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Even Start Family Literacy Programs

Family Literacy in Tennessee

Even Start (ES) was a literacy based education program, for families deemed most-in-need, designed to improve the academic achievement of young children and their parents, especially in the area of reading.

The ES model offers the following four components:

  • early childhood education;
  • adult literacy (adult basic and secondary-level education, instruction for English language learners, and career and technical training);
  • parenting education; and
  • interactive parent and child learning together (PACT) time

Unfortunately, the 2011-2012 Federal Budget zero funded all Even Start Family Literacy Programs (ESFLPs), nationwide. As of July 1, 2012, all federally funded ESFLPs in Tennessee were closed and can offer no further service.

However, through local funds and support, several sites across Tennessee have chosen to continue offering part(s) of the ES model. To find out if these services are offered in your area, please contact your local Family Resource Center (FRC).

Thank you to the families and educators of Tennessee who participated in, and supported, Even Start during the last 20 years. Your desire to create a better future for yourselves, and others, are fondly remembered with great appreciation and respect.