Family Literacy: Families That Work

The Philadelphia Family Literacy Project

A comprehensive family literacy program provides intensive, long-term education and support services for parents and children, stimulating their development as workers, family members, and community members. Under the model developed by the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) since 1989, a family literacy program has four components: adult education, child education, Parents and Children Together (PACT) time, and Parent Time, which helps parents and caregivers apply problem-solving strategies to the issues they face in their daily lives.

Family Literacy Works for Many Reasons:

Families learn to become more self-sufficient and independent.

• Parents are able to share challenges and to support one another.
• Parents have the chance to reach their educational goals and gain valuable skills needed for better job opportunities.
• Parents learn to blend work and educational activities.
• Children become better prepared to be successful students as they continue their education.
• Parents become active participants in their children’s education and are better prepared to take the role as their children’s first teachers.
• Families grow together through learning and shared experiences.
• Parents and children explore the world of work.

Families That Work Works for Families:

• Adult education programs address the needs and desires of parents to obtain the GED diploma, study English as a second language (ESL), and/or to improve general literacy and computation skills. Programs include computer skills development and job readiness preparation to help adults obtain employment and succeed at work.
• Parents may get services and support from the program even after they find jobs.
• The childhood education component is coordinated by staff members trained in child development. It includes child-centered activities that involve frequent interaction with adults.
• Parent/child time includes teams of parents and children working toward educational goals, daily parent-child activities, and the creation of a nurturing home environment that encourages learning.
• Parent groups address relevant topics and concerns through workshops and discussion groups and outside speakers.
  
  For more information on the Families That Work program, call Shirley Dyson at 215-686-5255.