LCO FACE - Family and Child Education

The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School FACE program has been serving parents and children since 1993 and is one of the 54 Native American programs across the nation funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. The program was recently accredited through COGNIA, Accreditation and Certification in collaboration with the LCO Schools.

The main emphasis promotes school readiness through culturally responsive education using models of Family Enrichment Services, Prekindergarten, and Adult Education. Our national partnerships in this endeavor include the Parents as Teachers program (PAT), Unite for Literacy for Ojibwe online books, and the National Center for Family Learning (NCFL).

Family Enrichment Services

This model offers home visitations for children pre-natal to age three. From conception to young childhood it is CRUCIAL in terms of Brain, Social, Emotional and Cognitive Development. Parents as Teachers (PAT) curriculum involves age specific information, parenting issues, child development, goal setting, and family well-being. Lessons are adapted to include Ojibwe culture and language.

Visitations are held on a biweekly basis with age specific information, parenting issues,
child development, goals setting, and family well-being.

A FACE Family circle is held monthly for all participants including interested community members and school staff. This circle may include speakers and/or workshops. Other special highlights include field trips, a monthly book from Imagination Library and Unite for Literacy online books.

Prekindergarten

The goal of Prekindergarten is to prepare pre-school children for Kindergarten. The outcome is school readiness, so that children come to school ready to learn. FACE has shown evidence-based outcomes for children ages three to four years, with a curriculum approach that is developmentally appropriate, incorporates active learning particularly in the areas of language and mathematics.

The following is offered for parents at a Full time, Part time, Flex time (2 hrs per week) basis for those that are working. This time can be covered through online or packets that can be sent home regarding Children or Adult Education topics. This can be offered onsite as well.  

Parent time is offered to assist in helping their children in school, Ojibwe language and culture, child development and healthy living. Parents also learn about services throughout the community that can help with goal achievement.

Parent and Child Together Time (PACT) play together in the children’s classroom. The parents support and participate in “child led” play. They learn how their child is growing and developing through observation. The Teachers are present to support and demonstrate effective teaching strategies. The teachers also model reading strategies for parents/caregivers and provide ideas that will help children learn at home.

Adult Education 

While children are receiving their educational services, the parents can work toward their own learning goals in the following areas: education, employment, family life, Ojibwe language and culture, regalia making, GED or College course assistance, study skills and Child Development.

Status: Full- time- Adult Education classes five (5 days) a week and participate in
Parent/PACT time daily.

Part-time – Adults attend Adult Education classes one to three (1-3) times a week and
participate in PACT time and Parent time when present.

Flex-time – Parental/Caregivers participate weekly for a minimum of 2 hours.

Distance Adult Education – Adults participate in Adult Education (digital and/or non- digital) for a minimum of two (2) hours per week and participate in weekly PACT/Parent activities at home or in the community.

All staff are certified or working towards certification.

Elizabeth Bergum – MA - FACE Preschool Lead Teacher
Natasha Menz – BS, Family Enrichment Advocate, PAT Certification
Danielle Scott – AA, Family Enrichment Advocate, PAT Certification
Alayna Dennis – Working towards Certification
Monica White –  MA Education - NCFL Adult Education

Useful links:

Unite for Literacy With this book partnership we have developed 28 Ojibwemowin translated booklets with a possibility of more in the near future. (To access the Ojibwe book translations press on Narration on the top left corner and a box will pop up. Then press “Ojibwemowin”.) A fun site!

Parents as Teachers (PAT) Family Enrichment information

National Center for Families Learning ( NCFL) Prekindergarten information

Imagination Library Dolly Parton Foundation