FLAG (Family Learning Across Generations)

The FLAG program is a family literacy program that connects parents to adult education and community services and provides early childhood parenting education. It provides home-based services throughout rural Ulster County for approximately 130 families per year.

Parents are trained to be their child's first teacher through interaction with specially trained home visitors and through the use of children's books and learning packets. Families are linked to local GED, ESL, or job training programs and community services. An individualized curriculum is presented to parents during home visits which includes low-literacy level materials and short videos.

Parent education groups are held on a monthly basis in libraries, McDonald's restaurants, or BOCES sites. A variety of curricular and resource materials are utilized as appropriate. Transportation and child care are provided to enable parents to attend adult education classes and parenting groups. For a family to be eligible, there must be a child under the age of 8 years and one parent must lack a high school diploma, have limited English proficiency, or lack basic academic skills.

Professional Development

The Coordinator and staff are available to train new Coordinators and home visitors in program implementation. This would include a 1- to 2-day training on program components, effective home visiting, record keeping, and establishing networks within the school and community. Follow-up technical assistance is available through telephone contact or meetings.

Costs & Funding Options