Family First In Education

Made possible by an inspired vision and generous funding from the Per and Astrid Heidenreich Family Foundation, Family First in Education aims to improve the educational and family outcomes for participating Greenwich elementary school students enrolled at Hamilton Avenue, New Lebanon and Julian Curtiss elementary schools where the low-income population is rapidly growing, leaving more students eligible for the Free or Reduced Federal Lunch Program. Due to socio-economic challenges faced by low-income families, most of these students are also non-proficient in state standardized reading and math testing.

Family First in Education utilizes a two-generational approach focused on parent engagement and structured after school programming. By paying close attention to both parent and student needs, the program positively impacts overall family wellness, school and community engagement, academic growth in reading and math and social/emotional development, thereby impacting key causes of the achievement gap.

After-school Support

Thanks to a strong partnership with Greenwich Public Schools (GPS), Family First’s after-school curriculum complements the academic work that occurs in the classroom during the school day. As a result, a complete learning environment is created for students. To date, Family First students have demonstrated significantly higher growth on the reading and math STAR assessments relative to GPS students attending two of our feeder schools, New Lebanon and Hamilton Avenue elementary schools. According to our most recent data, about 43%-47% of Family First students are making strong growth (65% or higher SGP on STAR math and reading) when compared with 11%-17% of New Lebanon and Hamilton Avenue students.

Parent Support

As noted earlier, Family First in Education employs a two-generational approach to foster positive family and educational outcomes. Our wrap-around services assist parents to meet family needs and remove barriers that limit parent engagement.

Our robust and meaningful supports include:

- Master’s level clinicians who address clinical and behavioral issues for students and parents, with student sessions held on site at the after-school program

-Assessment of basic needs and case management services, including connection to local resources for food, clothing, legal services, job search supports, childcare, physical and dental health, etc.

- Connection to and communication with public school staff, including accompanying parents to school meetings

- Clinician facilitated parent workshops that address questions and concerns, while building community

- Weekend family enrichment events which provide exposure to new and educational experiences

- Clinician-facilitated socio-emotional workshops for students, addressing themes of self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, responsible decision making, etc.

- Case conferences with Family First clinicians and afterschool staff to review and plan for student concerns and issues

For more information on Family First in Education, contact Carolina Ahumada at 203-629-2822.