Parents are their children’s first teachers and need to be literate models to create a supportive home environment, express positive attitudes about education and share literacy activities.  The family is the strongest element in shaping lives and the most powerful support network there is.  SCC’s Family Literacy Program, offered in collaboration with the Columbus County Schools, Whiteville City Schools and Four County Head Start, encompasses the way parents, children, and extended family members use literacy at home, at work, at school, and in their community life.

Through intensive education of more than one generation, family literacy builds on the families' strengths and provides the tools and support they need to become stronger and more self-sufficient. The goal of the family literacy program is to educate parents and children together so that they can lift themselves economically, and academically and fulfill their dreams.  When parent and child(ren) learn together, parental modeling instills in children the value of education that paves the way for school success which holds the key to a fuller life.

What would your day be like if you were an adult in the program?  You would come to school together with your child(ren) as a family.  While your child is or children are in nearby classrooms, you would pursue your own education goals.  During PACT, (Parent and Child Together) time, you and your child(ren) play together, giving you the chance to improve your skills as your child(ren)’s first teacher—the most important teacher.

The Four Components of the Family Literacy Program are:

Adult Education includes basic education skills, skills to think critically and creatively, goal setting and problem solving. Early Childhood Education includes instruction for preschool-aged children, elementary–aged children, infants, and toddlers. Parent and Child Together (PACT) Time strengthens the learning relationship between parent and child and helps the parent become more empowered in his/her role as the child(ren)’s primary teacher.  Parent Time provides parents with information about the early childhood educational development of their child(ren), and an opportunity to discuss their child(ren)’s development as well as other concerns.

The four programs that we offer are housed at Mt. Olive Head Start, Tabor City Elementary School, Whiteville Primary School and Guideway School.

Class Schedules

For more information, please call  Jackie Williams at 910-642-7141, ext. 326 or e-mail jwilliams@sccnc.edu