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last updated
April 2006

 

 

  

A Guide to Early Education Programs in WH

Programs Free of Charge

Family Resource Center

In 1991, in partnership with the Bridge Family Center, The Charter Oak Academy established the Family Resource Center to support the healthy development of families in the community. The Family Resource Center offers an integrated system of family support services that enhance parenting, promote family involvement with the schools, and help children to succeed academically, socially and emotionally.

The Family Resource Center currently offers satellite programs at two other West Hartford schools: Florence E. Smith School of Science and Technology, and Whiting Lane School.


Programs for Parents and Caregivers

  • Parenting education workshops
  • English and high school equivalency classes in collaboration with West Hartford Adult Education
  • People Empowering People parent leadership training
  • The Wisdom Circle peer group for grandparents
  • Lending Library
  • Training and support for home and center based child-care providers
  • CPR and first aid training
  • Child-care referrals
  • Family therapy
  • Ongoing parenting support groups
  • Access to school readiness scholarship information and support
  • Programs for Young Children- Good Times/Good Talks drop-in playgroups
  • Home visits using the Parents As Teachers curriculum
  • Book and toy lending library
  • Saturday programs
  • Family literacy activities
  • Special events

West Hartford Public Library

The West Hartford Public Library Children's Division offers programs for children, newborn and older.

  • Weekly registered story time programs in a variety of formats
  • Drop-in playtimes and school vacation specials
  • Puppet and musical shows, storytellers, dramatizations, author visits and craft programs
  • Evening programs for families
  • Handicapped accessible and restroom with a changing table
  • Toy area with comfortable seating for parents to socialize.

Register in person or by phone at 561-6980

 

The Library also offers computers for children, as well as books, cassette tapes, compact discs, videos, toys and software. In addition, the Library offers museum passes for area museums, including the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (Amherst, MA), Peabody Museum ( New Haven, CT), the Wadsworth Atheneum (Hartford, CT) and many more.

 

Passes may be reserved up to one month ahead of the visit on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Sign up in the Children's Department of the main library or by telephone at 523-3280.

 

A valid West Hartford Public Library card and proof of residency is required to obtain a pass.

 

*Similar programs also exist at the Faxon Branch on 1073 New Britain Avenue (call 523-5545 for more information), and at the Bishops Corner Branch on 15 Starkel Road (call 236-5446 for more information).