Even Start Family Literacy Program
Contact Information
Lea Gallegos
(505) 880-8249 ext.179
(505) 880-8249 ext. 357
The Even Start Family Literacy program is currently available at the following elementary schools:
Even Start is a family literacy program with a preschool component.
Families with children ages 3-5 prior to 12:01 am on September 1st of the school year and who have at least one adult family household member with a literacy need, such as Basic Adult Education (GED, Basic Tutoring, ESL, etc.), can apply for the program. When adult family members commit to taking an Adult Basic Education class, attend at least one parenting class a month and can volunteer twice a month in the preschool classroom, their preschooler qualifies for the preschool program.
Sign Up For the Even Start Program
Families with children residing within Title I boundaries can apply to the program by filling out an application (below) and returning it to any of the thirteen schools offering the program (see the list above):
Families can apply for the program year-round. Staff at each school reviews the applications and talks to the family about requirements.
Families are enrolled in August or when openings become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are you still taking applications?
We take applications year round.
- Can my child attend the preschool if I don't want to go to GED class?
Only children who have an adult household family member attending Adult Basic Education classes are eligible for Even Start Preschool.
- Are all of your programs full?
One or two programs have an opening from time to time. We keep waiting lists and enroll new families when a space is available. Please fill out an application and submit it to the Even Start site nearest you, which we will keep on file.
- How many students are there per teacher in the preschools?
We have one certified teacher and a highly qualified Educational Assistant in each classroom of fifteen preschoolers.
- I work. Can I leave my child in Even Start all day?
Even Start has two 2 1/2 hour sessions of preschool four days a week. Students may attend only one of those sessions. Wednesdays are dedicated to parenting classes, home visits, paperwork, sterilizing the environment and planning.
- What languages are used in the classroom?
All Even Starts have Spanish and English materials and staff that speak one or both of these languages well. Many other families speak other languages and some staff members have command of other languages.
- My child turns three in September; can she start after her birthday?
We must follow state guidelines, which state that all children must be three prior to 12:01 am on September 1st of the school year to be enrolled.
- I don't have transportation to CNM to go to GED class; are there other opportunities?
Yes, every Even Start site has accredited GED and ESL classes, with childcare provided for free.
- When are the GED and ESL classes?
It depends on the school. Our teachers travel from school to school. Some of the Adult classes are in the morning, some in the afternoon and we have some after-school and a few in the evening.
- Who are the childcare providers?
Teachers, Educational Assistants and people hired specifically to be childcare providers.
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