The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) launched a grant initiative entitled The Basics Movement in June 2023.
By using sociological saturation within TFEC’s service area, families and communities can learn these techniques from trusted providers. In turn, children can then experience the crucial development they need from birth to age 5 in order to be ready to succeed in school and in life. Achievement disparities between children from different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds will shrink as children from all backgrounds start school better prepared.
Goal
Implement The Basics principles within TFEC’s service area, with five selected partners set to receive $50,000 each over the next four years (2023-2026) in two phases. The funds are intended to bolster existing programs or seamlessly integrate The Basics strategy into their programs.
Phase 1
Started in June 2023 with three organizations in Cumberland, Franklin, and Lebanon Counties.
TFEC selected the United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County and Lebanon Family Health Services as the inaugural recipients of this funding. Each will receive $50,000 over the next three years to support their programs.
Phase 2
Started in July 2024 with two additional organizations serving Dauphin and Perry Counties.
TFEC selected Latino Connection Foundation (Dauphin County) and Perry County Literacy Council (Perry County) as the recipients of this funding. Each will receive $50,000 over the next three years.
About The Basics
The Basics, initially developed by Dr. Ron Ferguson at Harvard in 2016, is a scientifically proven strategy focused on five key principles for early learning and brain development. The ultimate mission of The Basics is to foster social, emotional, and cognitive skill-building among children from birth to age 5, creating a solid foundation for school readiness across entire communities.
The five Basic Principles are as follows:
- Maximize Love, Manage Stress
- Talk, Sing, and Point
- Count, Group, and Compare
- Explore Through Movement and Play
- Read and Discuss Stories
