Our vision is of a welcoming community for families and professionals that provides comprehensive resources and support for the healthy growth and development of our children.
Welcome to the Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham (ECAF)! Our team is here to help children, families, and community partners navigate common pathways that support children's healthy growth and development and promote early education right from the start. The ECAF provides access to: resources and referrals, early literacy and school readiness activities in the home (nationally recognized ParentChild+ home visitation program) and in the groups (signature Play, Learn, and Grow Together groups), family education specialty programs, information about your child's development through the Ages & Stages Parent Questionairre, transition support, and leadership opportunities. Contact us anytime in the course of your parenting journey!
Our Mission
The Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham (ECAF) is dedicated to promoting and supporting the healthy growth and development of young children prenatal through age 6 by strengthening families and advocating for high quality learning experiences.
The Alliance fulfills its mission by ensuring access to:
Early learning experiences for children prenatal through age 6
School Readiness
Early Childhood Resources and Information
Family Support and Education
Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators
Community Advocacy of Early Childhood Issues
Transition supports from home to school, early intervention, preschool, kindergarten, special education, and out-of -school time
"In Kindergarten" Booklet is a great way to prepare your child for Kindergarten!
Visit the Berkshire Museum website for a virtual copy of the book.
Call or email us for a hard copy.
Family Group & Program Descriptions
Play, Learn, and Grow Together:
This group is play-based learning that has something for every young learner. We will imagine, create, sing, and read as we explore the different brain building zones. After all, learning is not only fun, but is the gift that keeps on giving! All groups are free and are for 10 weeks. A gift is given for strong attendance!!!
Baby Talk:
This group is perfect for parents with an infant. We will have weekly discussions on common topics such as feeding, sleep, and child development. You will meet new friends, sing songs, and play. This group is FREE!
Motor Time:
This group provides gross motor activities and an opportunity to bring the outside in during the winter months. Great for children of all ages, siblings welcome.
Let’s Go to Kindergarten:
This group is geared toward the family with a 3-5 year old who wants to learn school readiness skills in a play-based way. After all, learning is fun! All groups are free and are for 10 weeks. A gift is given for strong attendance!!!
Dads, Donuts and Discoveries:
This group is a great way to connect to other dads and their families. We will sing songs, discover new learning activities, and read a story and more. Open to all families. Especially for children ages birth to 6 years old. FREE!
ParentChild+:
This home-based literacy program provides families with weekly home visits by a trained home visitor who brings educational books and toys as gifts to the family. ParentChild+ is open to eligible families with children 18-36 months. FREE!
Child/Caregiver Playgroups
Play, Learn, and Grow Together – an hour spent building your child’s social skills and language development through play, songs, and stories.
Read Together – An opportunity to learn English through play and children’s stories.
Music & Movement Together – a movement class experience to get you and your children moving, stretching and exercising.
Let's Go to Kindergarten - a micro-school readiness experience for 4 and 5 year olds who are without a full time preschool experience.
Dads & Donuts – a story time to meet other parents with young children held on the 1st Saturday of the Month.
All groups are for both child and parent/caregiver.
Family Support & Education
ParentChild+ Home Program – an early literacy home visitation program for families with children ages 18 months – 3 years old.
Family Education "Passport to Parenting" Workshops - presented by a child development facilitator on topics such as child development, language & literacy, transitioning to new school, etc. Child activity is provided while parents attend workshops.
"Hot Topic" Play, Learn & Grow Together - a special group discussion time for parents while their child goes off to another room to engage in early learning activities.
Help Me Grow Project - an opportunity to ask questions about how your child is growing and learning with a Help Me Grow educator. Everyone who participates will receive learning activities that you and your child can do together at home.
Parents Helping Parents Support Groups – a place to talk about your parenting and family stresses with other parents and caregivers. Meetings are held every Monday at 6:30 p.m. One in English and one in Portuguese. Childcare provided!
Resource and Referrals
Transition Support – connecting your family to early intervention, preschool, kindergarten, special education, and out-of-school time.
KinderWait Entry – assistance in accessing financial assistance for child care
Resource Guide for Early Childhood – inside this booklet you will find information on choosing child care, child care programs and preschools, preparing your child for Kindergarten, and helpful community resources.
Leadership Opportunities
ECAF Leadership Council - Parents, community organization representatives, and early childhood educators meet to discuss program initiatives and set the direction for ECAF activities.
Action Team Involvement – Members participate in defining tasks for specific program activities such as community outreach, volunteer recruitment, marketing, and fundraising.
VIRTUAL PLAY, LEARN, AND GROW TOGETHER PROGRAMS
HOME VISITING IN THE VIRTUAL WORLD!
Did you know about our other menu items?
The ParentChild+ Home Visitation Program is for eligible families who have children between the ages of 18 and 36 months and may not be ready to share in a group experience.
To learn more about this program, contact us at 508-782-6932.
Another great resource to explore is the Resources for Early Learning website? Great brain building ideas for families and educators alike. Go to this link
Our History
The Family and Community Engagement Grant (CFCE) funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is a program initiative to encourage the early childhood community to build collaboration and to streamline programs that naturally work well together.
In 1993, the Community Partnership for Children (CPC) council was established. Through this partnership, the roots were formed in addressing the mission of providing leadership at the local level to promote quality early learning experiences for young children and their families. Through the CFCE EEC grant funding received in 2015, the ECAF assisted the MetroWest YMCA in establishing another CFCE Site in Ashland. In July 2017, that program was since expanded to Holliston and Hopkinton and is known as Project ABC.
Collaborating partners include: the Framingham Public Schools, early childhood program providers and educators, community agencies, advocacy organizations and families.
Framingham Public Schools Preschool Screening Information
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Special Education Department at 508-626-9123. If your child is offered or receives special education services, review this Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Flowchart to help you understand the process and service.
PREPARING FOR KINDERGARTEN SUMMER PROGRAM SURVEY (only for families currently NOT in preschool program)
If your child is entering Kindergarten in the Fall and is NOT in a preschool or early education program outside the home, and you are interested in a possible pre-kindergarten experience prior to entering school that will provide school readiness opportunities, please complete the survey below.
ECAF offers a weekly virtual "Let's Go to Kindergarten" parent-child group. This group is designed to prepare you and your child for kindergarten with a curriculum focused on school readiness skills. For more information: 508-782-6932 or jdehaven@framingham.k12.ma.us.
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