DIPLOMAS

  Early Learning and Family Literacy Center

  Exceptional Ed

  FIND Center

  High Ability Program (formerly Gifted/Talented)

  Richmond Area Career Center

  Student Health

  Title 1

  Volunteer Programs

Early Learning and Family Literacy Center

• Application for Enrollment (PDF)
• Early Learning and Family Literacy Center Brochure (PDF)
• Early Learning and Family Literacy Center Brochure in Spanish (PDF)
• Vision and Goals

Facilities: The Early Learning and Family Literacy Center is housed in the former Baxter Elementary School Building on Richmond’s west side. The building, which was renovated in 1995, is in excellent condition, and is well-suited for preschool programming. The Early Learning and Family Literacy Center is home to four general education and two special needs preschool classrooms, all of which are well-equipped with developmentally-appropriate furniture, books, and toys.

Enrollment Options and Cost: Children ages three through five may enroll in the half-day program, morning or afternoon, for a two-day per week (Tuesday and Thursday), three-day per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), or five-day per week (Monday through Friday) program. The morning session runs from 8:30 – 11:00, while the afternoon session runs from 12:00 – 2:30. The cost of the program is $5.00 per session.
Programs: The Early Learning and Family Literacy Center provides a literacy-rich preschool environment, with a focus on developmentally-appropriate, hands-on approaches to learning. Our curriculum supports the Foundations to the Indiana Academic Standards for Young Children from Birth to Age Five, which are based on the latest national research for all content areas and domains. By outlining specific skills and concepts and giving examples of instructional strategies, these foundations support teachers, parents, and caregivers as they develop appropriate experiences for young children to help ensure success in kindergarten. These foundations may be accessed at http://www.doe.in.gov/primetime/foundations.html.
Special Programs: For students with identified special needs, special education and related services are provided based on each student’s Individualized Education Program. In addition support in the general education setting or services in the special needs classroom, related services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and transportation are provided to meet the specialized learning needs of these children.

Early Childhood Literacy Coach: Through the Lilly Endowment funded Community Alliances to Promote Education (CAPE) grant, the Early Learning and Family Literacy Center is the home base for the Wayne County Early Childhood Literacy Coach. The literacy coach provides professional development to early childhood education providers throughout Wayne County via a coaching model, with a specific emphasis on ensuring that early childhood providers have access to the latest research on best practices in early literacy instruction. In addition to working with early childhood educators, the literacy coach facilitates workshops for parents to help them learn how they can support their child’s early learning.

Early Childhood Social/Behavioral Support: Through the Safe Schools/Healthy Student grant, the Early Learning and Family Literacy Center is home base for the Early Childhood Mental Health Worker. The mental health worker assists in identifying young children at risk for developing emotional and behavioral problems, is responsible for providing training for teachers, child care workers, and parents. She is also available to provide small-group interventions with students and their families to address a variety of emotional and behavioral problems, and can assist in making appropriate referrals for more intensive services.

	QUICK LINKS
	RCS Employees: Check Email
	RCS Staff Links

Bus Routes Maps Teacher Web Pages Teaching & Learning Page

Director:
Lou Dickman

Special Education Supervisor and Preschool Coordinator:
Kathy Parker, Ph.D.

315 NW 3rd Street
Richmond, IN 47374

Telephone: 765.973.3416
Fax: 765.973.3729