Kids First: Chester Eastside
Introducing Our New Out-of-School Time Program
In September 2024 we celebrated the opening of the newest version of our after-school program. After much groundwork, we entered into partnerships with two other organizations. Girls First is an after-school program in Norristown that serves girls in grades one to four. Their curriculum focuses on the arts – music, dance, drama, and visual arts – as the means to encourage learning and growth. Long time partner Chester ExChange encourages cooperation and coordination of youth serving agencies in Chester with a focus on literacy.
Program Information
Kids First @ CEI offers both an arts-based curriculum based in a social-emotional learning model with a state-of-the art literacy curriculum that creates an individualized study plan for each student. We also offer recreational and enrichment activities, special speakers and projects, service in the community garden, and field trips.
- Grades: Boys and Girls in Grades 1-4
- Capacity: 24 Students
- Arts & Literacy: Monday-Thursday
- Fridays: Fun Fridays!
- Register By: Open Registration
- Drop-off Time: 2:45pm-3:00pm
- End Time: 6:00pm
- Address: 301 E. 9th Street, Chester, PA 19013Phone: (610) 872-4812
CLICK HERE to register your student.
CLICK HERE to read the 2024-2025 Program manual.
Meet the Program Staff
Mr. Rashan Dejarnette (left) serves as Program Assistant. Born and raised in Chester, Rashan is deeply connected to the community and has firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by its youth. As a former leader on Chester High School’s 2012 State Champion basketball team, he has extensive experience mentoring students and athletes. Rashan’s current role as a gun interventionist with Making A Change Group highlights his dedication to violence prevention and community safety. His natural leadership skills, combined with his mentoring experience, will help create a positive and supportive environment for students. His deep ties to the community and ability to relate to the youth make him an invaluable role model for program participants.
Sonya Hazelett (middle) serves as Program Assistant. Sonya brings a wealth of experience as a teacher and therapist working with children, youth, and families. Her previous work in CEI’s after-school program has given her valuable insights into the specific needs of Chester’s students. Additionally, her fluency in Spanish is crucial for building relationships with the Hispanic and Latino community. Sonya’s combination of warmth, expertise in working with children, and bilingual skills makes her uniquely qualified to engage both students and families in a meaningful way. Sonya’s background in education and therapy, coupled with her familiarity with CEI’s after-school program, ensures continuity and strong relationships with returning students. Her role as a bilingual family engagement specialist allows her to serve a diverse group of families and provide culturally sensitive support, strengthening the program’s inclusivity and outreach efforts.
Dr. Karen Dixson (right) serves as Program Coordinator. Dr. Dixson is responsible for the effective leadership and administration of Kids first on a daily basis, ensuring that it remains aligned with the core mission. Dr. Dixson is an experienced teacher and therapist with several advanced degrees in psychology and behavioral science. Her leadership in trauma-informed care, coupled with her deep involvement in the community as a Bishop and nonprofit founder, positions her as an expert in promoting emotional well-being in children. She also founded a school in Liberia, showcasing her experience in educational leadership and program development. Dr. Dixson’s certification in trauma-informed care and her extensive background in behavioral health make her a valuable asset in addressing the emotional and psychological needs of students, many of whom face significant adversity.