Other Offerings Through the Family Resource Center
Other Offerings Through the Family Resource Center
Connecticut FRCs provide access to a broad continuum of services that foster the optimal development of children, with the underlying notion being that all families should have access to such services beginning at the birth of the child. The objectives are grouped into the following objectives:
- family engagement,
- social and emotional learning
- student and family supports
The target population for FRCs includes children, parents and families who reside in the public elementary school attendance area. While FRC services and activities are for all families and should serve the full, heterogeneous, racial/ethnic and socio-economic mix of families, emphasis must be given towards the recruitment of families with children who are educationally disadvantaged and underachieving and at high risk for school and academic failure. The focus of our work is meant to change in response to the evolving demands of the community.
The program includes seven service components; all aspects must be a focus of district programming in some capacity. The components include:
- quality early care and education: Our FRC Pre-K class serves this purpose.
- school-age child care (SACC): We have before- and after-school programs at all three elementary schools and at Indian Neck. Additionally, we offer childcare opportunities during summer vacation.
- adult education and family literacy: We have a reciprocal partnership with Shoreline Adult Education. Adults that take English proficiency classes have the opportunity for their child to participate in a free play group while they’re taking classes. This is facilitated by the FRC Family Educator.
- family day care provider training: The FRC Family Educator does outreach and training for the providers in the school’s neighborhood.
- Families in Training (FIT): This program is facilitated by the FRC Family Educator and is intended to provide families with differentiated support. Components include home visitation, parent education, and playgroups.
- positive youth development: This element is aimed at children in grades 4 to 6. Our SACC program and other after-school programming options target this component.
- resource and referral services: All members of the FRC team work closely with families to ensure they are connected to all needed services.