| The Watertown/Oakville community has a new Family Resource Center. The idea to establish a Family Resource Center grew out of a recommendation from “Watertown’s Community Conversations Concerning Early Childhood Education” in which members of the community met to identify the needs of families and young children in Watertown and Oakville. These meetings were funded through grants from the Connecticut Community Foundation, the William Caspar Graustien Memorial Fund and the League of Women voters. The Watertown Family Resource Planning Committee is comprised of a group of community volunteers who have an interest in developing a community-based system of family support. The mission of the Watertown Family Resource Center (FRC) is to nurture the healthy development of the family, to strengthen the bond between the school and the family, and to help every child be ready for school. The FRC will provide opportunities (at no cost) for all Watertown/Oakville families to participate in special programs to support school readiness, foster literacy skills, and encourage parent and community participation. The FRC began its activities in September, 2007. A monthly literacy program, “Bedtime Stories”, for preschool children has been enjoyed by many families. The “Early Childhood Parents Make a Difference” newsletter is being distributed to all preschoolers. Preschool Collaboration between public and private preschools and childcare providers was established in January 2006 and is continuing with shared professional development and dialogue with the support of the FRC. Future components will include literacy bags, a community directory, additional literacy groups, parent /child playgroups, parent workshops, and educational programs. The up-coming programs will be provided for children from preschool to grade 2 and their families. The FRC is supported by the Connecticut Community Foundation, The Leever Foundation, Naugatuck Savings Bank, Watertown Foundation, Thomaston Savings Bank, Watertown-Oakville Chamber of Commerce, John Trumbull Primary School PTO, and the Watertown Board of Education. The FRC Committee is dedicated to making the Watertown Family Resource Center an integral part of the community by meeting the changing needs of families. Our next “Bedtime Stories” Program for 3 and 4 year old children will be held on April 30, 2008 in the music rooms at John Trumbull Primary School at 6:30PM. If you are interested in attending this program or learning more about the FRC, please contact us at frc@watertownctschools.org.
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