The Even Start program uses a family literacy model. The program includes education for parents and children to support the learning of the whole family.
Local programs build on existing community resources to offer educational and support services to help parents and children learn and succeed together.
What does the Even Start program include?
The Even Start program has five main components that parents and children need to participate in to stay enrolled.
1. Adult education
This first component can include a range of adult education classes, like:
- Basic education
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- General Education Development (GED) preparation
2. Early childhood education
For this component, children ages birth to 5 years attend age-specific classes at a child care program that’s accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
3. Parenting education
The third component, parenting education, consists of classes designed to support parents with strategies on how to become full partners in their children’s education. The classes support parents in:
- Reading out loud to their children
- Holding conversations with their children
- Inviting their children to join in daily activities like making a shopping list or cooking
4. Parent and child literacy activities
The fourth component, parent and child literacy activities, takes parents and children together on trips to local education resources — like libraries — as well as facilitates in-class learning activities between parents and their children.
5. Home-based literacy
Finally, as part of the home-based literacy component, each family receives monthly home visits to facilitate transferring knowledge learned in the classroom to practical applications at home.
Where is the Even Start program available?
The Even Start program is available in Middletown, New London, and Torrington.