Family Literacy

What is Family Literacy?

The family literacy program provides parents and children the opportunity to work and play together. Fun educational activities are scheduled each month. Activities may include reading night, story time at the library, occasional fieldtrips, and special events. There is no cost to the families. It is a time where family members can create life memories and spend time together.

What Are the Required Program Components?

Children listening to a story teller at the Marion Family Learning Center.

Adult Education: helps parents enhance their basic reading, writing, math and language skills.
Childhood Education: is designed to promote the growth and development of young children.
Parent Education: provides instruction on how children grow, develop, and learn. It addresses issues critical to family well-being and connects parents with community resources.
Library Activities: are designed to encourage reading and family time together.
Interactive Parent/Child Activities: provide parents and children the opportunity to share their experiences. Parent and child activities are play-focused to enhance the parent/child relationship.

Do I Qualify For Services?

You may qualify if you are an adult 16 years of age or older, out of school and living in the John A. Logan College district and need help with basic skills. (JALC district includes: Williamson, Jackson and parts of Franklin, Perry and Randolph counties)

When and Where are Services Provided?

Adult instruction is provided year round. ABE/GED classes are offered at:

the Family Learning Center in Marion on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
the JALC West Frankfort Extension Center on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
the Johnston City First United Methodist Church on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
the Alongi Du Quoin Extension Center on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Childhood education is provided by agencies/institutions such as: Head Start, Southern Region Early Childhood Programs, Early Head Start daycare providers and the public school system. The children’s education component is arranged by the parent.

Parent education is scheduled on parent availability and is offered monthly by program providers.

Library visits and parent/child activities are scheduled monthly at various community settings including the library. Library activities may include: scavenger hunts, story tellers, lap sits, computers.

Who Do I Contact to Find Out About Services?

For information about the Family Literacy Project in West Frankfort or Johnston City, contact Amy Durfee, (618) 932-6639, ext. 223.
For information about the Family Literacy Project in Marion, contact Stacey Silver Teutrine, (618) 997-1991.
For information about the Family Literacy Project in Du Quoin, contact Emily Hookham, (618) 542-9210.

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