Families
At First Up, we celebrate families as experts in their children’s growth and development. Through workshops, resources, and shared learning experiences, we partner with parents and caregivers to support the healthy development of their children. By honoring families’ strengths, culture, and values, we create spaces where families can connect, learn, and take an active role in shaping their children’s learning and well-being.
Project Bridge
Project Bridge supports early literacy by creating joyful, culturally responsive learning experiences for families of young children (0-5 years), grounded in the science of reading. Families participate in interactive workshops in English and Spanish, exploring strategies to connect what children are learning at school with learning at home. Each family receives a home education kit and a library of 30 brand new books, and both families and early childhood educators are trained to use these materials effectively.
Roots
Roots provides a supportive community for families of young Black children, focusing on positive racial identity development. Families participate in a five-part series of workshops, co-facilitated by First Up specialists and a local teaching artist, creating engaging and culturally responsive experiences. Through these workshops, families connect, reflect, and share strategies to affirm their children’s identity and support their social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Roots fosters a space where families’ experiences, cultures, and knowledge are celebrated.
Anti-Bias Education Family Pop Up Workshops
Our ABE Family Pop Ups are vibrant and celebratory events intended to create an atmosphere where families can engage in meaningful conversations, explore new perspectives, and have fun together. Workshops feature culturally responsive activities that can be used at home, books and resources for grownups, and music and delicious appetizers.
Parents Growing Together
Parents Growing Together is a peer-to-peer program that empowers parent leaders to create healing-centered, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed spaces for families. Through a series of workshops focused on connection, reflection, and the sharing of strategies, caregivers build resilience, reduce stress, and strengthen their ability to support the healthy growth and well-being of their children.