The
Fremont County Family Center provides "one stop shopping"
for parents looking for fun and educational experiences for themselves
and their children. Located at 1401 Oak Creek Grade Road in Cañon
City, the Family Center is home to a rainbow of services for small kids
(0-5) and parents, including:
The
ECHO and Family Center Council.
Besides
being a place to gather, the Family Center is also a community-based
collaboration that involves "Starpoint," Canon City Schools,
Florence Schools, Fremont County Nursing Service, West Central Mental
Health, pediatricians, dentists, licensed child care providers, and
parents to name a few.
FAMILY CENTER SERVICES
|
First
Steps Early Head Start is a Federally-funded comprehensive
child development program for pregnant women and families with
children birth to age 3. Activities range from playgroups and
family clubs to a toy and book lending library. One of the cornerstones
of the program is a weekly home visit that delivers Parents As
Teachers parent education, support, and resources to the family
home. Center-based services are also available.
This
program is targeted towards low-resource households and has income
eligibility requirements. If you think you might qualify, please
contact us.
BACK
TO TOP
|
 |
First
Steps Parents As Teachers. This is a monthly home visitation
program that is available to any and all families, regardless of income
levels or special needs. We believe that parenting infants, toddlers,
and preschoolers is challenging for all families, so we work to ensure
that parents have information about how to enhance each stage of their
child's development.
Many parents
say having a Parents As Teachers (PAT) home visitor who serves as mentor,
coach, and resource person through the preschool years enhances their
overall experience of parenting. If you are interested in enrolling
in this valuable program, which is available at no cost, please contact
us. All our home visitors are certified PAT educators.
BACK
TO TOP

CANON
CITY DAILY RECORD PHOTO BY TAMARA MCCUMBER |
|
Play
Groups. Community playgroups are offered 3 days a week
from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
| Toddlers |
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday |
| Babies |
Tuesday and Thursday |
Parents receive info about child
play and development while they interact with their children and
socialize with other parents. This is a free event and registration
is not necessary. Call 719-269-1523 for info.
BACK
TO TOP
|
GED
Classes. Fremont County Family Center is pleased to offer
our classroom as a site for GED Classes. The Dept. of Human Services
sponsors these classes and reservations must be made through them. When
calling to DHS to enroll, please also request onsite childcare. Classes
are in session every Monday and Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Call us at 719-269-1523 for more information.
BACK
TO TOP
Family
Support Groups. We offer many groups that focus on particular
family topics such as our Crib-Kindergarten Parent Support, Infant Loss Support Group, breastfeeding support, Car Seat Safety Specialist, Love
and Logic Class. For dads, we offer a Fatherhood Group. Call the Family
Center @ 719-269-1523 for info.
BACK
TO TOP
Teen
Parent Groups.
Early parenting teenagers have many groups and classes to choose from,
some of which offer high school credits through Canon City High School,
Garden Park High School, and Florence High School. Contact your school
guidance counselor or call 719-269-1523 for information or click
here for complete information.
BACK
TO TOP
Sharon's
Closet. Donations by the family and friends of Sharon Cushman
have resulted in an amazing community collaboration known as Sharon's
Closet, which is housed at the Family Center. Women who need quality
clothing to attend job interviews are able to try on and choose outfits
that will enable them to dress for success. For more info, call the
Family Center @ 719-269-1523.
BACK
TO TOP
Welcome
Baby Program. Each family with a newborn is greeted at the
local
hospital with an information packet about Early Childhood services available
in the community. A "Welcome Baby" gift is offered during
the first introductory home visit.
BACK
TO TOP
Denver
Child Health Passports. Sponsored by Project ECHO, the Passports
are parent-held child health record booklets for children ages birth
to 6. They are informative and educational for parents as they keep
track of important well-baby check-ups, required immunizations, and
growth charts. Parents and child health care providers interact more
closely through the use of the Passports for healthier babies and relationships.
All families are offered a Passport at St.Thomas More Hospital when
they have a newborn baby.
BACK
TO TOP
ECHO
Developmental Screenings. Ever wonder if your child's development
is on track? Are there possible health, developmental or behavioral
issues that concern you or your family or doctor? It is possible for
you to attend or schedule a simple developmental screening that can
relieve your worries; or which can point you in the direction of help
if it turns out there is a problem. A team of service provides will
work with you to ensure that you and your child and family have the
best chance of turning things around if there is indeed a developmental
issue. For info, please call the Early Childhood Office at Canon City
Schools, 719-276-5720.
BACK
TO TOP