Early Learning Programs and Family Resources in Philadelphia and Southeastern PA
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.
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Supporting Families and Young Children Across Southeastern Pennsylvania
First Up partners with parents and caregivers throughout Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania to support children’s learning, development, and well-being from birth through the early elementary years. Families bring valuable knowledge, culture, and experience to their children’s growth, and First Up creates opportunities for caregivers to build on those strengths through workshops, resources, literacy programs, and shared learning experiences.
Our family programs are designed to help caregivers feel informed, supported, and connected as they guide young children through child care, preschool, Pre-K, and the transition to kindergarten.
Early Learning, Literacy and Family Programs
First Up offers family-focused programs that support early literacy, healthy development, positive identity, and meaningful family engagement.
Project Bridge helps families of children from birth through age five strengthen early literacy through interactive workshops grounded in the science of reading. Families receive practical strategies, home learning materials, and a library of 30 books to help connect learning at home with what children are experiencing in early childhood programs.
Roots creates a supportive community for families of young Black children, with a focus on positive racial identity development and culturally responsive learning. Families participate in workshops that encourage connection, reflection, and strategies for supporting children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
First Up also offers Anti-Bias Education Family Pop Up Workshops and Parents Growing Together, giving caregivers additional opportunities to build community, explore new perspectives, strengthen resilience, and support the healthy development of young children.
Resources for Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten Readiness
Families can also access early childhood resources that support learning beyond individual programs and workshops. First Up’s Resource Corner includes family resources on anti-bias education, navigating early learning, and preparing children for kindergarten. Resources are available to help caregivers better understand the early education landscape and support children as they move from child care and preschool into Pre-K and kindergarten.
These resources are part of First Up’s broader commitment to helping families take an active role in their children’s education while strengthening connections between home, early learning programs, and the wider community.
By supporting families alongside educators and child care providers, First Up helps create stronger early learning experiences for children throughout Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Early Learning Programs
What Family Programs Does First Up Offer?
First Up offers early learning programs, workshops, and resources designed to help parents and caregivers support their children’s development. Family offerings include early literacy, positive racial identity, anti-bias education, parent leadership, and opportunities for families to learn and connect with one another.
Does First Up Offer Early Literacy Support for Families?
Yes. Project Bridge supports early literacy for families with young children from birth through age five. Families participate in interactive workshops grounded in the science of reading and receive books and learning materials they can use at home.
Are First Up’s Family Programs Only for Parents?
No. First Up works with parents, caregivers, and other adults who play an important role in a young child’s development. Programs are designed to recognize families as experts in their children and give caregivers practical resources they can use to support learning and healthy development.
Does First Up Offer Programs That Support Positive Racial Identity and Anti-Bias Learning?
Yes. First Up offers family programs such as Roots and Anti-Bias Education Family Pop Up Workshops that create opportunities for families to explore identity, culture, race, and inclusion in developmentally appropriate ways.
Families can also explore First Up’s early childhood resources for additional anti-bias materials and tools.
Does First Up Have Resources to Help Children Prepare for Kindergarten?
Yes. First Up provides resources that help families support children as they move through preschool and Pre-K and prepare for kindergarten. Families can find additional learning tools, including kindergarten-readiness resources, in First Up’s Resource Corner.
Where Are First Up’s Family Programs Available?
First Up is based in Philadelphia and serves families and early childhood communities throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Availability may vary by individual program, workshop, or event.