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Overview

Letter from the Executive Director

 

Isabel Garcia
Isabel Garcia

Dear Friends,

As we reflect on the 2022-2023 year at RCMA, it’s impossible not to think about the profound impact of Hurricane Ian. This near-category five storm came ashore with devastating force, wreaking havoc on many of the communities we serve. For the impoverished and rural families in our care, the aftermath of such storms is particularly harsh. These families often lack adequate housing and shelter, making them especially vulnerable during and after such events.

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, our dedicated RCMA staff were out in the community, offering immediate assistance and ensuring the safety of our families. This response is a testament to their unwavering commitment and unique connection to the communities they serve. Many of our staff members live where they work, experiencing first-hand the challenges our families face and being there to help in times of need.

Our partners—donors, companies, and RCMA staffers— play a crucial role in providing respite and hope year after year. Their unwavering support helps us to rise to the occasion, especially in times of crisis. However, our work is far from over.

One of the most pressing challenges we face is a severe shortage of teachers. This shortage threatens the education and social development of our children, many of whom are already struggling with emotional trauma. The impact of Hurricane Ian has only exacerbated this need. We urgently require more teachers, counselors, and social workers to support our students and help them thrive. We call on colleges and workforce development programs to partner with us in addressing this critical shortage.

Despite these challenges, we remain hopeful. Our children are resilient and capable of overcoming adversity. At RCMA, we are committed to meeting them where they are, providing culturally competent support that resonates with their unique experiences. Many of our staff can relate to the families they serve because they have walked similar paths. This deep understanding and connection make RCMA a beacon of hope and support in our community.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these children and their families.

From the Board Chair

Medora Krome

Linda A. Miles

As the RCMA Board reflects on another year of impactful work, we are filled with gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to RCMA’s mission. Your contributions have enabled us to continue providing exceptional educational opportunities for children from low-income families, from infancy through eighth grade and beyond. With over 50 child development centers and two (soon to be three) charter academies across Florida, we are proud to be the state’s largest provider of childhood education and a nationally recognized charter school operator.

Our mission remains strong and we are steadfast in our passion to lift children up through education, making their dreams our focus. At RCMA, we believe in the strength and potential of every child. Our commitment to providing a culturally sensitive and caring environment is unwavering, making us a beacon of hope for the families we serve.

This 2022-2023 report shows what is possible with the dedication of our RCMA team members, partners and our generous donors. Thank you for standing alongside us so that together, we can build a brighter a future for the children and families of RCMA.

Child Development Outcomes

child development outcomesThe calendar year 2022-2023 marked a year of exceptional progress for RCMA’s child development centers. As Florida’s largest provider of childhood education and a nationally recognized charter school operator, RCMA remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the potential of our youngest learners. This period saw RCMA serving nearly 5,000 children statewide, with significant strides made in early childhood education across our centers.

The success of RCMA’s educational model is attributed to our comprehensive approach to learning, which spans from early childhood through our K-8th charter schools. A cornerstone of this success is the HighScope Curriculum, a research-based program that provides a robust academic foundation while fostering creativity and independence. By integrating this curriculum, RCMA has enriched children’s learning experiences, making education both engaging and interactive.

Central to our success are our dedicated teachers. They inspire children to explore, interact, and exercise their creative imagination through purposeful play. By supporting and extending each child’s learning based on their developmental stages, our educators ensure that children enter school ready and eager to learn.

In the fiscal year 2022-2023, we continued our focused efforts on preparing 4-year-olds for kindergarten, serving 740 rising kindergarteners. Of these, 74% were English language learners, and 10% had an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Our comprehensive assessment system, COR Advantage, is an integral part of the HighScope Curriculum. It allows us to evaluate early childhood development from infancy through kindergarten, measuring growth against our School Readiness Goals. These goals encompass Approaches to Learning (APL), Social Emotional Development (SE), Perceptual Motor and Physical Health Development (PHD), Language and Literacy (LLC), and Cognition (COG), alongside English acquisition for English language learners.

Significant gains, defined as an increase of .51 points or more over a program year, were evident in our rising kindergarteners, who demonstrated an impressive growth of 1.49 points, up from 1.41 the previous year. COR Advantage data indicates that these children have developed essential skills such as emotional regulation, collaborative play, healthy decision-making, recognition of rhyming words, beginning use of invented spelling, letter identification, story retelling, word formation, counting objects, shape identification, pattern creation, musical engagement, sorting, and basic scientific inquiry. These competencies underscore their readiness for kindergarten.

Furthermore, our assessment highlights that our 4-year-olds excel in English language acquisition, underscoring our success in preparing English language learners for future academic endeavors.

The achievements of the past year affirm RCMA’s role as a leader in early childhood education. We are grateful to our benefactors for their continued support, which enables us to make a lasting impact on the lives of the children and communities we serve.

