The Family Resource Center is modeled after the Yale Schools of the 21st Century, founded by Dr. Edward Zigler at the Bush Center for Child Development, where we provide a quality school child care and family support model that promotes optimal growth and development of children aged 0 –12. The FRC provides the information and support to parents, grandparents, and guardians they need to help them successfully raise their children. Partially funded through grants from the State of Connecticut Department of Education and the Department of Social Services, we are centrally located in Naramake School and provide the following services to build a successful bridge between home and school:

Preschool

Parents-As-Teachers Program

Before & After School Program and Vacation Camps

Resource & Referral Services

Day & Evening Parent Workshops

Training for Child Day Care Providers

Adult Education Programs

Positive Youth Development

Naramake Children’s Foundation

Scholarships

(Scholarships to graduating seniors from any Norwalk high school who attended Naramake Elementary School, plan to attend college, and currently reside in Norwalk, Connecticut)

Programs are open to all parents, guardians, and caregivers in the Naramake District and on a limited basis for other Norwalk families.

Read our Monthly Newsletter for great information on what's happening in our program!

Preschool

Our School Readiness preschool program is a high-quality, part and full day preschool funded in part by the State Department of Education and the Department of Social Services, and fully accredited by NAEYC (The National Association for the Education of Young Children). The 5 day a week program follows the academic calendar and also provides care during the February and April vacations.

The preschool program is offered part day from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., and our full day program is offered from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Before and After School Care is available for those preschoolers who have working parents.

The preschool program at Naramake Family Resource Center is available to 3 and 4 year olds who live in the Naramake and Norwalk communities. The School Readiness funding can offset tuition by partially subsidizing the tuition cost. Single parents, parents in a job training environment, or low income families are encouraged to apply for a reduced rate. The Care4Kids program offered through the State of Connecticut can help families afford a high-quality preschool program.

We utilize the Creative Curriculum as the basis for weekly thematic units in our program, which links to the CT State Preschool Frameworks. We believe that by providing an environment rich in discovery, learning, and fun, we are doing the best job possible to prepare your child to experience success in Kindergarten.

Our preschool is located at 55 County Street, Room 107 E, at Norwalk High School.    

We currently work in partnership with schools, organizations and companies throughout Norwalk and Fairfield County.  Some of our partners include: Naramake Elementary School, Norwalk High School’s  Child Development  and Career to Work Program,  Norwalk Community College, Norwalk Early Childhood Council, School Readiness Provider Network, Connecticut Food Bank and Stepping Stones Museum, to name a few.

For more information on this program, please contact Monisha Gibson at 899-2900 x123. Please call early, the application process normally takes place February - March for the September enrollment.

Parents as Teachers

The Naramake Parents As Teachers program meets on a twice-weekly basis and through home visits to empower families to learn that parents are their children's first and best teachers. A certified parent educator coordinates Early Learning Groups focusing on different aspects of child development. She can also meet within your in the home to work individually with your family if you have a child between 0 - 5.

Early Learning Groups meet every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Naramake Elementary School unless otherwise indicated. Please click here to see the Naramake Family Resource Center Playgroup calendar. There is no pre-registration required and all playgroups are free unless otherwise noted. Some field trips may involve a nominal fee.

Individual home visits can be arranged by calling our parent educator at 899-2900 x151.

Additionally, the Family Resource Center and Parents as Teachers program works to build family literacy and parenting education skills. Periodic evening workshops will be held throughout the year. View the calendar and look out for flyers to take part in these exiting meetings!

Before and After School Program (7:30-8:30 AM and 2:50-5:30 PM)

The Naramake Before and After School Program is a wrap around care system that provides a safe, high quality before and after school environment for children with working parents. The before and after school program (7:30-8:30 AM and 2:50-5:30 PM) focuses on homework help, enrichment activities such as Zumba, Physical Education, Foreign Language,  Arts and Crafts,  Photography  and character building lessons. We are open each day of the academic year, offer vacation camps for February and April school vacations, and wrap around care for the Norwalk Public School's PF Camp held at Naramake school.

You will need to return the following in order for your child to be accepted into the program:

* Completed application form
* Signed Code of Conduct Form
* Signed financial agreement Form

*If applying for a reduced rate, you will need to complete a Free and Reduced Lunch form (available in the school office). When beginning a new school year, your reduced rate will be the same as it was the previous year. It may change depending upon your free/reduced lunch determination. So, your before and afterschool program rate may increase, decrease or remain the same.

Coupons

Coupons and Payments are always due ON or BEFORE the Thursday prior to the week you need care. You may pay for more than one week in advance but please remember that no credit or refunds are given if your child is absent from the program. Coupons are available in the Family Resource Center office or by email. Please do not hesitate to contact the Director of the Before and After School Coordinator (899-2900. ext. 123 or 151) if you have any questions about the program.

Notices:

Please be considerate of your children and the Naramake FRC staff. Our program closes at 5:30 sharp! Parents who are late will be required to pay a $2.00 per minute late fee and may risk being dismissed from the program if lateness is consistent. Thank you for your cooperation!

Resource and Referral

The Naramake Family Resource Center, Inc., has worked diligently to forge collaborations with agencies in and around Norwalk to provide families with the services they need. Please contact the Family Resource Center to discuss your situation, and we will work with you to provide your family with possibilities.

Adult Education

Evening Programs for Families

Monthly evening workshops are held on a variety of topics and registration flyers are sent home through children's backpacks as well as being posted throughout the school building and at various community agencies. This month's evening program is: TBD Click on the title to find out more and download a registration form. As always, dinner will be served and child care will be available to those children who are walking.

Training for Daycare Providers:

The Naramake Family Resource Center collaborates with the Fox Run Family Resource Center
(203-899-2326) to provide training for home daycare and kith and kin providers. Providers are also welcome to contact the Naramake FRC regarding other services and information that might be helpful to them.