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You are your child’s best teacher!
Children form their basis for learning during the first years of life and look to their parents for both leadership and love. It’s a known fact that early childhood experiences have an enduring impact on future learning and well-being. The First Steps Washtenaw-Milan program supports parents and families in the preparation of their children for school by coordinating and delivering early childhood development and community services. This program is available to all families with children from ages birth thru kindergarten age, who live in the Milan Area Schools District.
As a First Steps parent and family you will learn how to: · Build your understanding of early childhood development and the role you play. · Define appropriate expectations for each developmental stage with supportive parent/child guidance. · Identify learning opportunities to enhance your child’s intellectual, physical and social growth. · Use community resources and services to their fullest potential to benefit your family.
First Steps Washtenaw-Milan Family Benefits include: · Peer interaction for both child and parent through playgroups · Periodic screening to assess overall development including health, hearing & vision · Personal visits with a trained and certified parent educator to provide individual family support and to implement the Parents as Teachers (PAT) Born to Learn curriculum · Parent educational meetings and informational groups (free or reduced cost) · Bi-Monthly newsletter, The Pat-A-Cake Press · Access to Family Library, school library and many other school assemblies and activities · Connections to quality preschool services · Connections to community resources · Integration with Early On support family services
In conjunction with Milan Adult Education, our parent educator’s also teach a teen parenting class. For more information, please contact Connie Cox at (734) 439-5272 or email Ms. Cox.
What families are saying about First Steps Washtenaw - Milan: ~ “It’s made me aware of benchmarks regarding my child’s development.” ~ “I’ve learned something new everyday. I believe I am as good a parent as I’ll ever be.” ~ “It has shown me that I’m normal and that other parents go through the same issues.” ~ “I think it has made me a more positive parent because all of the parent educators are “realistic” parents.” ~ “I am the grandparent, but have found it was a bonding experience for my grandson and I.” ~ “First Steps has helped me learn great tools to make learning fun for my children.” ~ “I consider myself lucky to have the benefit of this program in my community.”
For more information or to have a Registration Packet mailed to you, please contact: Lisa Mellinger, Director at (734) 439-5159, Email Mrs. Mellinger Rhonda Barron, Certified Parent Educator at (734) 439-5151, Email Ms. Rhonda Pam Schelkun, Early On Coordinator at (734) 439-5151, Email Ms. Pam
Other Resource Websites: Parents As Teachers (PAT): International early childhood parent education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, usually age 5. |
