Family Education Program

The Lewis-Clark State College Family Education Program offers parents and families a wonderful opportunity to study and learn together. The Family Education Program encompasses four components:

1.    Adult Basic Education (ABE)
2.    Parent Education
3.    Early Childhood Development
4.    Parent and Child Learning Together 

Lewis-Clark State College provides all of these components in Craigmont, Grangeville, and Kamiah.

The following services are offered as well:

     Playgroups

Adult Basic Education
A family education instructor teaches groups of 6-10 adults who:

• need basic academic skills

• have pre-school children

Parents participate in ABE 3-4 hours per day, two days per week. Parents receive training in the following areas:

• basic academic skills, including reading

• job seeking and job keeping skills

• basic computer skills

• GED

• parenting

Parents
The family education instructor teaches parents about:

• basic information about health, nutrition and family relations

• coping and problem-solving strategies

• community family support services

• topics chosen by parents

• an extension of topics taught during instruction

• critical issues where peer support can be helpful

Early Childhood Development
While in attendance with their parents, children, ages 0-6, participate in developmentally appropriate activities facilitated by a certified early childhood educator.  The learning-through- play philosophy is practiced in all sites and children are given the opportunity to socialize with other children.  Other activities include preparing pre-school age children for Kindergarten, in math and reading.  Literacy is made a priority by emerging children in everyday tasks that involve the use of literacy skills.  Parents are made aware of the importance of emergent literacy to carry on at home.

Parent and Child Learning Together
Parents and children participate in facilitated activities that allow the parent to observe the child's developmental stages and which activities are appropriate at each stage.  These sessions often involve story time and projects focused on specific themes.  Many children and parents enjoy uninterrupted quality time together to learn and play.

Parents as Teachers
Parents as Teachers is a service being offered in both Lewis and Idaho counties.  This program is based on the belief that parents are the child's first and best teacher.  Certified parent educators provide parents (prenatal to five years) with developmental information to help them better understand the growing stages of the child.  Parents are involved in learning activities that encourages language and intellectual growth, as well as the physical and social-emotional skills of the child.  A parenting support network is established through the monthly group meetings that are held by each parent educator.   Educators offer home visits in a comfortable location.  Parents are encouraged to voice any concerns or questions about the development of their child and screenings are provided to all PAT families.

Organized Playgroups
Are you a stay-at-home parent, grandparent, or in-home daycare provider?  Would you like a place where you and your child can go to socialize with other adults and children?  Our organized playgroups are offered in all site communities.  Children enjoy snack and story time, craft projects, and playing with other children.  As with the early childhood component, all activities are developmentally appropriate.  Adults can socialize with others and enjoy their children without the constant daily interruptions that need our attention.