Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE)

The Collaborative for Educational Services administers a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) grant serving Easthampton, Hatfield, South Hadley, Belchertown, Monson, Palmer, Ware, Warren, West Warren, and West Brookfield. This program, which is supported by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care,  providesprograms and services for families with young children (birth through kindergarten). 

Each CFCE program is overseen by a council consisting of parents, public school staff, family childcare providers, center staff, early intervention, childcare resource & referral agencies, business, faith-based organizations and other community groups. The council develops objectives as well as collaborative relationships and partnerships that improve services for families with young children in the community.  The following council objectives respond to the needs of young children and their families through the sharing of information, program planning and development: 

1). Provide information to increase knowledge of and accessibility to high-quality early education and care programs and support families in transitions from home, early education and care programs, and school settings.

2). Promote family education, engagement, and literacy.

3). Support early education and care providers and educators (public and private) in the delivery of high-quality services by providing information and referrals, and facilitating access to professional development, technical assistance, and comprehensive services that support the needs of children and families.

The services provided by this grant are decided by the council based on the unique needs of the community. An energetic and experienced staff of early childhood and family support specialists at the Collaborative is available to work directly with staff and parents to support families and programs.

 The Early Childhood Department also administers:

• Palmer/Monson Family Network (PMFN)
• Hampshire County Family Network (HCFN)
• South Hadley Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP)
• Parent Education & Support Program (PESP)