A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Description Family Oriented Structured Preschool Activity (FOSPA) is based on research findings that support the fact that the early years are critical to a child's development. Goal 1 of the eight National Goals for Education adopted by the National Governor's Association stresses that all children in America will start school ready to learn. The State of Minnesota also challenges educational institutions to empower parents to fully support all participants in their children's learning and development. Therefore, it is believed that parents as their children's first and most significant teachers, can benefit when the educational community is willing to help them in their parenting role. The FOSPA program, begun in 1972, focuses on: the quality of the parent-child relationship; the development of a competent and resourceful child; and supporting parents in their parenting role. FOSPA is designed to involve parents and their child the year before kindergarten entry in activities that will begin to prepare the child for kindergarten. Parents accompany their child to the neighborhood elementary school once a week from September to May for two-hour sessions. While at school, parents work and play with their child at learning stations set up in basic skill areas within an environment designed to meet the developing needs of the whole child. Parents observe formal model teaching and informal child-teacher interaction, and participate in a discussion group facilitated by a licensed parent educator. In this supportive, caring environment they learn about their child's development and share ideas and concerns about parenting. During this time children have a preschool experience with a qualified early childhood educator. Take-home activity kits are designed to promote parent-child interaction and growth in basic skills based on a validated assessment of the child's skills. Both parent and child grow in confidence as they participate in the program. This atmosphere of trust between home and school that parents develop continues when the child enters elementary school. This model has been adapted to use with Early Childhood Special Education, single parent groups, parents and young children infant through age three, parents with literacy needs, English as a Second Language groups, teen parents, and groups designed for dads. A two- to three-day training is available for adopters.

Contact

Jeanne Hoodecheck, Program Director, District #742 Community School, 820 8th Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301. (612) 253-5828.

Developmental Funding: USOE ESEA Title III.
JDRP NO. 75-48 (5/15/75)

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[Early Prevention of School Failure (EPSF)]

[Mother-Child Home Program (MCHP) of the Verbal Interaction Project, Inc]