regulation skills in children.

Ms. McGowan regularly experiences  “Chill bumps and tear ups” when she observes the children using these self-management skills to aid with frustration and tantrums that tend to fall to mismanagement until they present themselves as behavioral issues in primary education.

The keys used to implement these skills are yoga and meditation, among other learning models developed by Ms. McGowan and packaged in simple, digestible lessons. Seeds of Knowledge exposes children to stretching, calming stimuli, regulated breathing, and even affirmations that empower children to maintain self-sufficiency.

“I am an amazing person. I can do anything I put my mind to because I am somebody.”

A simple affirmation recited by Ms. McGowan’s children at least twice a day has eased tantrums, built self-confidence, and given children lessons to take home, with some even showing their family members yoga poses.

With such an effective holistic approach to childcare and K-12 preparedness, Ms. McGowan found it hard to get resources and support, specifically for the age group and demographic of children she cares for. Community Connections, through the Bridging the Gap Rapid Response Covid-19 fund, awarded resources to support her project. It is important to support centers like hers so they have access to tools to sustain progress and implement ideas that will contribute to the program’s longevity.

When asked how partnering with Community Connections works for her organization, Ms. McGowan states that Community Connections reaches out to the Detroit community, showing an understanding that there’s a need for support for organizations and schools so kids can gain exposure to enriching experiences.

“These resources help close the gap of experiences that aren’t readily available to us. That creates real equity.”

Through grassroots grantmaking, Community Connections promotes racial equity by providing support and resources to organizations that aren’t generally visible in the realm of grantmaking and also facilitates the ideas of black, brown, and indigenous people working on the frontlines of issues that challenge us today. Seeds of Knowledge is just one example of how we can close the gap in opportunities and resources available for children in the City of Detroit.

Community Connections Grant program administers the Bridging the Gap Rapid Response Covid-19 Fund and Child-Centric Hope Starts Here grant opportunities through our grantmaking platform for early childhood providers and those supporting families of young children in Detroit. Please call us for more information about these grant opportunities. We provide resources for cleaning, disinfecting, technology and narrative experiences surrounding Covid-19. 

Please call us for more information about these grant opportunities at 313-782-4042.