Family and Child Education
Created as a family literacy program in 1990, Family and Child Education (FACE) serves families and children prenatal to 5 years of age. FACE provides early childhood education, adult, and parenting education. The program also offers opportunities for active learning and parental involvement strategies for families with children ages K-3rd grade.
The FACE Program has been operating at Atsá Biyáázh Community School since 1993. We are proud to offer this unique educational experience to families in the Shiprock area.
FACE Goals
- Support parents in the role of their child’s first and most influential teacher.
- Celebrate and support the unique Diné language and culture of our community.
- Promote the early identification of and services for children with special needs.
- Strengthen connections between family, school and community.
- Increase family literacy and promote lifelong learning.
FACE Services: Center Based Services
Children Ages: 3-5yrs
- School readiness
- Adult education
- PACT time (Parent and Child Together)
- Parenting skills
- Transition from Pre-school to Kindergarten
- Reading for parent and child
- *Adults also work on individual goals
- Field trips
- Book and toy lending library
- Transportation to and from school
- Breakfast, lunch, and snacks
Early Childhood
The new Early Childhood classroom is equipped to serve 15 children aged 3 to 5 years old. Teachers receive their training through development courses conducted by the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL). The teacher and co-teacher will implement FACE Early Childhood Standards to help get preschoolers ready for kindergarten.
Parent and Child Time (PACT)
PACT occurs, either in the Early Childhood classroom or in K-3rd. PACT is a special opportunity for parents and/or caretakers to play together with child directed activities in a supportive environment. The goal is for the parent to be their child’s first and best teacher!
Adult Education
The adult education teacher assesses the academic strengths, needs, interests, and goals of the adult learner. Center Based Adult Education is directed by a state certified teacher. Our certified teachers receive professional development training from NCFL, so they can deliver center based educational components and successfully meet the needs of parents and caretakers.
Parent Time
The Adult Education teacher and/or other special guests facilitate FACE Parent Time. They cover topics such as:
- Parenting
- Navigating family challenges
- Life skills
- Healthy family practices
- And more…
Home Based Services
Ages: Prenatal to 3yrs
- Weekly personal home visits*
- Periodic screenings utilizing the Ages and Stages Questionnaire
- Child development education
- Family Circle monthly meetings
- Parents as Teacher curriculum**
- “First Teacher” training for parents
- Teaching through play
- Transition from Home Based to Center Based services.
- Field trips
- Book and toy lending library
*Our team practices CDC/NN guidelines by wearing face masks and social distancing during home-based visits.
**Parent Educators are trained in the Parents As Teachers (PAT) Foundational Curriculum which supports the development of the 4 developmental domains.
Imagination Library: All children enrolled in the national Imagination Library Reading Program qualify to receive an age-appropriate book every month from birth to age 5.
Who can participate?
FACE is open to all Native American families with children (prenatal to 5yrs) with census numbers.
What do I need to enroll?
You will need the following documents:
- Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB)
- Birth Certificate
- Up to date immunization record
Who do I contact to enroll?
Contact Atsá Biyáázh Community School at 505-368-2202 or 505-406-3594