Parents are a child's first and best teacher! We know the impact parents have on children. That's why we work hard getting parents involved in every level of their child's life.

• We offer parent meetings and workshops tailored to parents' interests and needs.
• We teach parents how to use their homes as a learning place.
• We expect parents to volunteer on many levels, including possibly serving on Policy Council.

We also enable parents to develop reading and literacy skills. We help parents get started on a GED and adult education. We offer parenting skills training and interactive parent and child activities.

The relationship between a parent and child is crucial.

Building those blocks early through parent involvement is a top priority for Family Foundations:

Families are encouraged to participate in their school district's play groups and parent meetings.

Family Foundations develops four annual events (field trips) geared specifically for parent/child interaction.

Our staff bring children's books, parent handouts, videos, brochures and magazines to parents which promote adult literacy and supportive parenting techniques. The schools also make books and toys accessible to our families.

Families are encouraged to attend workshops and parent meetings offered by the schools. These workshops provide information and support for parents, including topics on child development, health concerns, child behavior guidance and more. Parent education also includes practical information, such as preparing a list of questions for doctor visits, or accessing the appeal process for public assistance.

Family Foundations has its own meeting space at 1800 E. Broadway in Alton, next to the Essic Robinson Head Start. This space is used for parent education, socialization and child development. This space will allow the program to focus on consistent group meetings covering subjects that parents desire and need most to strengthen their families.