Family Start Learning Center

The FAmily STart (FAST) Learning and Support Program, a division of the UIC Center for Literacy, empowers and strengthens Head Start (including Early Head Start) families in Chicago. It provides access to high-quality, research-based learning opportunities in collaboration with community partners. FAST is committed to supporting DFSS Head Start sites in implementing the Parent, Family, Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework across Chicago. In particular, it provides family engagement/family literacy programming to parents and relatives of Head Start children, as well as technical assistance to Head Start professionals. The program’s model projects have proven to be successful in serving Head Start parents and families for nearly twenty years.