Family Involvement Program

The mission of the Family Involvement Program is to assist providers in partnering with families to provide the best learning environment and experiences for children. Families are valued as the child’s first and life long teacher and viewed as logical partners with the providers who spend so much time with their children.

• The Family Involvement journey begins with the “8-Lessons”. Culture, communication, developmental assets, family friendly environments, male involvement, and the principles of family support are just a few of the topics covered in the 8-Lesson series for providers new to the program.

• The journey continues with mini-grants. The mini-grants are used for events and activities such as game night, family work day (spreading mulch, planting a garden, painting the toddler room), literacy workshops, field trips, picnics, etc. Suggestions for the events are elicited from the families. Each site is a unique blend of individuals and culture; therefore no two Family Involvement Programs look alike.

• The Family Involvement Program guides providers on their journey through providing resources (books and materials) and support. Full time staff are available for technical assistance, coaching and mentoring along the way. Opportunities to meet with Family Involvement alumni provide the novice provider with stories of struggles, success, lessons learned and changes made in philosophy and relationships.

• Family Involvement is about relationships. Relationships are created and strengthened through the sharing of food, fellowship and fun while maintaining an environment of respect and acceptance for all cultures and families.

• Literacy Initiative: The Family Involvement Program recognizes the role families and providers play in ensuring that children have opportunities for quality literacy experiences. The “Community of Readers” program was launched in 2005. Providers who have been involved with the Family Involvement Program for two or more years are invited to participate. Participating sites receive a basket of books to serve as a lending library for families. Additional grant dollars are awarded for participants to host family literacy activities where families learn about simple ways to incorporate literacy into everyday experiences.
  

Training Schedule

2007-2008 Advisory Council Meeting Dates

All of the following regular Advisory Council meeting dates will be held at the Professional Development Center, 10601 Belcher Road South, Largo, from 6:30 PM– 8:30 PM, rooms 2 and 3. In keeping with the Family Involvement tradition, please bring a food dish to share.

If you are interested in developing your leadership role by serving on the 2007-2008 Advisory Council, please call: Mona Jackson (727) 547 - 4243

Network Meetings
2007-2008

If you have been in the Family Involvement Program for more than one year, please join fellow colleagues at one of the four scheduled Network Meetings listed below:

The Network Meetings will be held at the Professional Development Center at the Belcher Road address. Please bring a covered dish.

Read it Again!
It sounds crazy, but it is true, repetitive readings are something parents need to do. Children fall in love with certain books and certain rhymes, memory recall is enhanced with the 2nd, 3rd, and even 99th time!

Please contact Mona Jackson at 727-547-4243 or
mjackson@childcarepinellas.org to learn how to get started on your Family Involvement journey.

The Family Involvement Program is administrated by Coordinated Child Care of Pinellas, Inc. and funded in part by the Juvenile Welfare Board Children's Services Council of Pinellas County and the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County.