Family Center

The Fremont County Family Center

The Fremont County Family Center provides “one stop shopping” for parents looking for fun and educational experiences for themselves and their children. Located at 1339 Elm Ave. in Cañon City, the Family Center is home to a rainbow of services for young children – birth through age five – and their parents. The ECHO and Family Center Council provides not only a place to gather, the Family Center is also a community-based collaboration that involves Starpoint, Canon City Schools, Florence Schools, Fremont County Public Health, West Central Mental Health Center, pediatricians, dentists, licensed child care providers, and parents.

First Steps Early Head Start

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 socializations 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 focuses on the needs of low-resource households and has income eligibility requirements. If you think you might qualify, please contact us.   CHP+ is low-cost health insurance for Colorado children and pregnant women. Give us a call at 719-275-0550 for more information or see our CHP+ informational flyer.

First Steps Parents As Teachers

First Steps Parents As Teachers is a monthly home visitation program that is available to any and all families, regardless of income levels or special needs. We believe that parents are the first and most influential teacher of their child and that parenting infants, toddlers, and preschoolers can be challenging. We work to ensure that parents have information about how to support each stage of their child’s natural development. Many parents say having a PAT home visitor who serves as a 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 Parents As Teachers Parent Educators.

Play Groups

Community toddler playgroups are offered on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Parents receive information about child development, activities and nutrition. Parents also have the opportunity to socialize with other parents while their children interact in an experience-rich environment. This is a free event and registration is not necessary. Call 719-275-0550 for additional information.

Welcome Baby Program

Each family in Fremont County with a newborn is greeted at the local hospital by a Fremont County Family Center staff member who delivers an information packet about the many Early Childhood services available in the community including ongoing home visits through the First Steps Early Head Start and First Steps Parents As Teachers program. A Welcome Baby gift bag with materials provided through http://Colorado Bright Beginnings By Three is delivered during a home visit. These services are also available to families who deliver outside of Fremont county. Call 719-275-0550 to schedule a visit.

Child Health Passports

Sponsored by Project ECHO, the Passport is a parent-held, child health record keeping system for children from birth to age six. The Passport provides informative and educational material for parents as they track well-baby check-ups, immunizations, and growth charts. All families are offered a Passport at St. Thomas More Hospital when they deliver. The Passport is also available to families delivering outside of Fremont County. Call 719-275-0550 to schedule an appointment.

ECHO Developmental Screenings

Ever wonder if your child’s development is on track? Are there possible health, developmental or behavioral issues that concern you, your family or your doctor? It is possible for you to schedule a simple developmental screening that can relieve your concerns; or which can point you in the direction of help if necessary. A team of service providers will work with you to ensure that you, your child and your family have the best support if there is a developmental issue. For info, please call the ACCESS Center at 719-276-6174 to schedule an appointment for an ECHO screening.