Even Start Literacy Program

The Franklin County Even Start Program offers a number of programs and opportunities to families in Franklin County.
These include:

Center-based Activities
Center-based activities are held at the North Franklin Education Center in Malone, NY. They are held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. On the 1st Thursday the time is from 10 am - 12 pm and is designed for infants and toddlers. On the 3rd Thursday there are two time slots; one is from 10am - 12 pm for infants and toddlers and the other, designed to serve school age children, is from 4 pm - 6 pm. If there is a 4th Thursday in the month, there is an infant/toddler center base at 10 am - 12 pm time. Our staff members provide transportation to and from these activities.

The purpose of these activities is to provide time for parents and children to socialize, for parents to work on parenting skills and for parents to learn skills that lead them toward becoming their child's first teacher. Included in Center-base is a separate time for parenting activities, some free play time for children (that is supervised by staff members) and a parent & child circle time. There is also time set aside to read to your child and to help your child with different activities set up throughout the room. A snack or lunch is always provided.



Center-based activities helping Parents be their Child's First Teacher




Center-based activities allow children the opportunity interact and enjoy some 'free play'.

Parent Advisory Meetings
Parent Advisory Meetings are also held in Malone at North Franklin Education Center. Parent Advisory Meetings take place on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 11 am to 12 noon. These meetings are designed to address parenting concerns and interests and to provide time for parents to socialize and discuss upcoming events & field trips. It is also a time for parents to help in planning Center-based activities. A snack or lunch is always provided.

Home Visits
Home Visits are a key ingredient in Even Start. Visits generally occur bi-weekly for an hour and a half each time. Each visit is individualized and for the purpose of increasing literacy skills and providing important parenting information. Visits also focus on empowering parents to become their child's first teacher. We want parents to become comfortable in teaching their children necessary skills to meet developmentally appropriate milestones. Time is divided into areas that focus on parenting, parent and child interaction time, and time that focuses on building the child's skills.

GED Prep Work
Even Start Participants must also participate in GED course work, either in class or if they qualify, by completing home packets. The purpose of this component is to increase reading, writing, and math skills that enable a student to earn his/her diploma.

If you would like to learn more about what we offer please download our brochure here Family Literacy Brochure