Family Connection of Easton, Inc.

Family Connection’s family support staff builds dynamic relationships with school staff, families, and the community to ensure that families have the information and support needed to be effective and engaged partners in the school community.  To help ensure that all children have the opportunity to achieve academic and personal success, we:
‣attend parent-teacher conferences and other school meetings at the request of parents and school staff
‣educate parents about school policies and procedures
‣inform parents of their rights and their child’s rights
‣facilitate positive communication between parents and school staff

We also enhance the school community by linking schools to local and regional community services and resources, hosting and supporting family nights, supplementing school-initiated programs and events, and providing support for school-based health care services.

Family Connection also supports families beyond the school walls.  We connect families to resources including:
‣Tutoring, after school, and other academic support programs for children
‣Child care services
‣Adult education programs including GED and ESL classes
‣Employment opportunities
‣Transportation
‣Food Stamps and WIC
‣Food banks
‣Clothing
‣Furniture
‣Safe, affordable housing
‣Utility assistance
‣Health care
‣Counseling services
‣Health insurance

ParentChild+ is an innovative, home-based literacy program that prepares children and families for school success.  Children between 18 months and three years old who live in the Easton Area School District sending area are eligible to enroll in the program.

Our family literacy specialists visit participants’ homes twice a week for two years.  During each visit, our staff use books, toys, and games to model for the parent or caregiver how to help their child learn how to read, count, and identify objects.  Families keep the educational materials so that learning continues in the home after the visit is over. 

In addition to home visits, students and their families explore the community as a group by visiting  places such as the library, fire station, and zoo.  Each year, families celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday and visit a local elementary school where the school nurse teaches the students about healthy habits.

ParentChild+ is a nationally recognized program and Family Connection is a certified replication partner.  The program is based on the belief that parents are their children’s first and most important teacher. Families must commit to participate for the entire two-year program.  There is no cost to participate.

Kindergarten Connection is a community-wide initiative to help children successfully transition into kindergarten.

Our transition to kindergarten initiative helps children and families prepare for a successful start in elementary school.  Through this initiative we are working with the Easton Area School District to develop and implement a comprehensive transition plan, developing positive relationships between parents, daycares and preschools, and the school district, educating early childhood educators about the PA educational standards and the expectations of kindergarten teachers, and coordinating educational events for children and families.

Afterschool program for students in 1st through 5th grades at Cheston and Paxinosa Elementary Schools. The program includes a daily snack, academic enrichment, homework help, and recreation.

Provide backpacks of food to children at-risk of hunger over long holiday weekends and establish school-based pantries