Family First in Education Receives Endorsement from CT Department of Education
Family Centers announces that the Connecticut State Department of Education recently awarded Family First in Education with a five-year, $50,000 grant as part of the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program.
21st Century Community Learning Centers is a federally-funded initiative which supports programs that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. Funding is facilitated by each state’s Department of Education and is intended to help students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, offer a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement regular academic programs, and provide literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.
The award recognizes Family First in Education as one of Connecticut’s premier afterschool academic enrichment programs.
“We are thrilled to receive this award, which validates our efforts to close the achievement gap in Greenwich via our holistic approach to families,” said Family Centers’ Chief Program Officer Leslie P. Sexer. “This generous funding will help to enrich Family First in Education’s programming and enhance our capacity to measure student growth.”
Operated by Family Centers, Family First in Education utilizes a two-generational approach focused on parent engagement and structured after school programming. By paying close attention to both parent and student needs, the program positively impacts overall family wellness, school and community engagement, academic growth in reading and math and social/emotional development, thereby impacting key causes of the achievement gap. The program serves children attending Hamilton Avenue, Julian Curtiss and New Lebanon elementary schools in Greenwich.
Thanks to a strong partnership with Greenwich Public Schools (GPS), Family First in Education’s afterschool curriculum complements the academic work that occurs in the classroom during the school day. As a result, a complete learning environment is created for students. Parent education, case management and other self-sufficiency support is also offered to participating families.
For more information on Family First in Education, visit www.familycenters.org/Family-First.
Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization offering heath, education and human services to children, adults, and families in Fairfield County. More than 250 professionals and 1,200 trained volunteers work together to provide a wide range of responsive, innovative programs. A United Way, Community Fund of Darien and New Canaan Community Foundation partner agency, Family Centers is a member of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies and is accredited by The Joint Commission and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The agency is licensed by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health. Visit www.familycenters.org for additional information.
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