• Breaking down barriers to learning
Whole child model
Our Work

Whole Child Model

Poverty robs children in a myriad of ways, but it has a particularly adverse effect on academic outcomes. Our philosophy is simple: remove the barriers to learning and you empower students to succeed in the classroom and beyond. This mission is achieved through a unique model of service delivery in which Little Bit is embedded in school communities, coordinating programs and partnerships that fill the gaps and provide for the needs of the whole child through 1-on-1 interaction with each student.

Our programs address barriers such as food insecurity, undiagnosed health conditions, lack of winter clothing and proper hygiene, insufficient reading material in the home, and more. We also enrich the learning environment with programs not readily available to underserved students that expand their world knowledge, such as STEM curriculum and career planning.

Whole child model
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Academic Equity & Enrichment
• 123 Read

• Books & Buddies

• First Lego League

• STEM Lingo

STEM Board

• Academic Tutoring

SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY & OASIS MENTORING

Health & Nutrition
• Sunny's Closet

OPERATION FOOD SEARCH

• Mobile Food Markets

ST. LOUIS AREA FOODBANK

• Shop & Grow/Family Markets

ST. LOUIS AREA FOODBANK

• Healthy Kids, Better Learners

IFM COMMUNITY MEDICINE,
HEALTHY KIDS EXPRESS,
SLU SCHOOL OF NURSING

• Eyes On Learning

EYE THRIVE,
HEALTHY KIDS EXPRESS, UMSL OPTOMETRY

• Oral Health

HEALTH WORKS!,
GATEWAY TO ORAL HEALTH

College & Career Readiness
• SOAR Mentoring

• What’s Next
Wellness & Family Support
• Case Management

• The Sunshine Box

SAINT LOUIS COUNSELING

Essentials
• Bundle Up

• Busy Bodies

ST. LOUIS ALLIANCE FOR PERIOD SUPPLIES

• Get in Gear

• Head to Toe
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• Sunny’s Closet
emergency food kits

OPERATION FOOD SEARCH

• Mobile Food
Markets
drive-up fresh food markets

ST. LOUIS AREA FOODBANK

• Shop & Grow/
Family Markets
in-school groceries

ST. LOUIS AREA FOODBANK

• Healthy Kids,
Better Learners
health screenings, education
and referrals

IFM COMMUNITY MEDICINE,
SLU SCHOOL OF NURSING

• Eyes on Learning
eye exams and glasses

EYE THRIVE,
UMSL OPTOMETRY,
HEALTHY KIDS EXPRESS

• Oral Health
dental care and education

HEALTHWORKS!,
GATEWAY TO ORAL HEALTH

• Bundle Up
winter coats and accessories
• Busy Bodies
hygiene products

ST. LOUIS ALLIANCE FOR PERIOD SUPPLIES

• Get in Gear
backpacks, school supplies
• Head to Toe
clothing, shoes, undergarments
• The Sunshine Box
in-school behavioral counseling

SAINT LOUIS COUNSELING

• Case Management
• SOAR Mentoring
academic mentoring
• What's Next
career exploration and planning
• 1-2-3 Read!
book fairs
• Books & Buddies
books paired with stuffed buddies
• First Lego League
robotics competition
• STEM Lingo
coding kits

STEM BOARD

• Academic Tutoring
math and reading 1-1 tutoring

SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY & OASIS MENTORING

SEE THE PROCESS

As students age, their needs evolve. Our programming adapts to these changes in order to provide a continuum of support along each educational step.

Pre-K and
Kindergarten

whole child model prek through kindergarten
  • 1:1 service delivery
  • Basic needs
  • Nutrition
  • Health and wellness
  • Vision care and eyeglasses
  • Book fairs
  • Books & Buddies
  • Washer & dryer

1st – 5th
Grade

whole child model 1st through 5th grade
  • 1:1 service delivery
  • Basic needs
  • Nutrition
  • Health and wellness
  • Vision care and eyeglasses
  • Book fairs
  • Books & Buddies (through 2nd)
  • Washer & dryer
  • STEM
  • Dental education (through 3rd)
  • Behavioral health
  • Academic tutoring

6th – 8th
Grade

whole child model 6th through 8th grade
  • 1:1 service delivery
  • Basic needs
  • Nutrition
  • Health and wellness
  • Vision care and eyeglasses
  • Book fairs
  • Washer & dryer
  • Behavioral health
  • Robotics
  • Academic tutoring
  • Next Step 9th Grade

9th – 12th
Grade

whole child model 9th through 12th grade
  • 1:1 service delivery
  • Basic needs
  • Nutrition
  • Health and wellness
  • Washer & dryer
  • Goal setting
  • Mentoring
  • Career exploration and planning
  • Internships
  • Skills training

Learn about the many ways you can help support the Little Bit mission.

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