Migrant Education Region IV

Migrant Child Care Program

Program Description

This program has been operated by FCOE for approximately 35 years. We operate two centers: Parlier Migrant Child Care Center which serves 76 children ages 3 months to 5 years and Mariposa Meadows Migrant Child Care Center in Fresno which serves 14 children age 3 to 5.

Both sites operate on a year round basis in farm labor centers. The day to day operation of the centers is subcontracted to Proteus, Inc. There is additional funding in SPECIALIZED SERVICES that enables the program to provide additional health and community services to our children and families. Both sites are part of the California Adult And Child Care Food Program which provides for healthy meals and snacks on a daily basis for the children.

At each of the centers the curriculum is child centered. The teachers and staff support the philosophy that children's early experiences are critical to how they succeed in school and later in life. Children learn by doing and play is an important part of learning. Each day is filled with activities that nurture and support the child's growth and development.

Collaborative Efforts

Reading is Fundamental

Each student that is enrolled at the centers is also involved in the Reading is Fundamental Program. The children have the opportunity to select and keep up to three books during the school year. Parent involvement is a large part of the RIF program; parent are encouraged to participate in the book distributions and most importantly read and tell stories to their young children.

Migrant Education Even Start

The M.E.E.S. program offers classes during the summer months. Migrant parents come together with their children to participate in early childhood and literacy activities that help prepare them for the transition to elementary school.