Family Focus Lawndale Creates Holistic Space For Child Development
Socialization workshop for parent-child interactions at Family Focus Lawndale Courtesy of Aja Beckham
Family Focus helps close the learning gap in low income homes before it even starts by encouraging consistent cognitive development of young children outside of daycare.
Family Focus Parent Educator, Loukessa Hawkins, 42, was a preschool teacher for three years, but decided to change professions because she believes learning starts in the home.
“Preschoolers would go home during the weekend, come back to school and lost everything teachers taught the week before. I realized it would be better for the child to support learning in the home," Hawkins said.
Studies show that economically advantage versus disadvantage homes differently impact children's cognitive abilities. According to Boosting Family Income to Promote Child Development, "Poor families lack the resources to invest in things like high-quality child care and enriched learning experiences that give more affluent children a leg up." Family Focus is invested in children's cognitive development by meeting the need where low-income families need support.
On Thursday, Jan. 23, Family Focus Lawndale hosted a social development workshop for parent-child interactions. Parent Educators show parents that their role as an educator is important because parents are their children’s first teacher.
Family Focus Flyer Courtesy of Aja Beckham
The Socialization Workshop included food, activities and games, and prizes. Hawkins facilitated and encouraged parents to use curriculum during the workshop.
Parent-Children Interactions. Courtesy of Aja Beckham
Parents following along with the resource packet Courtesy of Aja Beckham
Do you have need someone to watch your child because you need a break, feeling overwhelmed, or have a medical emergency (i.e. surgery)?
Parent Educators and other moms lean on and support on another. Listen to parents explain why they keep coming back:
The space itself.
Events take place every 1st and 4th Thursday of the month at Family Focus Lawndale 3517 W. Arthington Chicago, IL, 60624, 773 - 722 - 5057. For more information about Parents As Teachers Program contact Supervisor, Twanna Bradford, twanna.bradford@family-focus.org.