CFCE | Holyoke-Chicopee Family and Community Program

The Holyoke Chicopee Family and Community Program provides opportunities at no cost for families with young children living in Holyoke or Chicopee.  Our programming supports families as their children’s most important teachers, promotes optimal child development, and bolsters school readiness.

The Holyoke Chicopee Family and Community Program is funded by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

Grow Your Parenting Skills – Six-week parenting workshop for families with children ages birth-8 years old.  Parents learn what to expect at different ages, how to deal with difficult behaviors, and ways to take care of themselves while parenting. Parents also have the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with other parents.

Family Explorers– Families with children ages 2-5 years old have the opportunity to spend time in nature at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. An educator presents a program that aligns with the Massachusetts Department of Education Frameworks, and covers topics such as birds, trees and insects.  Transportation is provided from Holyoke. This program is scheduled for one Saturday morning each month during the school year.

Ready for Kindergarten – Fall, Winter and Spring workshop for parents with at-home activities and tools parents can use to help young children develop strong brain connections for success in school.

Book Buddies– Reading to your child is one of the most important things you can do to help your child be successful in school.  Through this program, a book to borrow is delivered to your home each week.  Child development information and ideas on learning and literacy activities to do at home are also provided. At the end of this ten-week program, each child receives a new book to keep.

Resources and Referrals– Our outreach worker is available to assist families with transitions, or to connect families to resources in the community such as early education and care, health care, housing, mental health support, fuel assistance and help with meeting basic needs.

Ages and Stages Questionnaire– The Ages and Stages Questionnaire is a screening tool to support parents’ understanding of their child’s growth and development.  It is available to all families and takes about 15 minutes to complete.  Activities to support development will also be provided.