Over 20 parents and children will participate in the four month program to build stronger families

[Newark, NJ – March 22, 2016] – Newark Public Schools’ (NPS) Office of Early Childhood Development launched a “Family Academy” Saturday at Gladys Hillman Jones School. Nearly two dozen parents and children attended. Family Academy is a 30-hour program that spans four months and is designed to provide individuals with valuable information that will help build stronger families and community in Newark.

The first session on Saturday was called “Defining Your Vision & Reaching for Your Dreams”. The remaining seven sessions will take place every other Saturday through June and will focus on topics such as stress management, job preparation and financial literacy. Participating families will also be required to participate in a First Aid certification training and attend a minimum of seven sessions in order to graduate from the program.

In 2015, 20 families graduated from the Family Academy program. The Family Academy is designed to support the mission of the Office of Early Childhood by ensuring parents and caregivers are given the tools and resources needed to support positive interactions between family, school and the community. The Family Academy prepares parents to master the role of serving as their child’s primary educator. There is a home-based component, parallel activities for children and family-oriented field trips in conjunction with the workshops. Families also have access to a family advocate/worker or “parenting coach” who assists them along their journey of parenting an early learner.

For more information please contact Jacquelyn Lake with the Family Academy at jlake@nullnewark.apppresser.com or call (973) 223-9988.