EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
The Valley Even Start program partners with TEAM Early Education (Head Start; Ansonia, Derby, Seymour and Shelton School Readiness Programs and CT Day Care) as well as the public school kindergartens in Ansonia, Derby, Seymour and Shelton to provide early childhood education for children ages 3 to 5.

In these programs, your child will:

• become confident in the school environment
• use both large and small motor skills by exploring a variety of activities, materials, and equipment
• take part in group games which involve following directions
• understand the basic rules and routines of the classroom
• participate in group play
• have an ongoing opportunity to participate in imaginative play
• be introduced to many books through "story time "
• have an opportunity to interact with a variety of children
• learn the school rules and be part of the school setting

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ADULT EDUCATION
Classes are offered in English as a Second Language and GED preparation. These classes also focus on community resources and work environments. The curriculum meets the needs of the participants by relating to the other components of the program while increasing educational skills.

In these classes, you will:

• improve English language skills in reading, writing and oral skills
• earn a high school diploma
• use these skills at home, at work, and with your family
• set learning goals and achieve them
• be able to communicate more effectively
  
• be able to work on a team
• continue lifelong learning
  
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PARENTING DISCUSSIONS
Parents are their children's first and best teachers. These discussions provide time and a safe place to educate and inform parents, to provide opportunities for mutual support, to offer advocacy services to families, and to study particular topics related to being a parent. Discussions help families develop lasting friendships and form new support networks. Parents will gain knowledge of child development and parenting issues, practice and learn new and different parenting skills, and help each other with questions and concerns. Also, parent participation in children's reading programs will increase adult skills and give parents the opportunity to use the materials that they receive with their children.

During these discussions, you will:

• learn the different stages of your child's development
• improve your understanding of their own children's strengths, abilities, and needs
• understand school expectations
• learn how to communicate effectively with your child's school
• participate in the Family Read program
• participate in the Raising Readers Parent Club program
• receive books and materials to use with your child
• become an advocate for your child
• continue to support your child's education
  
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INTERACTIVE LITERACY ACTIVITIES (ILA)
Parents and their children have the opportunity to work and play together as a family unit. It is a time for positive interaction between parent and child and encourages language growth, intellectual growth, physical skills, and social skills. Parents have the opportunity to give their child some one-on-one attention through activities in their child's school. In addition, monthly Family Fun Nights are held once a month from October through May centered around themes such as meeting an author, music & movement, and animals.

During this time, you will:

• increase the time spent reading, talking and playing with your child
• increase your opportunities for learning and language development
• help support your child with school activities
  
• have the opportunity to attend Family Fun NIghts with your entire family
  
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HOME VISITS
Home visits support all of the above Valley Even Start components. The parent educator will visit the family at home monthly for one hour. The home visit component supports families in transferring learning from the other program components to their daily lives. Reading is such an important part of all the program components. To strengthen literacy, new books are distributed to all of the children in a family during the home visit so that parents can begin building personal libraries for their children.

During the home visits, families will:

• participate in fun family activities
• learn to use new activities from school and transfer them into your home
• receive children's books
• set up reading areas in the home
• learn about community agencies
• review the developmental stages children
• be able to modify goals
• have an opportunity to privately discuss family concerns
  
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