Families First, Children First’s early literacy program focuses on young children and literacy.

Children First Center believes that parents are the first and best teacher for their children.  This early literacy program supports and builds on strengths of families with children from birth to age five. Through this home visiting program, “Families First”, parents are encouraged as their child’s first teacher. These services are provided at no cost to DeKalb County families.

Funded by the Lilly Endowment (CAPE)

Early language and literacy (reading and writing) development begins in the first three years of life and is closely linked to a child’s earliest experiences with books and stories. The interactions that young children have with adults, using literacy materials like paper and crayons and books, are building blocks for language, reading, and writing development and later success in school. Families First Literacy Mentors work with families to maximize these early learning opportunities.

Families First Literacy Mentors partner with parents to create literacy rich homes and support positive interactions between children and adults.  The home visits build on a child’s daily routines and activities to enhance their early literacy experiences. Current understanding of early language and literacy development has provided many new opportunities to help young children learn to talk, read, and write in developmentally appropriate ways.

Any family who desires to improve their child’s and family’s literacy experiences should call Children First Center at 925.3865 or 800.824.2698 for further enrollment information.