Even Start Family Literacy of Greater Fall River
The Even Start Program combines adult literacy, early childhood education, interactive literacy activities and parenting support into a unified family literacy program. The program assists parents in gaining literacy and parenting skills. These skills are needed to become full partners in the educational development of their young children through family-centered education.
Even Start is a family literacy program that provides free
Programs
GED classes are managed by Bristol Community College and held at the Fall River YMCA, a Division of YMCA Southcoast. ESOL classes are run by SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc., and are held at SER Jobs on Bedford Street in Fall River. Classes are offered at each site 2 to 3 times per week.
Parent and Child Time Together (PACT) will be offered at the Fall River YMCA, a Division of YMCA Southcoast. PACT time offers the opportunity for you and your child to interact and learn from one another with the support of YMCA staff members.
Parent Education Workshops are offered at the Fall River YMCA, a Division of YMCA Southcoast. The workshops cover a range of subjects to support you in your parenting skills. Topics may include such things as coping with stress, positive behavior management, or advocating for your child’s education.
Child Care Education. While you participate in Even Start, your child will need to be in pre-school at least three half days a week or enrolled in the Fall River Public Schools. Even Start staff are available to assist in finding an suitable educational environment for your child. Babysitting services are available at the YMCA during Even Start Activities.
Child Care and Education. Once a month, your Even Start home visitor will provide in-home literacy activities for you and your child(ren) as well as guide and support you in meeting your educational and parenting goals.
Eligibility
To be an Even Start Participant, you must:
- Desire to attend GED or ESOL classes
- Have a child between the ages of 2.9 – 7 years old
- Be able and willing to participate in the following activities EVERY WEEK:
- five hours or more of Adult Education (GED or ESOL classes).
- one hour a week of Parent Education Workshops
- one hour a week of Parent and Child Enrichment Activities
- one Home Visit a month.
Even Start Partners
Please call any of the following agencies for additional information:
Lead Agency
Fall River YMCA, a Division of YMCA Southcoast
199 North Main Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Contact: Angela Boffi,
508.675.7841, ext. 31Bristol Community College
777 Elsbree Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Contact: Helen Gedraitis
508.678.2811, ext. 2373SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc.
164 Bedford Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Contact: Paula Raposa
508.676.1916Community Partnership for Children
207 Globe Street
Fall River, MA
Contact: Marie LaFrance
508.675.8377Fall River Public Schools
Title 1 Office
Administration South – Tucker Street
Fall River, MA
Contact: Diane Gouveia
508.675.8413