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Family Central, Inc. dba
Family Nurturing Center of South Florida
www.familycentral.org
Mission Statement
For nearly 40 years, Family Central has been the leader in addressing the critical needs of children and families through programs such as child care, family support, parenting, nurturing families and resource libraries.
About Us
For nearly 40 years, Family Central has played a pivotal role in the lives of South Florida families by strengthening the social, emotional and economic ties that family members have to one another, as well as to their community. Founded in 1971, Family Central initially provided affordable and quality child care to at-risk and low-income working families through financial assistance programs. In time, Family Central became Broward County’s and Palm Beach County’s sole administrator of these programs. Family Central currently provides a variety of educational services in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties, and family support services in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.
Additionally, Family Central provides resource and referral services, as well as the administration of VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten). Family Central also serves as an ongoing trainer to more than 800 child care providers, conducts parent education and literacy programs, and administers food and nutrition programs. As a COA accredited agency, Family Central is proud of its national reputation for efficient and effective delivery of services to families in need. Last year alone, Family Central’s vital services touched over 100,000 South Florida children, families and child care providers.
Program & Services
Resource & Referral Services
Resource & Referral continues to serve as the “front door” to the store of Family Central’s services in both Broward and Palm Beach Counties by helping parents and caregivers become educated consumers about child care services.
Financially Assisted Child Care
Working parents who need help paying for child care, those in qualified educational programs, or children who are at-risk of abuse or neglect may be eligible to receive financial assistance. The administration of financially assisted child care remains the most significant service Family Central provides.
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)
Family Central is proud to be the administrator of the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program in both Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The VPK program is a free, educational program for all eligible 4 year olds in the state of Florida and prepares children for successful entry into kindergarten.
Early Care and Education Support
These programs are child care provider based, and are aimed at enhancing emergent literacy and the social/emotional development of young children. Early Care and Education Support services also include developmental screening and assessment.
Family Support Services
Family support services are aimed at strengthening families by offering parent education programs, in-home literacy programs, as well as infant mental health services.
Technical Support & Training
Family Central offers technical support and training to child care providers to help them improve quality and provide support in accreditation activities.
Other Services
Family Central’s Training Academy prepares Early Childhood Teachers in a new and creative way. In a continuing effort to help meet the growing needs for qualified child care staff, Family Central provides classes in the evening, on Saturdays, and at offsite locations as well as an online training program! Family Central is an authorized provider of the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) CEU’s.
The Child Care Food Program ensures that children throughout South Florida receive nutritious meals and snacks through a variety of educational programs and monthly reimbursements to participating centers and homes.
The Resource Libraries in Broward and Palm Beach Counties represent wonderful community resources for parents, children, and educators. The facilities house thousands of items including children’s books, parent and teacher resource guides, and learning materials, all available to the public at no cost.
