FLASH

FLASH is a replication program of The Parent Child Home Program (PCHP), a national program that began in 1965 in New York. Recognizing the need to strengthen literacy skills of adults and children and the positive results from the PCHP programs in Massachusetts and around the country, the Massachusetts state legislature appropriated money for this program.

The program is offered to low-income families in their homes, as well as to homeless families served by Crittenton Women's Union. This is significant, as very few organizations focus on the literacy needs of the homeless.

The FLASH program was started to address the gap in language, literacy and school-readiness experienced by young, low-income or homeless children. These skills are necessary for academic success, and if not addressed in the early stages of children's development, require costly interventions during later school years. National research has demonstrated that children who enter school unprepared to learn have a higher incidence of dropping out of school, early pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, unemployment, incarceration and reliance on public assistance.

The negative effect of low literacy among parents on the pre-literacy skills of children has been noted among the families of Boston's low-income neighborhoods. The National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS) suggests that, for Boston, the rate for adults with insufficient basic skills may be as high as 53%, with perhaps as many as 28% of the city's population with very low literacy skills.

The troubling status of adult literacy in Boston appears to have a strong impact on the literacy of Boston's children, as studies show that close to 50% of third graders in certain low-income neighborhoods do not read at grade level.

Research also confirms that home visiting is an effective model of service delivery for supporting young, inexperienced parents and producing positive long-term, social outcomes for them and their children.

The program provides two 24-week curricula that emphasize verbal interaction and reading. Literacy coaches model verbal interaction, positive parenting behaviors and educational play for the parent and child together, along with guide sheets for each book and toy.

The program also provides community activities for homeless families that include visits to the library and applying for a library card, walks in the neighborhood, and trips to museums. All activities are designed to connect families with community resources and to learn how to engage their children in literacy activities and incorporate literacy throughout their daily routines

The program schedule is flexible, with Literacy Coaches providing services around families' schedules, providing morning, afternoon, early evening or even Saturday sessions.