Creating a Work-Focused Family Literacy Program-In a Nutshell

Instructional Content

  • Teach adult basic skills in the context of work.
  • Teach parents how to work together in the workplace.
  • Provide job shadowing, field trips to local employers, and interview practice.
  • In the early childhood classroom, add books about work and toys that reflect jobs.

Program Design

  • Make sure program core messages and goals reflect a work focus.
  • Be clear about what work-related services you will provide.
  • Include flexible services to meet the needs of working parents.
  • Add more home visits to extend classroom time.
  • Include PACT Time is a time for parents and their children to enjoy literacy activities together. take-home activities.

Partnerships

  • Reach out to new community partners:
    • Employers
    • Family support organizations
    • Community colleges and vocational technology centers
  • Consider linking with health care and child care providers.
  • Share training opportunities with other agencies.
  • Hold a meeting with your local welfare/employment office. Talk about how you can work together.
  • Ask your Chamber of Commerce what the outlook for employment is in your area. Which industries are hiring? Are employers in need of trained, entry-level workers?

Advocacy

  • Become informed about federal and state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It provides help and work opportunities to needy families by granting states the federal funds to develop and implement their own welfare programs. guidelines and requirements.

(Adapted from: Work-Focus Strategies: Proven Results & Design, 2003)

This information was produced by the National Center for Family Literacy for use on www.thinkfinity.org, a powerful educational platform supported by the Verizon Foundation. This information is in the public domain and may be reproduced for noncommercial purposes without permission.

Copyright © 2006 by the National Center for Family Literacy. Produced by the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) (325 W. Main Street, Suite 300, Louisville, Kentucky 40202-4237).

 
Print this window
Close this window