CHIME Institute Community School

Organization Description

~~The CHIME Institute, a nonprofit organization established in 1990, is a national leader in the development and implementation of an unique model of inclusive education. The institute began with an early childhood program based at California State University, Northridge. The success of the early childhood program, coupled with the needs of the community and sound research, prompted a group of parents and Cal State Northridge faculty to develop a charter elementary school in 2001 and a charter middle school in 2003. The two schools were merged into kindergarten through 8th grade in 2010 and named the CHIME Institute’s Schwarzenegger Community School.

Inclusive education at CHIME Institute means that children who reflect the demographics of the surrounding region—including children who develop typically, children with special needs and children who are gifted—learn side by side. CHIME’s model allows for the individual needs of each child to be addressed in a manner that enhances each child’s strengths while also addressing learning needs.

In addition, CHIME serves as a model for educators through its partnership with Cal State Northridge’s Michael D. Eisner College of Education and the Los Angeles Unified School District. It facilitates research opportunities and regularly hosts visitors from surrounding districts and as far away as Japan and the United Kingdom who are interested in replicating CHIME’s successes, in their own schools and communities.

Program Information

The CHIME Institute provides model educational programs in family, school, and community centered environments that support all children including those who are typically developing, gifted, or have special needs to achieve their maximum intellectual, social, emotional, and physical potential. CHIME provides dynamic research and training environments for the development, implementation, and dissemination of best practices for educating a diverse learning community from birth on.

Please list a project description or any needs your organization may have

In order to support activities that promote CHIME's mission we can use support with social media and grant writing. In addition, we can use help with producing and making short instructional videos, and marketing materials such as brochures. For students who might be interested in education, they can participate by providing classroom support, providing yard supervision and facilitating play interactions.

Health & Safety

If students are supporting children they'll be asked to wear appropriate clothing such as closed toe shoes. Prior to participating students will attend an orientation to learn about any additional safety concerns.

Additional requirements and/or considerations