Being a parent is a difficult job. FACTS can make that job a little easier by providing free information and support for parents with children of all ages.
We do this by offering parent workshops, individual consultations, and parent resource rooms.
Parent Workshops
FACTS workshops provide parents with tips and strategies to help children be successful in school and in life. These workshops are offered at local schools and organizations and in collaboration with existing parent groups.
Workshop Topics
- Raising Responsible Children
This interactive workshop provides parents with strategies to help their children develop responsible attitudes and behaviors. This includes responsibility for chores and personal care, schoolwork, managing resources, and contributing to the community. Workshop participants will walk away with tips to use with children of all ages.
- Getting Ready for Kindergarten
Parents of four year olds will learn ways to support their children’s physical, social, motor, language and literacy development. Participants will walk away with fun activity ideas to help their child make a successful transition to kindergarten.
- Helping Your Preschool Child
This interactive workshop provides parents with an overview of young children’s development. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions about their children and learn new ideas for supporting and teaching their preschoolers.
- Reading to your Child
Reading to young children is one of the most important things parents can do to help them learn to read on their own. Workshop participants will learn specific strategies that will make reading with young children both fun and educational.
- Helping Your Child Learn to Read
Learning how to read is a process that begins when a child is born and continues throughout early elementary school. Parents attending this workshop will learn about the five skill areas needed for reading and ways to help children develop those skills.
- Get the FACTS: Understanding No Child Left Behind and what it means for parents
This workshops guides parents through the components of No Child Left Behind and specifically discusses its impact on local school districts. Parents will walk away understanding important concepts like school accountability, school choice, and parental involvement policies.
- Media and Your Family: Strategies for Teaching Children Media Literacy
Media is all around us, particularly as technology continues to increase our access to information. This workshop will help parents teach children how to critically examine the messages they see and hear through television and movies, music, print media, and the Internet. Parents will walk away with the ability to actively engage children in activities and discussion that promotes media literacy.
- Media and Your Family: Youth and the Internet
Parents will increase awareness of trends in computer/internet use and how those trends may affect children and teens. The use of social networking sites (like MySpace) is covered in detail. Parents will walk away with strategies to guide youth toward safe and positive Internet use.
- Helping with Homework
Tired of struggling with your child about homework? Attend this workshop to learn to set up a home environment that supports the homework habit. Parents will gain useful tips for developing an appropriate role in helping children succeed in school.
- Understanding New York State Assessments and School Report Cards
Do you wonder why your children have to take so many standardized tests? This workshop will explain the New York State testing requirements. You will also learn what the tests are used for and how to get the results.
- Working Together with School
Children are most successful when parents and schools work together. This workshop will help parents build a partnership with school by monitoring children’s progress, communicating with teachers, supporting children’s learning at home, and participating in school events.
- Positive Discipline
Parents will learn the difference between punishment and discipline as well as specific strategies to help their children manage their own behavior.
- Reading Strategies Workshops
These workshops are for parents and children in kindergarten or first grade who are learning to read. Parents will learn specific reading strategies to do with their children. Parents and children will practice together during the workshop. Workshop topics include: Using New Words at Home, Letter-Sound Relationships, Listening for Sounds, Writing at Home, Partner Reading, Sharing Books and Reading Aloud, and Using Print.
FACTS can provide workshops on additional topics upon request. Email your request for a workshop or call FACTS at (315) 788-8450.
Individual Consultations
Do you have a specific question or concern about your child? Parents can schedule an appointment with a FACTS educator to discuss any concerns or questions they have regarding parenting or educational issues. Consultations are free and confidential.
Click Here to schedule an appointment through e-mail or call (315) 788-8450 ext. 273.
FACTS welcomes referrals from community agencies and professionals who work with families.
Download a referral form or submit form online
Parent Resource Rooms
Resource Rooms offer parents and community members access to research-based information and fun activities to support children's learning in the home.
Parents can check out materials to use at home, such as:
- Literacy bags
- Games
- Books
- Educational toys
- Parenting Resources
Currently, FACTS sponsors Parent Resource Rooms at the following locations:
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County
203 North Hamilton Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Get Directions
Download brochure
- Calcium Primary School
25440 Indian River Drive
Calcium, New York 13616
Get Directions
Download brochure
- General Brown Junior-Senior High School
17643 Cemetery Road
Dexter, New York 13634
Get Directions
Are you interested in learning more about our programs?
Please Contact Us or download the Community-Based Parenting brochure.
Learn More About School Districts in Jefferson and Lewis Counties
Click Here to Find Your School's Website