Northeast Kingdom Learning Services

NEKLS is dedicated to promoting cultures of lifelong learning and community engagement. Lifelong learning goals will emphasize individual self-sufficiency and family strengths. Educational programs will be characterized by continuous innovation and an inclusive, needs based, research validated, outcome driven, comprehensive array of highest quality instruction. Children’s programs will promote academic proficiency, safe behaviors, full cognitive and non-cognitive skill development and cultural enrichment. Adult programs will prepare educationally disadvantaged adults and persons not fluent in English for future academic attainment and vocational success. Family Literacy services will recognize the intrinsic strengths of the family and offer accessible programs that break the cycle of intergenerational educational and social disadvantage and focus families on their critical role in preparing children for successful adult lives. Programs and services will be non-discriminatory, well managed, cost effective, delivered by competent staff, respectful of individuals and available equally in all communities served by NEKLS.

Community engagement service goals will support the efforts of individuals, groups and organizations to undertake and successfully complete activities that add quality and value to community life. Services will offer access to fiscal management, program development, program management, evaluation, and management consultation resources. Management services will be characterized by ease of access, sensitivity to consumer needs, reasonable cost and demonstrable expertise in compliance with applicable statutory, regulatory and funding source performance requirements. Services will reduce the potential for compliance standards to become insurmountable or burdensome impediments to community engagement.