RCMA Annual Report 2022 2023 V8

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Charter Schools continue to trend toward success

highlights caring front line workers

It has been an unprecedented year of growth and recognition at RCMA’s two (soon to be three) Community Academies. This year, Immokalee Community Academy (ICA) expanded its services by adding an 8th-grade class to its student body. In anticipation of this expansion, the school is adding new classroom space at the facility. ICA is the only school in the Collier County School District to offer a Dual Language model, providing students with a bilingual educational experience.

Both RCMA academies, ICA and Wimauma Community Academy (WCA), continue to deliver high-quality education and essential support, fostering a brighter future for the students they serve. RCMA is also celebrating the news that it has been designated as a “School of Hope” charter school operator by Florida’s State Board of Education, making it the fifth organization to receive this honor since the program’s inception in 2017. This designation allows RCMA to access state funds and low-interest loans, supporting its expansion efforts.

One of the many teachers helping students reach their fullest potential is Michael Gonzalez at ICA. This year, Champions for Learning named him a Golden Apple Award recipient for 2022- 2023. Out of 60 Teachers of Distinction, Mr. Gonzalez was selected as one of only six Collier County teachers to receive the prestigious award.

Mr. Gonzalez was very emotional about the honor. “These students are everything to me,” he said. “I treat them like my own sons and daughters. I love them so much. They work so hard; I hope that I can be the best teacher for them.”

These institutions do more than just impart knowledge; they also foster a sense of belonging, empowerment, and aspiration among their students. With RCMA’s holistic approach, supportive leadership, and dedicated educators, the academies continue to pave the way to bigger and brighter futures.

Highlights

RCMA Breaks Ground on New Lipman Family Campus in Immokalee

RCMA Breaks Ground on New Lipman Family Campus in Immokalee

RCMA and Lipman Family Farms have officially broken ground in Immokalee on the new Lipman Family Campus for Children and Families. When completed, the $16.4 million campus will feature two new child development centers, a community center, two soccer fields and a new charter school.

Lipman Family Farms, long-time supporters of RCMA, also made a $3 million donation to the organization, the largest donation Lipman has ever made to any one organization. The gift supports efforts to expand RCMA’s charter schools throughout the state of Florida, as well as support the new campus being constructed in Immokalee.

The construction of the child development centers will be an upgrade to the original centers in Immokalee impacted by past hurricanes. When constructed, the centers will serve over 200 children. The campus is scheduled to open in late 2025.

RCMA Dedicates Gazebo in Memory of Vero Beach Couple

To celebrate a legacy of philanthropy, RCMA has honored the late Paul and Stella Covill with the dedication of a gazebo at the RCMA Children’s House in Vero Beach.

“Paul and Stella both had an amazing passion for helping children get off a good start in their lives and in their learning,” explains Isabel Garcia, Executive Director at RCMA. “The Covills understood how early childhood education can not only make a difference in young lives, but also how it can influence future generations. Giving kids opportunities is what motivated them. Their dedication to our mission and the families that we serve exemplifies a dynamic duo of philanthropy. The naming of the gazebo pays tribute to them and their generosity for generations to come.”

The Power of Partnerships

In order to provide the services for children and families that RCMA is known for, developing important relationships has been key to the success of the agency. In a significant collaboration to support the expansion of RCMA’s Mulberry Community Academy, Florida Representative Melony Bell, State Senator Ben Albritton, and various civic leaders have all been significant supporters that helped RCMA secure the necessary funding for a critical wastewater treatment project.

Faced with a Polk County land development code requiring new schools to connect to central wastewater systems—an expensive challenge given the distance to the nearest connection point—RCMA worked closely with county officials to amend the code. This amendment allowed for the construction of an onsite treatment plant, crucial for the academy’s expansion.

With RSA Consulting Group’s help, the project secured a $350,000 appropriation in the 2023 state budget. Representative Bell and Senator Albritton, both deeply connected to the local farming community, recognized the importance of RCMA’s mission and its unique dual-language curriculum. Their efforts, alongside support from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and other local leaders, have ensured that the academy can move forward with its plans to eventually serve up to 500 children in the area, reinforcing RCMA’s vital role in the community. We are so grateful for these and many other partners who have supported our work of providing educational opportunities for the children we serve.

The power of partnerships

Artists flourish at WCA

Artists flourish at WCA

RCMA’s Wimauma Community Academy has always been a place where students can exercise their artistic talents and allow them to flourish. This year, the school’s tradition of art excellence shone brightly as students were able to showcase their talents at the Tampa Museum Art Exhibition for a third consecutive year. Middle school students, guided by art teacher Yanira Santana, delved into Greek art, focusing on the intricate designs of ceramic vessels. Their challenge was to blend ancient styles with contemporary creativity, resulting in a stunning exhibition of over 60 unique pieces. Many of these works were available for purchase, highlighting the students’ remarkable skills and innovation. This ongoing success not only enriches the students’ educational experience but also demonstrates the vibrant artistic spirit being nurtured at WCA.

