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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.
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.
CANON CITY DAILY RECORD PHOTO BY TAMARA MCCUMBERPlay 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
