ECHN Family Resource Center

ECHN's Vernon Family Resource Center at Maple Street School

We understand that parenting is a difficult job, and that children live, grow and thrive with the love and support of families, caregivers, and friends.

The Family Resource Center staff is a team of committed, caring, trained professionals and volunteers, dedicated to helping families develop their strengths, parenting skills, and confidence. Our backgrounds include education, child development, social work, counseling, public health, and human services. The entire staff is trained and certified in the nationally recognized Parents as Teachers program.

Our program is conveniently located in Vernon at Maple Street School in Rockville. Our Family Resource Center provides something for everyone, in a location that will be a hub of family learning for many years – the neighborhood school.

We offer parent educational workshops, educational playgroups, positive youth development, home/personal visits for young families, child developmental assessments, family literacy, support to childcare providers, and links to preschool education, school-age childcare, adult education, and referrals to community resources.

Read below to find about a sampling of our ongoing playgroups and educational programs.

* PLEASE NOTE:

- There are no playgroups on Vernon Public School holidays.
- Snow Day Policy: If the Vernon Public Schools are cancelled or delayed, playgroups are cancelled.

Parents As Teachers — Parent Education Program

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a free nationally recognized parent educa­tion and family support program -serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten. The PAT program includes monthly one-on-one homevisits with a certified PAT Parent Educator, either in your home or another agreed upon location. The visits include screenings for your child to assess their overall development.

The PAT program is dedicated to supporting families. We will provide families with information on all stages of child development. We can also answer any questions you have regarding your child's developoment and provide you with fun and developmentally appropriate activities you can do at home.

Playing With Grandma and Grandpa

Come join the fun. We engage in activities that will both entertain and teach your child. This unique playgroup gives families the chance to have fun and get to know the residents at Fox Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Included in your regis­tration for this program is a personal visit with a certified Parent Educator, either in your home or at our center, and a free developmental screening for your child.

Date: Mondays

Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Location: Fox Hill Center, 1245 Htfd. Turnpike, Vernon

Fee: free

Drop-In Playgroup

A playgroup for parents and their children (newborn to 5 years old) that includes two simple arts and crafts activities, snack, and songs.

Date: Fridays

For time(s) and location(s) please call (860) 335- 6954

Fee: free

Storybooks and Creations

Join us for a special story hour with your 2- to 4-year-old, presented by ECHN'S Family Resource Center and the Rockville Public Library. Mrs. Z, the children's librarian, will read stories that both children and adults love, followed by activi­ties that make the stories come alive! Included in your regis­tration for this program is a personal visit with a certified Parent Educator, either in your home or at a location of your choosing and a free developmental screening for your child.

Date: Wednesdays

Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Location: Rockville Public Library, 52 Union Street, Vernon

Fee: free