There is not one childcare center and there are only three Head Start programs,
yet none of these serve Blackwater Community School. Because of the lack of
services, as well as high poverty rates, high drop out rates, high illiteracy
rates and high child abuse and neglect rates, Blackwater Community School was
awarded a three year preschool demonstration grant in 2001. Additionally, Blackwater
received another three year grant in 2004.
The Akimel O’odham Children Project addresses the critical need for early
childhood education/readiness programs on the Gila River Indian Community. The
program offers a researched-based model of education that meets the unique cultural
and language goals of the community and school. In addition to these unique
needs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs has established five national education
goals for all children. Our role is to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs
and offer technical assistance in meeting their grant goals.
