Everett Community College

Family Life Education (Child and Family Education)

We have a new name!  We are now the Child and Family Education (CAFE) Program.  Our new name reflects our focus -- to provide high-quality education to both children and families.  You will still be able to find us as the "Family Life" Program, but we will gradually be switching to our new name.

Parents, do you ever ask yourself:
   "Why does my 4-year-old have temper tantrums
        every time I'm on the phone?"
         "Will my son ever be potty trained?"
               "How do I find time for me?"
                     "How do I prepare my child for Kindergarten?"
                           "How can we have fun together as a family?"
                                 "Am I a good parent?"

We don't often think of parenting as an occupation, but it is--24 hours a day. Like any other occupation, it requires education and experience.

The Child and Family Education Program offers classes to help parents of young children (18 months to five years old) receive the knowledge and support they need for their all-important role as parent.

What are the benefits for parents?
Parent education classes are based in cooperative preschools throughout Snohomish County that provide practical, hands-on experience. Parents learn to develop realistic expectations of their child's development and gain knowledge of good nutrition, health and safety practices. They have the opportunity to practice positive discipline techniques, develop skills in teaching young children, and ways to strengthen family communication and relationships. Parents or substitutes meet at the preschool laboratory weekly and also attend regularly scheduled parenting seminars.

What are the benefits for the children?
The Everett Community College Cooperative Preschools help children develop the skills that are necessary for a successful elementary school experience and to become life-long learners. 

They play for a few hours a week in an environment designed for them and gain confidence in themselves and their own ideas. Children grow in special skills through a supervised developmentally appropriate program with children their own age and increase their knowledge through new experiences in art, music, children's literature, science, math and physical activities.

Program Affiliates
In addition to the Parent Cooperative Preschools, the Everett Community College Child and Family Education Program has a number of other affiliates.

A full childcare program based on the cooperative preschool model is available to children of Everett Community College students and state employees at the Early Learning Center.  Parents participate in the preschool laboratory and attend regularly scheduled parent meetings each month.

The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) for 4-year-olds is available to income-challenged families in south Everett, the Tulalip Reservation, and at the Early Learning Center on the EvCC campus.

The Child and Family Education Program offers parenting classes through the Continuing Education Program. For a listing of current offerings, please check the Continuing Education schedule.

For more information about Child and Family Education classes and for the location nearest you, please call Everett Community College at 425-388-9300.