Ask yourself how these statements apply to your program.

Our family literacy program…

1. may be offered in several different locations that are accessible to families with different needs, interests and capabilities. These locations may include:
   • warm, inviting places with a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere where families look forward to coming
   • places that families themselves have identified to staff
   • rooms in agencies where families already come to receive other service
   • rooms in places of worship that are centrally located and close to the homes of families for whom the program has been designed
   • shelters where homeless or abused families may be housed
   • community meeting rooms in high-rise apartment buildings
   • sheltered areas in a park during the summer, where families already go
   • libraries and schools to work with families who want to help their schoolaged children
   • childcare centres where parents already bring their very young children
   • family resource centres that may not have the trained staff or funds to provide a program themselves, but can provide space and some materials
   • community centres with public swimming pools and basketball courts where parents with young children wait for older children to have lessons or free play time
   • malls or grocery stores where families normally shop
   • places where families with toddlers and strollers can comfortably access on foot, without having to take buses or subways or drive
   • places with lots of parking for those who drive
   • places that are accessible to participants in wheelchairs or with other physical disabilities
   • places that offer both indoor and outdoor spaces where young children can move freely to play and learn
   • places with facilities that would allow the program to expand and evolve to include other activities that support literacy (such as cooking)
2. always consults with potential participant groups about the suitability and accessibility of a proposed location before setting up a program there.
3. helps with transportation by providing free bus tickets for families who could not attend otherwise, or by helping to arrange rides.
4. ensures that any snow or ice on walkways is cleared before families arrive for programs held during the winter months.
5. ensures there is secure space at the program site to leave a number of strollers, boots and wet coats.
6. provides free quality child-care during times of the program when adults need to meet separately.
7. is offered at times of the day and week that participants have identified as being best for them.
8. provides regular opportunities for participants to give feedback about how accessible the program is in terms of their particular needs.
9. provides incentives such as free nutritional snacks for participants.
10. provides relevant take-home materials for participants, as well as good quality books and educational toys to borrow.
11. uses creative retention strategies to encourage families to take ownership of different aspects of the program. For example, participants may:
    • take turns bringing food to share that they have prepared themselves ^{Footnote 11} (with expenses reimbursed by the agency if possible)
    • share stories, songs and rhymes from their countries of origin or in their first languages
    • network, make new friends or develop support groups.
12. encourages families to continue to attend by regularly meeting to discuss the progress they are making toward their goals, based on their needs assessments.
13. expects the staff to telephone families who register but do not attend, or whenever there may be a concern, to offer encouragement or support as needed.
14. does not attempt to meet all the needs of participants, but provides up-to-date information about relevant and local support services.

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