The most significant impact on children’s academic success is their parent’s attitude toward literacy and learning. Core values, knowledge and skills are first developed in a child’s family, which is the nucleus of the household.
The Learning Education and Parenting Success (LEAPS) Family Literacy Program partners with adult learners of children ages 0-8 to support and strengthen these essential elements of the family.
LEAPS is comprised of four components: Adult Education, Children Education, Parent and Child Together Time (PACT), and Parent Time.
With locations in both Hamtramck and Detroit, LEAPS offers participants General Education Degree (GED) and daily English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Instructors meet adult learners where they and design instruction to meet their diverse learning needs. Classes are held September through June.
LEAPS children’s education supports focus on improving the child’s school readiness and literacy skills. Our Hamtramck location has federally-funded Early Head Start and Head Start Programs. Children attend school with their parents four days per week. Children at our Detroit location also attend either Head Start programming or childcare programs that provide child-centered activities while parents are in class. School-age children who attend and are enrolled in their local public schools also have the opportunity to participate in literacy tutoring with one-to-one reading mentors.
With opportunities inside and outside of the classroom, parent and children are able to bolster their emotional bonds through play and discovery. Because parents are the primary educator of their children, PACT also strengthens the learning relationship in the family and supports parents garner greater assurance in advocating for their children’s educational needs.
Parent time sessions provide parents the opportunity to enhance strategies at home to best support their children’s growth and development. Session topics include but are not limited to homeschooling, healthy communication, proper nutrition, positive discipline, and early literacy skill development.