Introduction to Literacy Programs

The Office of Early Childhood Education oversees programs which support literacy in the home and in the classroom. Early Childhood Family Literacy promotes family literacy by providing both home and site-based instruction.The Parent University course, Getting Ready for Kindergarten, helps parents support their child's literacy and school readiness.

Early Childhood Family Literacy

Pamela Williams, Program Manager

215-400-6143

Even Start, Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP), And Parent University

Even Start

The Even Start Program offers Adult Basic Education (ABE), and Distance Learning for parents seeking to earn a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or strengthen their literacy skills. Parenting Education as well as Parent and Child Time (PACT) activities are offered.

You are eligible to enroll in this free, year round program if you are a parent or guardian of a child (birth to 3rd grade) who needs to get a GED, or work on improving your basic literacy skills, and you are committed to improving your child's literacy skills.

Program Components

1. Adult Literacy Education- Instruction is offered on a flexible, convenient schedule for parents and guardians of young children seeking to strengthen literacy skill, learn English, GED preparation, and alternative instructional approaches.
2. Parenting Education-Training around child development, family management, and job readiness.
3. Early Childhood Education-Pre-kindergarten Head Start, Comprehensive Early Learning Centers, and Bright Futures program placement for preschool age children.
4. Parent and Child Time (PACT)-Opportunities for parents and their children to read, play and learn together.

Please Note: Families must participate in all four components of Even Start.

Student Eligibility

Parents or guardians

• of children third grade and under enrolled in preschool, daycare, or compulsory school
• who want to improve English, literacy, parenting or acadeic skills 

• Work that is normally presented in a classroom setting is instead sent directly to you at home.
• Please Note: Classroom attendance is not required.
• Packets are sent home and students can work at their own pace. When completed, simply return the work, review work with the instructor, and a new packet will be sent to you.
• When work is completd, you mail back the Feedback Sheet to the instructor and have at least one phone conversation to discuss the work before the packet is mailed.

How Do I Enroll?

• You must complete an application and take an adult assessment if you quality. (You must be able to read English on at least a 5th grade level.) 
• Your qualifying child must be assessed if not enrolled in a School District of Philadelphia Early Childhood program or School.

The Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP)

The Parent-Child Home program is a home-based program for parents of young children that promotes learning and language development through the use of books and toys.

How DOES PCHP Work?

• It involves you in your child's early education
• Shows you creative ways to read and play with your child
• Promotes every child's development

You And Your Child Are Eligible To Participate

•  Reside in 19120, 19122, 19124, 19125, 19133, 19134, 19140, 19141 zip code regions
• Have a child 16-35 months old by September 1st

What Parents Say About THE PCHP

• "I learned how to be closer with my child and help her with her learning."
• "I learned that children are little people too and they need their time to learn things."
• "The Parent-Child Program is good education for the children and also the parent."
• "I've learned that reading and playing with your child teaches him a lot."
• "I learned that all children want to learn."