About Adult & Family Education

Adult and Family Education provides education to adults and families in the El Paso County area. Anyone 17 years of age and up can participate. At some sites, there are programs for children starting at six weeks of age. Some classes are free and some are fee-based. The following programs are offered:

Family Literacy
"Family Literacy is based on the premise that parents are their children's first and most important teachers. Parents are empowered to achieve their own educational goals while their children gain language and life skills in programs created just for them. Parents and children learn together, strengthening their bonds and creating a family that treasures education."

Carmen Collins, collicj@d11.org
Family Literacy Program Specialist
Ph. 719.328.3022

Family Resource Center
The Family Resource Center, working closely with Title One Elementary Schools, brings information and learning opportunities for parents into our neighborhood schools.  Supporting parents in their role as first, most influential teachers to their children, the Family Resource Center invites parents to become fully engaged in the school-based education of their children.  As directors of their children's education, parents can join with Colorado Springs School District 11 to help each child fulfill his or her educational potential.

Sara Walke, walkese@d11.org
Family Engagement Program Specialist
Ph. 719.328.3024

Family Literacy Training Center
"The mission of the Family Literacy Training Center is to provide training and technical assistance to professionals who are interested in the field of Family Literacy throughout the state of Colorado therefore supporting the expansion of quality Family Literacy programming benefiting adult learners and their children as each family member acquires skills to move toward self-sufficiency".

All parents want their children to be successful. Research shows that children who have parents who are involved in their schooling are more successful. Research also shows that one of the greatest predictors of success is the educational level of the child’s parent, particularly that of the mother. Those who support Family Literacy programming believe that the parent is the child’s first and most influential teacher. The reality is that for some in our communities, the parents do not have the academic skills or the necessary information to fulfill this important role in their child’s life.

Family Literacy Programs provide a comprehensive, four-component model to address the needs of those who are most at-risk of not meeting with success in our schools. Family literacy draws on the strengths of families and their interest in moving forward through education. When families are partners in education, both generations benefit and find success within their grasp.

Debbie Butkus, butkudl@d11.org
Coordinator of the Family Literacy Training Center           
Ph. 719.328.3023