Early Child Development

COA takes a holistic, family-centered approach to enhance learning, where young children and caregivers have the support they need to thrive.

  • Our two, five-star NAEYC accredited Early Education Centers provide safe nurturing environments where children foster critical skills and social-emotional development to help them become successful, lifelong learners.
  • HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters), an internationally recognized bilingual literacy and school-readiness program, empowers parents as their child’s first teacher.

Youth Development

COA provides Milwaukee youth with programming and resources that help drive academic achievement and foster personal development in supportive environments.

  • COA provides after-school and summer programming for youth (6-18) at our two community centers and six Milwaukee Public Schools CLCs. Programs include daily academic enrichment, tutoring and homework help, and recreational/enrichment activities.
  • Camp Helen Brachman, located in central Wisconsin, hosts summer camps, winter camps, and family camps with expert-guided programs in nature, art, swimming, boating, and archery.

Community Development

COA believes that the best way to understand the needs and goals of a community is to listen to them. By embracing a place-based focus, we are able to access community resources to rapidly respond to the needs of the community.

  • Kadish & Moody Park bring people together through programming and events such as the Skyline Music Series, Safe Summer Kick-Off and Beyond the Bookbag, and Community Fun Nights.
  • COA’s two Family Resource Centers offer programming for families and resources based on community needs such as food pantries, energy assistance information, and more.