Programs, Services & Support : Parents

The Malaga Children and Families Center project has ended. The Family Connections Program will be serving children and families in the same area. Read on for more information about the project.

CSN Receives First 5 Funding For School Readiness Program

Children’s Services Network has just received funding from First 5 Fresno County to initiate a school readiness program in the Malaga, Calwa, Ayneswroth, and Orange Center areas. First 5 is already funding 12 school readiness sites in Fresno County and is now expanding the effort to target low academic performing index areas.

Extensive empirical data confirms the belief that early intervention and assistance for preschool age children creates the foundation for a higher level of achievement upon entering school. CSN has already demonstrated proficiency in working to prepare preschool children for school through the existing home visitation literacy project and the Pre-Kindergarten Camps conducted by the staff at the Children and Family Center in Malaga.

The objective of the school readiness program is to make connections with the family, the first learning environment that all children experience. The framework for working one on one with each family contains the following components:
•Home Visitation
Each family receives assessment, resources and services based on the individual needs of the family.
•Staff Support
The staff person will be trained to facilitate dialogue between school teachers, child care providers, preschool teachers and the family in preparing the child to enter school
•Kindergarten Camp
A summer program to help transition children from preschool or child care into a kindergarten school setting and prepare the parent as to what to expect.
•Parent Support
Provide monthly meetings to work with parents in a friendly, supportive environment that encourages their full participation with their child’s educational process

The staff working in this program will also receive additional support and training through the countywide school readiness program. Over a period of three years the focus will be on building healthy relationships, meeting individual family needs, providing accessible services, connecting to a specific facility and providing ongoing training and development for program staff. For more information call (559) 485-1898.