Even Start Family Literacy Program

Even Start is an education program for low-income familes that is designed to improve the academic achievement of young children and their parents.

The goals of Even Start are to:

• help parents improve their literacy and basic education skills
• help parents become full partners in educating their children
• assist children in reaching their full potential as learners

Even Start includes four components:

1. Adult Literacy - One parent from each family is required to be enrolled in adult education: ABE/GED or English as a Second Language (ESL)
2. Parenting Education - A weekly parent group provides information on child development and literacy and enrichment activities for parents and children to do at home
3. Early Childhood Education - Children enrolled in Even Start participate in the Infact/Toddler Program, ECEAP/Preschool, or Elementary School
4. Interactive Parent and Child Literacy Time - Parents and children engage in literacy activities in their children's classroom and at home

Social Services and Collaborations

• Tutoring and mentoring for children and parents
• Child care
• Assistance with transportation
• Services are offered to families living in the Central Valley School District and throughout the Spokane area

Child Care Eligibility

• Even Start serves families with at least one child (age 0-7 years) at the time of enrollment. (In some cases, families with children over age 7 are eligible)
• A parent must have a literacy need and be enrolled in adult education
• Families must meet income guidelines
• Families agree to participate in all four component areas

For more information, please contact:

Central Valley Even Start
Central Valley Early Learning Center
10304 E 9th Ave
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
(509) 228-5820

Spanish and Russian translators are available.