The Literacy Council of Mercer County

Even Start

The key to a better future is education.  Even Start addresses the educational goals of the family by offering adult education, early childhood education, and parenting education.  It also provides many ways for parents to engage their children in productive recreational activities.

Adult Education- (12 hours weekly) Parents participate in the GED program or select a course to improve language arts, reading, math or computer skills.

Parent Education- (1 hour weekly) Even Start opens doors for parent learning of developmental skills so they can effectively interact with their child to make a better tomorrow.

Parent and Child Together Time (PACT)- (4 hours weekly) Parents log interactive activities they do with their child.

Early Childhood Education- (20 hours weekly) Even Start provides free preschools for children to attend while their parents are in class.

Members of the Even Start staff believe in the importance of activities for the whole family.  Therefore we provide Family Fun Days each month.  We also let parents "escape" from their children one day a month through "Parents' Day Out".

Need a GED or just want to better your skills to get a job, but you CAN'T GET OUT OF THE HOUSE?

Living Room Learning is a home-based family literacy program that will allow you to get the skills you need without having to find a babysitter!

For 12 weeks, someone from the Living Room Learning Team will help you learn in your own home. At the end of that time, your teacher will also help you to find a class you like so that you can continue your education.

1. One adult in the family must show evidence of an educational need.
2. One child in the family must be 7 years old or younger.