Organization

Overview The SPARK Center (formerly the Children’s AIDS Program) is a model childcare program offering comprehensive, integrated, state-of-the-art services for children and families whose lives are affected by medical, emotional and/or behavioral challenges The program serves Boston’s highest-risk children: those living with complicated medical conditions (including HIV/AIDS, failure-to-thrive, and neuro-developmental challenges); as well as children who are involved with the Department of Social Services due to significant family and social concerns (including child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, adult substance abuse). A new group of fragile children will be attending SPARK shortly. These are 'very low birth weight' babies who were born too early and too small. Not surprisingly, most of the children at The SPARK Center live in poverty, with parents and caregivers who struggle daily to maintain the integrity of their families. Located in the heart of Boston’s urban community and serving more than 100 children annually, The SPARK Center represents a unique and powerful collaboration between Boston Medical Center and the Boston University School of Medicine, the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care, and several additional state and federal funders. Each of these entities provides a unique contribution to SPARK’s mission of helping children to build loving relationships, positive self-regard, and community belonging. At SPARK, children learn the skills and values to succeed in school and to develop productive and rewarding adult lives. Additionally, The SPARK Center offers parents and other caregivers the support, guidance and compassionate understanding that promote strength and stability in their parenting responsibilities.