About TAVTEC

It Takes a Village to Educate a Child (TAVTEC) is a non-profit organization. We offer opportunities for children to enhance their social skills, build self-esteem and find their passion by exposing them to STEAM and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to “educate the whole child”. We collaborate with school administrators, teachers and parents to create a seamless program centered around the child’s interests. We employ STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) concepts to stimulate an array of interests for students to explore. Our staff assist the children in finding their niche, with the understanding that success bolsters confidence, a healthy self-esteem and creates a sense of self-worth in ALL children.

Our trusted, trained team work to assist students in development and maintenance of social skills, leadership and ultimately, new found friendship(s).

Mission

To establish programs where children with special needs work alongside their typically developing peers to enhance social skills, mold leadership qualities and boost the self-esteem of children; particularly children with High Functioning Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We nurture the self-esteem of our children by stimulating and developing their interests in entrepreneurship and STEAM.

Philosophy

It is our belief that every child has the capacity to excel and feel good about themselves once they discover their passion. It Takes a Village to Educate a Child was established to address this strong belief. We provide opportunities for children to develop their social and leadership skills while building a healthy self-esteem. We focus on discovering and building on our children’s interests and abilities.

History

Sonia Marshall-Brown, the founder, was inspired by her son’s experiences to create programs to address the fact that many children struggle with their social-emotional development because they lack meaningful relationships with their peers. “Strong social relationships support mental health, and that ties into better immune function, reduced stress and less cardiovascular activation,” says Dr. Debra Umberson, a sociologist at the University of Texas, Austin.

Her son’s challenges led to a myriad of socialization hurdles; however, Sonia noticed that when he was involved in a “high interest activity” such as Legos or technology, he could focus for an extended period of time. This was the catalyst that led to It Takes a Village to Educate a Child (non-profit entity). The goal of the organization is to use high interest STEAM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) to teach children social, leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Through exploration and positive experiences, students are able to gain confidence and a healthy self-esteem that will permeate all areas of their life.