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Purpose: The Even Start Family Literacy Program supports family-centered educational and parenting activities that engage parents and children in a cooperative effort. This effort is designed to empower parents to become full partners in the educational and social development of their children, thus assisting children to reach their full potential. Eligible families must meet the federal government's criteria, which includes low-income parents, non-English speaking parents and/or parents without a state endorsed high school diploma. Any family participating in an Even Start program may continue in the program until all members of the family become ineligible for services. All Even Start Programs must contain five core components: 1. Early Childhood Education; 2. Adult Education; 3. Parenting Skills; 4. Parent and Child Interactive Time; and 5. Home Based Instruction. The program requires at least one partnership between a local educational agency (LEA) and a public or private non-profit agency that has as its purpose providing educational and/or social services. In addition, partnerships with other agencies that can support the goals of the program are strongly encouraged. These partnerships should lead to a strengthening of educational and family services during the grant cycle. The partner(s) should have continued involvement in all facets of program implementation including budget development, development of strategies to recruit and retain eligible participants and modifications to the program structure. Awards are made to eligible applicants on a limited competitive basis. Per federal regulations, awards will be considered for agencies entering years 5, 9 or 13 of Even Start funding. The number of awards granted each year is based on the available funding and the number of continuing programs for the specified year.

Eligible Agencies: Agencies starting new programs, and agencies entering years 5,9 and 13 of Even Start funding.

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