Upgrading and University Preparation Projects

“Parents and Children Together” (PACT)

A new collaboration between the University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford Community Services and School District # 34, “Parents and Children Together” (PACT) is a fully integrated four–component family literacy program.  It is a free and accessible program delivered to parents and their preschool aged children.

As an integrated part of Family Centre’s Neighbourhood Place, programs share a common purpose of enhancing individual and family literacy while promoting literacy through a participatory approach.  Services will provide accessible educational opportunities for workplace skill development and enhanced literacy learning for adults and children, providing practical upgrading of literacy skills while nurturing a life-long love of learning.

Components include:
 
o Adult learning Centre 
• Adult students are supported by a UFV instructor in a community-based learning centre. Learners may choose to focus on improving their literacy & fundamental English skills, maths, career exploration, personal and interpersonal communication skills, job preparation, journaling, basic computer literacy. Learners may be matched with a UFV trained literacy tutor for additional support.

o Pre-school program for 3-4 year olds
• Developmental, literacy and language skill enhancement 
• Foundation skills for entry to primary grades


o Parent and Child  (Drop-in)
• Family programs providing strategies for parents to promote literacy in the home
• Tools, resources, and structured program elements to support parent and child interaction and learning

o Parent Education and Support Groups
• Parenting skill programs provide support, information and other assistance to parents in developing effective strategies for home learning and development pertaining to parenting and literacy skills.