The Wayne County Family Enrichment Program is a free program for families living in Wayne County that have children age prenatal to three. The program is made possible by a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education through Wayne County Health Department. The Family Enrichment Program promotes the idea that parents are their child's first and best teachers and that a loving home provides the
foundation for success in school and in life. We believe that young children love to learn and should be encouraged to explore the world around them. The program offeres many activities and services for parents to share and play with their child. Visits are done in the home, at the office, or at another agreed upon location. They provide parents a chance to share an activity with their child that will increase developmental skills, learn about community resources, and receive social support. Parent/Child Groups (LAP or Learning and Playing Time) are once a month. They are held in our playgroup room at our building or outside on our playground. Occasionally we have LAP Time at the Leo French Park. LAP Time focus on social interaction and learning through play, art, books, activities, and songs. Snacks are also provided. Family Fun Activities are held throughout the year. These include children activity booths set up at community events and festivals as well as a Cookies with Santa Family Fun Night held annually in Decemeber. A door prize is awarded. Family Fun Activities create opportunities for parents and children to develop friendships and interact in community settings. A Parent Awards Banquet is held annually in June to acknowledge all the hard work the parents in our program do. Supper is provided and awards and prizes are given to families who have participated the most in the various components of our program. A Monthly Newsletter is sent to families enrolled in the program. This newsletter has articles about upcoming events along with a calendar of events. Also included in the newsletter are recipes, health and safety issues, art and activity ideas, and a song, rhyme, or fingerplay. Other services provided include regular Developmental, Social-Emotional, Health, Hearing, and Vision Screenings as well as Linkage to other Support Agencies. Anyone with a child prenatal to three living in Wayne County can enroll in the Wayne County Family Enrichment Program. There are no income guidelines. Any person or agency may make a referral. For more information, to enroll, or to make a referral, please call: (618) 842-4043 or stop by our office at 420 Market Avenue in Fairfield, IL.
