English for Families
What is English for Families?
Florida Humanities invites public libraries to apply for funding to participate in an expansion of its new English for Families pilot program, a multi-week series of interactive classes for parents and children (ages 6-12) that focuses on developing English vocabulary and literacy skills through strategic and fun story reading.
Developed in partnership with the Orange County Library System (OCLS), English for Families is designed specifically to improve the language proficiency of individuals whose native language is not English (ESOL) by providing essential reading strategies needed for school-age children to achieve success in the classroom while also developing adults’ basic language skills.
Libraries selected for participation will receive extensive online training in the program methodology as well as templated marketing and evaluation materials to measure program success.
This program was developed with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Florida public libraries and library systems are eligible to apply. Two grants will be awarded for participation in the 2021 program, in anticipation of a larger statewide expansion in 2022.
Can programs be both in-person and virtual?
Programs can be delivered either in-person or via a virtual platform. For this grant program, selected libraries will be required to host two, 5-week series (2 meetings per week, approximately one hour each) over a 12-month period with no more than 25 families participating in each series. Due to the on-going coronavirus crisis, all programs will be delivered virtually until it is deemed safe to offer in-person programming.
Will host sites receive program training?
Selected libraries will receive on-demand, online training that will include a series of modules explaining the curriculum, program strategies, and methodology. After completing the on-demand modules, there will be a live, online training session designed to prepare selected libraries to launch the program. All training will be facilitated by the Orange County Library System.
Will marketing materials and survey information be provided?
Libraries will receive templated marketing materials to promote the program locally and participant surveys to gauge the effectiveness of the program.
What are considered allowable expenses for English for Families?
Florida Humanities funds may only be used for allowable expenses incurred during the project period. Allowable expenses include:
- Program instructor – Recommended payment is $2000 ($1000 for each 5-week series @ 2 sessions/week).
- Instructor book set – The Orange County Library System will provide a list of approximately 30 books to be used by the program instructor. The book set may be used over multiple programs. Estimated cost is $600.
- Family books – As an incentive for participation, it is recommended that all families who complete the program receive at least one gift book. Libraries are encouraged to use the Oxford Picture Dictionary (approx. $33/each) or another appropriate book of their own choosing. Libraries should estimate the cost for purchasing at least 50 books (one per family; 25 families for each 5-week series).
- Other – Other allowable costs include staff technology support and a digital platform for hosting the program virtually. Libraries may also request funding for additional literacy-focused books for families participating in the program and/or for general library circulation.
Do English for Families funds require a match?
Organizations are also required to provide a cost share at least equal to the funds requested of Florida Humanities. Cost share may include any items noted above that are not fully covered by grant funding.
They may also include:
- Additional library staffing support directly related to implementation of the programming.
- Additional books provided to families participating in the program.
- Marketing and publicity. Please note that templated publicity materials will be provided by the Orange County Library System. Marketing expenses may include print or digital outreach including social media.
Does our facility need to be ADA compliant?
Yes, all partners must adhere to state accessibility guidelines. For more information about accessibility please visit the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs accessibility website here.
“OCLS is excited about expanding our English for Families program to more Florida libraries to help families develop their English literacy skills. Learning English together in a fun and engaging way strengthens family bonds and helps lay a path for individual success at work, at school and in the community.”
— Danielle King, Chief Branch Officer, Orange County Library System
“OCLS is excited about expanding our English for Families program to more Florida libraries to help families develop their English literacy skills. Learning English together in a fun and engaging way strengthens family bonds and helps lay a path for individual success at work, at school and in the community.”
— Danielle King, Chief Branch Officer, Orange County Library System
