Quick Links

Community Based Learning Centers

The focus of the Community Based Learning Center is to accelerate academic achievement with a primary focus on reading, mathematics and social skills. Students receive assistance with daily homework assignments. Each day begins with a unity circle where students share accomplishments, discuss and/or review goals and recite the Six Ps. (Prompt, Productive, Polite, Persistent, Prepared and Proud). A healthy snack is provided also. Upon completion of homework, students are expected to read 15-20 minutes per day and participate in mathematics, reading and/or computer activities.

The CBLC provides students an opportunity to experience cultural and social awareness as students discover new assets within themselves. Each student is given a Multiple Intelligences Survey. The result of this survey assists the parents, students and staff in understanding how the students learn. This information also helps staff with providing materials and activities that are relative to the students’ learning.

Students are identified and recruited in partnership with the Howard County Public School System, Columbia Housing Corporation managers and resident leaders. All children will eventually attend Wilde Lake High School, Oakland Mills High School, Hammond High School, or Long Reach High School. Eighty-five percent of the participants are African American. The students represent more than 5 different ethnic groups. Fifteen-percent come from homes where English is not the primary language, and 5% come from homes where English is not spoken at all. The Learning Centers are open to all children residing in Community Homes.

The family involvement framework used in the Learning Centers is the nationally recognized Epstein Model. This model is based on six types of family and community involvement that support student learning. The six types are:

• Parenting
• Communicating
• Volunteering
• Learning at Home
• Decision Making
• Collaborating with Community

Family involvement goals for the Learning Centers are designed to include grandparents, older siblings, close neighbors, friends and mentors. Some parents and new immigrants don’t attend parent/teacher conferences in the schools, but feel comfortable in meeting with the staff the CBLC. Parent communications also include newsletters, home visits, phone calls, family workshops, and on site conferences. Parents are also assisted in understanding their child’s educational progress (quarterly progress reports from the CBLC, opportunities to review and discuss progress reports and report cards from the school their child attends) and obtaining the necessary resources (dictionaries, books, use of computers on site when necessary) needed for student learning.

Locations

CBLC at Guilford Gardens
The Community Room at Guilford Gardens
7333 Oakland Mills Road
Columbia, MD 21046 (Google map)

CBLC at Stevens Forest Apartments
The Community Room at Stevens Forest
5862 Stevens Forest Road #A
Columbia, MD 21045 (Google map)

CBLC at Roslyn Rise
The Community Room at Roslyn Rise
10339 Twin Rivers Road
Columbia, MD 21044 (Google map)

CBLC at Swansfield Elementary
Swansfield Elementary School
5610 Cedar Lane
Columbia, MD 21044 (Google map)

CBLC at Rideout Heath
5891 Harpers Farm Road
Columbia, MD 21044 (Google map)

Hours of Operation

Monday - Thursday
3:30 - 5:30 p.m. (times may vary)
September - June

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the mission of the BSAP CLBCs?

A: The BSAP CLBCs exists to provide a daily experience, which helps youth build a strong commitment to learning, use their time constructively, develop strong social skills, and to have a positive impact in their community.

Q: Are BSAP CLBCs community programs or school system programs?

A: While they are operated in collaboration with specific community organizations, BSAP CLBCs are an extended-day program of the Howard County Public School System.

Q: What types of services are offered?

A: Many services are available.
- Individual assistance with homework
- Tutoring in specific areas (math facts, sight vocabulary, phonics, etc.)
- Assistance with book reports, science projects and long-term assignments.
- Learning games and activities
- Field trips and other experiences throughout the school year
- Peer mediation and conflict resolution
- Quarterly parent information meeting

Q: How are the CBLCs staffed?

A: Every effort is made to staff the centers with people who live in the community being served. However, every paid staff person must complete the formal hiring process through the HCPSS Human Resources Office.

Q: Do CBLC staff receive formal training?

A: Yes. The Site Coordinators attend monthly staff development training. In addition, the Assistant Site Coordinators attend quarterly workshops where they receive updated information and assistance in the following areas: reading, writing and mathematics.

Q: How many students does a CBLC generally serve?

A: Depending on the size of the site, 15 to 30 students.

Contact

Patricia Branner-Pierce, BSAP specialist, at 410-313-6771 or 443-670-7292