Kids First: CEI
Overview
For more than 20 years Chester Eastside has offered and after-school program for students in Chester. Started as a latch-key program, it has evolved into an academically-based program that stresses learning and growth through the arts. In Fall 2024 we are kicking off a brand new rendition!
The program is available as a result of a new partnership between Girls First, an after-school program in Norristown that serves girls in grades 1-4. It uses an arts curriculum that they developed that focuses on social-emotional learning within a trauma-informed care model. The partnership includes Chester ExChange, a local collaborative organization that brings together children and youth serving organizations with a focus on early childhood literacy.
Kids First at CEI is open to boys and girls in grades 1-4. We have a capacity of 24 students, and offer:
- a safe and nurturing environment for boys and girls in grades 1 – 4
- is open every school day from 3pm – 6pm
- provides a full, healthy meal each day
- focuses on literacy and the arts
- offers enrichment activities, special guests, and field trips
- and has no cost to parents
Key Information
- Open Mondays through Fridays
- Start Time: 3:00pm
- Drop-off Time: 2:45pm-3:00pm
- End Time: 6:00pm
- Address: 301 E. 9th Street, Chester, PA 19013
- Phone: (610) 872-4812
Meet the Team
We are proud to have created a professional staff with years of experience serving children, youth, and families. From left to right…
Rashan Dejarnette was born and raised in Chester. He was a leader on the 2012 Chester High School championship basketball team, and continues to teach and coach young people in Chester. He is also a trained interventionist who works for one of our partners, Making A Change Group.
Sonya Hazelett is a returning staff member, having served the after-school program last year. She is a behavioral specialist, therapist, and has years of experience teaching. She also plays a crucial role as our Spanish speaking staff person.
Dr. Karen Dixson serves as the Program Coordinator. Her advanced degree is in psychology, and she has spent her career working with children, youth, and families as a therapist, teacher, and workshop leader. She is certified as a trainer in trauma-informed care, serves as a Bishop in her faith tradition, and founded and operates a school in Liberia.
Registration
If you are interested in registering your child(ren) for our Kids First: CEI after-school program, you can click on the button. Once we receive your Enrollment Application we will reach out to let you know if there are any openings in the program. If there are not, you may place your child(ren) on our waiting list. And if you have any questions, you are always welcome to call: 610-872-4812.
Summer Youth Program
The Summer Youth Program offers continued academic programming with the goal of slowing the summer slide. In addition there are recreational activities, arts programming, enrichment experiences, special guests, field trips, and swimming each week! Stay tuned for more information about the 2025 summer camp. The program operates in July.
