Family Literacy Program Services

The OVCDC Family Literacy Program provides a variety of services to our native communities which include Adult  and Early Childhood Education.

Family Literacy Program Services are offered in the following Communities.

• Tulare County– Visalia and Porterville
• Fresno County– Fresno, Big Sandy and Cold Springs
• Kern County– Bakersfield
• Kings County– Hanford and Lemoore

The Adult Education services includes; GED (General Educational Development), ABE (Adult Basic Education) study, Computer Literacy through Microsoft Office course, DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) study, Keyboarding Skills, Pre-Employment Readiness Certificate, NWRC (National Workforce Readiness Credential), Career Skill Workshops, College/Vocational options, Adult & Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED Certification, Nurturing Parenting program, and ServSafe Food Handlers Certification.

The ECE (Early Childhood Education) services include enrichment sessions, Hatch Computer Technology System and Native Language.

Family Literacy also provides education skill building and information to strengthen Family Formation and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies.

Family Literacy can provide you with:

Access to Native Culture: Native Culture is integrated into the program through information, literature, language, music, guest speakers, field trips and art

Adult Education: The following courses are offered for Adults seeking assistance in reaching educational and/or career goals: General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Preparation, Computer Literacy, Life Skills, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Study, Work Readiness as well as workshops on completing college and career technical training (vocational school) applications

Parenting Workshops: Workshops are offered to promote awareness of healthy child development. Activities and information prepare parents to be their child’s first and foremost teacher.

Family Learning Activities: Regular activities are provided to encourage families to work together, providing opportunities for parents to be the lead teacher in their child’s everyday learning.

Early Childhood Education: Activities and experiences in language, reading, writing, math, health and art are provided for children ages 0-5 in a developmentally appropriate educational environment (parent participation required).

“Parent and child involvement are required in our ‘Early Childhood Education’ classes. Families engage in activities centered around science, math, language, art, dance, music, and native culture. Educational field trips are also provided and often include outings to local libraries, museums, parks and trips that add to our monthly focus. Parent workshops include discussions on proactive discipline strategies, building a healthy home environment and supporting children in their educational journey”

Our ECE Enrichment classes:

• Monthly age appropriate child development information
  Weekly Native language instruction
• Nutrition workshops
• Two sites include educational/parenting home visits as a part of their program.

“My children have been attending Family Literacy classes for two years and it has had impacted them in such a positive way. My oldest daughter is in kindergarten and is at the top of her class.”

Eligibility

To find out if you are eligible for programs offered by the Owens Valley Career Development Center’s Family Literacy Department, please contact your local Owens Valley Career Development Center (OVCDC) Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Office.

REQUIREMENTS:

The forms under the Forms heading need to be completed for participation in the Family Literacy Program following the Eligibility process listed above:

For the Adult Education (A.E.) Program:

All forms that begin with AE

For the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program:

All forms that begin with ECE