History of F.A.C.E.

The office of Indian Education Programs developed an Early Childhood/Parental Involvement Pilot Program in 1990. The program was based on three distinct and proven early childhood models, namely; Parents As Teachers (PAT), Parents And Child Education (PACE) as adapted by the National Center for Family Literacy and the High/Scope Curriculum for early Childhood and K-3. Through this combination, a new paradigm in family literacy was created. This program is flexible and adaptable to the needs of the family participants, reflecting the cultural traditions and values of the community and therefore each program is unique. The pilot projects were implemented in six sites at Bureau funded schools. These sites were selected on the basis of the rating given to the application, and tribal support for the project.

In 1992, the Early Childhood/Parental Involvement program was renamed and became Family and Child Education (FACE). Five new sites were added to the program. In 1993, ten new sites were added to the program.

Purpose:

The purpose of face is to address the literacy needs of the family. FACE serves children 0-5 and their parents/primary caregivers. The FACE program also addresses the National Educate America 2000 Educational Goals and Indian America 2000+ Educational Goals in the Areas of:

1. School Readiness
2. High School Completion
3. Student Achievement and Citizenship
4. Adult Literacy and Lifelong Learning
5. Safe, Disciplined, and Drug Free Schools
6. Tribal Government, Language and Culture

The purpose of FACE also supports the mission of Office of Indian Education Programs which is:

"…To provide quality education opportunities for American Indians and Alaska Natives from early childhood through life… "

Design:

The office of Indian Education Programs provides for FACE training to the selected sites in program implementation on all aspects and components of FACE. On-going training and staff development is conducted for both new and continuing programs.

Impact:

In 1995, the FACE program directly affected more than 2,504 participants including 951 families and indirectly touched the lives of innumerable others, including participants’ families, community members and FACE staff members. In program year 1995, 116 previously unemployed adults gained a GED though participating in FACE and 9 adults earned their diploma.

Future:

The Office of Indian Education Programs plans to increase the number of FACE programs in the BIA funded schools, as well as provide FACE programs to tribes and tribal consortiums without Bureau funded schools, as funds become available.