About
Our Mission at Malaika Early Learning Center is to work collaboratively with families to establish a strong academic, social and emotional foundation in the lives of Milwaukee’s economically disadvantaged children, all of whom deserve opportunities for excellence in education regardless of their socio-economic situations or family structure.
Who We Serve
Located on 1st Street and Auer Avenue in the northeast Milwaukee neighborhood of Harambee, Malaika is accredited by Cognia and licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families to serve 70 children at a time between the ages of 6 weeks and 12 years in its early childhood private education program. Malaika also offers an early elementary private education program for scholars in K4 – 3rd grade.
The enrollment in the K4 – 3rd grade programs averages about 100 children. On an average day, over 120 children receive services at Malaika. Our children come from neighborhoods across the city of Milwaukee.
Our Children
- At least 81% of children’s parents earn incomes at/below Federal income levels.
- The majority of our children are from single-parent households.
- 100% of children participate in the free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs in our early elementary school.
- All of our school scholars receive free tuition through the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program.
- At least 91% of our childcare children receive a Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy.
Why our work is important
We believe early education is one of the most important steps in reversing the cycle of poverty in Milwaukee’s central city.
Intuitively, people understand that learning can’t wait until children enter school in the first grade. Now, scientists are confirming this intuition by documenting the importance of learning experiences that happen in the first weeks, months and years of life. High quality, early learning experiences nurture a child’s developing brain and provide a strong foundation for all future learning, behavior and health.
The low-income children that Malaika serves are confronted with a daunting set of challenges that threaten to undermine their ability to succeed academically and become productive citizens later in life.
Numerous studies demonstrate that it’s far better – and more cost-effective – to help a child develop critical life skills early, rather than intervene later after that child has experienced social, academic, or other problem behaviors.
Lower criminal arrest rates, higher school graduation rates, and higher lifetime earnings are but a few of the positive outcomes from quality early childhood programs like Malaika’s.
Research from Dr. James Heckman, shows that “high quality birth-to-five programs for disadvantaged children can deliver a 13% return on investment.”
Enrollment in Malaika Early Learning Center is a life-transforming experience for our children, placing them on a path toward a productive and fulfilling life.
Skilled & Caring Staff
Malaika’s staff is led by executive director Tamara Johnson, who holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and has over 25 years experience in program planning, development and implementation.
Ms. Johnson has held leadership positions with respected organizations including COA Youth and Family Centers, Professional Services Group, and Milwaukee Public Schools. Ms. Johnson is a champion of quality early childhood education for all children, in particular those at a disadvantage.
The entire staff is attentive, gentle and caring, but also exerts the discipline required to maintain an orderly and effective learning environment.
- Over 90% of staff return annually
- The average tenure is 8 years
- Most staff have been with us at least 3 years or more
Interested in more info?
Get Started Here
If you are interested in getting more information please start by filling out the form below. A member of our team will respond as soon as possible.