Family Connections - Program Overview

Excelsior Family Connection’s services follow the philosophy of Portola Family Connections, our parent agency. Like Portola, our programs are geographically convenient, culturally relevant, and free or low-cost for participating families. We provide services in three languages, and hire community members to work at the center.

Our direct services include:

Early Childhood Development Programs

• Child/Parent Drop-In
• Next Steps Preschool Readiness

Parent/Caregiver Education Programs:

• Latino Support Groups
• Asian Support Groups
• 1-2-3 Magic Parenting Classes
• Workshops

Parent/Caregiver and Community Services

• Computer Classes
• Case Management
• Employment Assistance
• Information/Resource and Referral

A typical day in the life of Excelsior Family Connections:

Child/Parent Drop In Program (Monday –Friday)
9:00 AM – Parents call in the morning to reserve a seat in the program.
9:40 AM – The center is instantly filled with warm greetings in multiple languages, hugs for those who haven’t come for a long time. Once you enter EFC, you will hear laughter and conversations among those who are frequent visitors; and excited children exploring the play area and playmates.
10:00 AM – Caregivers can be seen interacting with their child, exchanging advice and networks with other caregivers, or participating in the varying activities the center has to offer.
12:00 PM – The Child/Parent Program ends and families trickle back out the door. Some may stay behind to ask a few questions about their child, or learn more about resources around the neighborhood.

Next Steps Program (Monday – Friday)
2:00 PM – Our doors consistently swing back and forth again, as families walk in to attend the Next Steps Preschool Readiness Program. Approximately fifteen 3 and 4 year old children plus their caregivers attend this program
3:00 PM – Students are engaged in individual and small group activities providing opportunities to improve their fine and gross motor skills.
4:15 PM – The program ends with a song session.

Latino Caregiver Support Group (Tuesdays Only)
10:00 AM – About 15-20 parents, grandparents, and caregivers gather around in the parent’s space, listening eagerly to what the presenters have to offer.

Computer Literacy Class (Tuesdays Only)
4:30 PM – Parents and community members arrive for the computer class. Each individual is given a laptop to use for the class. Adults are taught basic computer skills.
6:00 PM – Classes end once the adults have finished logging off the computers.

Parent Advisory Board Meeting (3rd Wednesday of every month)
10:00 AM – Parents participate in a monthly meeting to discuss concerns/issues. In addition, the parents also express their needs and opinions of programs.

Asian Caregiver Support Group (Thursdays Only)
10:00 AM – About 15-20 parents, grandparents, and caregivers gather around in the parent’s space, listening eagerly to what the presenters have to offer.

*Our Licensed Family Therapist is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the CPDI and Next Steps programs for mental health consultation. Mental Health Consultation may include providing support around a child’s developmental needs and receiving referrals to outside agencies for additional support.

*For the remainder of the day, a steady flow of clients drop in to inquire about services, information and referral, translation services, employment assistance preschool forms, and many other family support services assistance.




PROGRAM OVERVIEW
			Excelsior Family Connection’s services follow the philosophy of Portola Family Connections, our parent agency. Like Portola, our programs are geographically convenient, culturally relevant, and free or low-cost for participating families. We provide services in three languages, and hire community members to work at the center. Our direct services include: Early Childhood Development Programs • Child/Parent Drop-In • Next Steps Preschool Readiness Parent/Caregiver Education Programs: • Latino Support Groups • Asian Support Groups • 1-2-3 Magic Parenting Classes • Workshops Parent/Caregiver and Community Services • Computer Classes • Case Management • Employment Assistance • Information/Resource and Referral A typical day in the life of Excelsior Family Connections: Child/Parent Drop In Program (Monday –Friday) 9:00 AM – Parents call in the morning to reserve a seat in the program. 9:40 AM – The center is instantly filled with warm greetings in multiple languages, hugs for those who haven’t come for a long time. Once you enter EFC, you will hear laughter and conversations among those who are frequent visitors; and excited children exploring the play area and playmates. 10:00 AM – Caregivers can be seen interacting with their child, exchanging advice and networks with other caregivers, or participating in the varying activities the center has to offer. 12:00 PM – The Child/Parent Program ends and families trickle back out the door. Some may stay behind to ask a few questions about their child, or learn more about resources around the neighborhood. Next Steps Program (Monday – Friday) 2:00 PM – Our doors consistently swing back and forth again, as families walk in to attend the Next Steps Preschool Readiness Program. Approximately fifteen 3 and 4 year old children plus their caregivers attend this program 3:00 PM – Students are engaged in individual and small group activities providing opportunities to improve their fine and gross motor skills. 4:15 PM – The program ends with a song session. Latino Caregiver Support Group (Tuesdays Only) 10:00 AM – About 15-20 parents, grandparents, and caregivers gather around in the parent’s space, listening eagerly to what the presenters have to offer. Computer Literacy Class (Tuesdays Only) 4:30 PM – Parents and community members arrive for the computer class. Each individual is given a laptop to use for the class. Adults are taught basic computer skills. 6:00 PM – Classes end once the adults have finished logging off the computers. Parent Advisory Board Meeting (3rd Wednesday of every month) 10:00 AM – Parents participate in a monthly meeting to discuss concerns/issues. In addition, the parents also express their needs and opinions of programs. Asian Caregiver Support Group (Thursdays Only) 10:00 AM – About 15-20 parents, grandparents, and caregivers gather around in the parent’s space, listening eagerly to what the presenters have to offer. Our Licensed Family Therapist is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the CPDI and Next Steps programs for mental health consultation. Mental Health Consultation may include providing support around a child’s developmental needs and receiving referrals to outside agencies for additional support. For the remainder of the day, a steady flow of clients drop in to inquire about services, information and referral, translation services, employment assistance preschool forms, and many other family support services assistance.