An Even Start in Newport 

Contact
Gianna Carroll – Director 236-1281
Marisa Ellin Case Manager at 236-1282
1 York Street
Newport, Rhode Island 02840
FAX (401) 324-6658

Even Start is a federal program administered in Rhode Island through the Rhode Island Department of Education that is designed to improve the academic achievement of young children and their parents, especially in the area of reading. Even Start provides family literacy services to low-income families in our community so our children, through the support of their parents, can be successful in school and make good educational choices for themselves.

The components of Even Start are:
1) Adult Education: Adults must take classes in Adult Basic Education (ABE), General Education Development (GED), English as a Second Language (ESL), and employment preparation and support.

2) Parenting Education: Every adult must take part in Parent Time activities each week. Much of this time is spent in helping parents to be the best teachers for their children.

4) Interactive Literacy: Each family must work together on literacy activities for at least three hours, at home, during Interactive Literacy each week.

An 18 hour a week program is provided for adults working toward their GED or those learning English. In addition to academic subjects, all students are taught computer skills and employment readiness skills. 

The Parent Time classes, offered in English and Spanish (as needed) each week, have covered such topics as children’s stages of writing, ages and stages of child development, text connections, opportunities for further education and training, behavior management of children, preparation for parent – teacher conferences, basic budgeting, etc.