At the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia where I worked as a Curriculum Writer and Teacher, the family literacy program had both similarities and differences to the RIFLI program. Most of the family literacy programs were 2 hour classes held twice a week in Elementary schools or Head Start centers. The learners were primarily women from a variety of countries, with a majority from Central America. The classes were multi-level.  Each class was taught by an ESL instructor with the children in a nearby room with a Children's teacher. 

Each night before class, we served a healthy dinner. This required the pick-up and delivery of the food by the staff, but was much appreciated by the families. Since many of the children were in the same classrooms as they were during the school day, there was a strong connection with the school. Head Start staff actively recruited parents for the family literacy program and followed up on concerns or issues. Children's teachers were often Head Start staff who worked with the children on areas in need of strengthening, but in a more informal way than during the day.   Family activities were enthusiastically participated in by the parents and children. We held a fashion show which was the culmination of the adults study of consumer topics with learners dressing in their best outfits (some were donated from a local department store), fellow students narrating and describing the clothes and the children building an elaborate stage and backdrop as well as performing. On a weekly basis, a new children's book was read and studied by the parents. The books were chosen and ordered (for free!) before the start of the semester. Often the theme of the book tied into class activities but not always. The parents practiced reading the book, learned reading strategies to use with their children and then read the book together with their child(ren) at the end of class. Take-home activity packs also accompanied the books (made by either the ESL teacher or children's teacher) and were returned the following week and shared. Parents displaying and discussing their children's work was a highlight of the classes.  Families kept the books they used in class.  

Like our program, the Virginia program is constantly evolving.  Due to funding challenges, the classes can no longer be held in Head Start Centers but stronger connections are now made with the elementary schools.  School principals actively seek out hosting the programs at their schools.  The classes are now organized by language level with a teacher for each.  Dinner is no longer served but a snack is provided.  —Karisa Tashjian