Farm and Food Workers Receive COVID-19 Relief

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many farm and food workers missed out on much of the financial assistance that most of the country was receiving. To help the families RCMA serves, the organization partnered with the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association (NMSHSA) to register eligible farm workers for $600 gift cards through the Farm and Food Workers Relief Grant Program. In just two days, and with the help of 12 volunteers, RCMA provided payments to over 1,100 farm workers.

The NMSHSA received a $57.3 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support the program. The USDA grant program, as a continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic, awards qualified organizations who serve farm and food worker communities a grant to distribute $600 payments to eligible farm workers, meat packing workers and/or grocery store workers. The funds were intended to cover expenses resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

While the distribution weekend was hectic, it brought much-needed relief and happiness to the families who registered for the gift cards.

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A Journey of Hope: How RCMA is Transforming Lives, One Child at a Time

RCMA kids smilling

At RCMA, we believe every child deserves a bright future, no matter where or how their journey begins. Our mission is to provide quality early childhood education and support to families in need, especially those in rural areas of Florida. For two young boys in Indian River County, their lives have been profoundly impacted by the support and care they’ve received from RCMA.

Meet Alexis and Alexander, precocious twin brothers with an incredible story of survival and hope. Like many of the children RCMA serves, their early years were impacted by sorrow and loss. The boys experienced the trauma of losing their mother, followed by many changes and transitions that landed them in the care of their aunt.

Their aunt immediately connected with RCMA. RCMA’s dedication to serving families in need ensured that Alexis and Alexander’s family needs would be assessed and addressed. Starting with loving teachers and a full day of care, access to developmental and medical screenings

and referrals, the new family was able to establish a healthy routine for the boys. This structured setting has been a lifeline for the boys, offering them safety, stability, health care, education, and a warm environment where they can heal, learn, and thrive. RCMA’s dual language, multicultural curriculum and comprehensive care services have given these boys a new lease on life.

Alexis and Alexander are now flourishing under the care of their loving aunt and the dedicated team at RCMA. The story of these two bright young boys, like so many other children that RCMA cares for, is a testament to the power of community and the impact of compassionate support. It is stories like theirs that highlight the reason why the work that RCMA is doing in all of the communities they serve is so important.

agency statistics 2022 2023

Data from 2022-2023

annual report data 2022-2023

Blanca Flores: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment

In the sun-drenched fields of Hillsborough County, Florida, a young girl named Blanca Flores learned the rhythm of life. Her parents, tireless farmworkers, followed the seasons, migrating between Florida and Ohio. Their hands, calloused and weathered, sowed seeds of hope for their daughter’s future.

Blanca’s educational journey began early on as a child attending RCMA’s Dover Child Development Center. The center provided not only a safe place to play and learn, but it also offered a lifeline. During her days at RCMA, she found that dreams could sprout even in the toughest soil.

Like most of the kids at RCMA, Blanca’s parents wanted the best for their little girl, so they continued to work hard and help support the goal of finishing her education. Eventually, she would move onto college, and has recently earned a master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of South Florida.

Today, Blanca finds herself teaching at RCMA, and as a farmworker’s child, she brings her unique perspective to the children she teaches. Imparting more than lessons, Blanca sprinkles hope like seeds in a field, knowing that education is the harvest of possibility. Teaching the next generation of dreamers, Blanca knows and instills in each child that they can be whatever they put their minds to. With a college degree and a heart full of love and compassion for her students, Blanca is the compass that guides the next generation toward brighter tomorrows

Board of Directors 2022-2023

Linda Miles-Adams | President | Hillsborough County
Medora Krome | Past President | Miami-Dade County
Michael T. Bayer | Vice President | Palm Beach
Jaime Weisinger | Vice President | Collier County
Sandra Hightower, PhD | Vice President | Polk County
Joaquin Perez
| Vice President | Lake County
Barbara Mainster Rollason | Vice President | Lee County
Richard Pringle, P.A. | Secretary | Lee County
Larry Salustro | Treasurer | Indian River County
Al J. Hinson | Highlands County
Donna Gaffney | Pinellas County
Ansberto Vallejo | Hillsborough County
Wilma Robles-Melendez, PhD | Miami-Dade County
Sonia Tighe | Hillsborough County
Steven Kirk | Miami-Dade County
Susanne A. Bizerra | Polk County
Aedan J. Dowling | Manatee County
Mirta Negrini | Miami-Dade County

Parent Board Members 2022-2023

MSHS Policy Council Executive Committee

Leonel Pascual | President
Lorenza Vargas
| Vice President
Araceli Hernandez | Secretary
Cecilia Morales | Treasurer
Yenifer Hawkins | Parliamentarian
Emig De La Cruz | Member

HS/EHS Policy Council Executive Committee

Venessa Valerio | President
Wendy Masum | Vice President
Alexis Baker | Secretary
Eletisha Headley | Treasurer
Sheron Wilson | Parliamentarian

Charter School Parent Liaisons

Irma Gonzalez | Immokalee Community Academy
Maria Juarez | Wimauma Community Academy