Parent Supports

ELOA involves parents in many ways. Parents are offered classes in Adult Basic Education classes, GED preparation, ESOL and computer skills. Parents and children are involved in learning together through home visits to recently immigrated families by multilingual literacy staff. In prenatal classes and mother support groups, on maternity wards and through newboard visits, parents-to-be and new parents learn about the importance of talking to infants as a way  to build early literacy skills.

Teen parents and students interested in caring for young children have had classes at the high school on infant literacy education taught by an artist and an author of children's books. The students learned how to read to infants and babies and how to make books, and the children received gift books from local publishers.

"I appreciate the numerous discussions around assessment that have helped teachers in setting goals for the language program in their preschool rooms. Teachers enjoy the one-on-one time with children while doing the assessment. It is precious time."
-Assistant Child Care Center Director in Early Childhood Connections class