Tulare County Office of Education - Migrant Education Program, Region VIII

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Migrant Early Childhood Education (MECE)

The Migrant Early Childhood Education (MECE) program is a family literacy model designed to promote school readiness through the strategies of early childhood education, family literacy and parenting skills. Eligible migrant children, ages 3-7, and their parents may participate. Priority for participation is given to 3-5 year-olds who lack the preschool experience.

Migrant Education Program

Coordination and collaboration with adult education resources is an important component of the MECE program. Parents participate in community/school district ESL, GED, and other adult education programs as available.

Summer Pre-K Academies

The purpose of the summer Pre-K Academies is to provide incoming migrant kindergartners, especially those who have little or no preschool experience, with the academic support to prepare them for successful achievement of the kindergarten standards.

Approximately 150 children throughout Tulare and Kings counties participate in a four-week summer readiness program that emphasizes language development/reading and supports academic transition to kindergarten.

Home-Based School District Sites (* funded by Tulare County First5)
Corcoran		Palo Verde
Dinuba		Pixley
Ducor *		Porterville *
Exeter		Reef-Sunset
Farmersville		Strathmore
Hanford		Sunnyside
Island		Tulare *
Kings River-Hardwick		Visalia *
Lemoore		Waukena
Oak Valley

Goals

Increase parental involvement in the education of their children and to be their children's first teacher
Build school readiness skills
Create a successful transition from home to school
Strengthen language development and literacy among migrant families
Improve skills, attitudes, values, and behavior linked to reading
Develop positive attitudes, confidence and good self-concept
Facilitate access to adult education and job skills programs
Establish collaborative partnerships with Head Start, Adult Education programs, Title I, etc. for the provision of services to migrant families
Increase the social significance of literacy in family and community life

Focus Areas

Early Childhood Education / School Readiness

Developmentally appropriate activities and language experiences based on ongoing assessment are used to create a learning environment.
Preparation of migrant children for successful transition from home to school

Parent Education / Literacy

Parent as "first teacher" approach
Parenting skills education
Opportunities for positive parent/child interaction
Activities to encourage parent/child interaction in the home
Information to facilitate families' access to community and educational resources
Utilization of daily routines and the use of household materials to reinforce early childhood skill development

Adult Education

Parents encouraged to attend local adult education classes in GED/High School diploma, ESL, and employment skills

For additional information, contact Joe Calvo at joec@kings.k12.ca.us or call (559) 651-3035.

Tulare County Office of Education
Migrant Education Program Region VIII
7000 Doe Avenue, Suite B
Visalia, CA 93291

René Moncada, Administrator
(559) 651-3035
fax: (559) 651-1701

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